Like my friend Paul Null, Next Gen Ministries Executive Director, I am finding myself surrounded by  a pile of books that I am in varying degrees of completing. Occasionally I will pick up a book that grabs me and puts all other books back on the pile to be picked up another day.  In recent months there are two books that were quickly devoured and have an ongoing presence in my thought and prayer life.

The first that was read some months ago, but continues have residual impact nearly daily, is TrueFaced: Trust God and Others With Who You Really Are  by Bill Thrall, John Lynch, and Bruce McNicol, published by NAV Press.  We have used this book in a weekly accountability group and it generated some of the best discussion I have ever experienced.

The TrueFaced  materials will confront you with the power of embracing a God of grace and, most importantly, the power of that knowledge lived in community.  The chapter, The Sweetest Gift of Grace: Repentance, has opened the floodgates of the reservoir of God’s grace into my life. This book will help you discover the difference between striving to please God and trusting God for who you are in Christ.

There is a group study guide and a DVD that can be used with the book.  The DVD contains a message by John Lynch that is worth the price of the video alone.

A second book that would be worthy of your time is Church Next by Aubrey and Michael Malphurs, published by Kregel. This book addresses the need to examine missional church ministry in light of the impact of technology, generally, and the internet, specifically. If the internet is a “Pandora’s Box” then the lid has been lifted and its affects are a reality that must be dealt with and even leveraged for the good of the Kingdom.

As we endeavor to assist churches in understanding their Values, Mission, and Vision we must help them understand the culture, and its values, into which God has placed us. In recent history, the church has been slow, perhaps it would be better to say obstinate,  to embrace the reality of the changing world.  One of the greatest influences upon our current cultural dynamics is technology and the resulting explosion of information.  Church Next will give you a glimpse into this relevant dynamic.

-Stan Rieb

(These books are available from the RMCBA offices at discounted prices. Quantities are limited. Follow this link to the pricing page.)