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Core Books
Hermeneutics & Preaching
Church History
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Empowering Leadership
Functional Structure
Holistic Small Groups
Inspiring Worship
Gift-Oriented Ministry
Need-Oriented Evangelism
Passionate Spirituality
Loving Relationships

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Youth
Pastoral Care and Counseling
Educational Ministries
Personal and Spiritual Development
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Recommended Reading List for Lay Ministers

Church of the United Brethren in Christ

September 2003

This is a recommended reading list for lay ministers in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, developed by the United States National Conference. This list is not meant to be exclusive. It provides resources that are deemed especially beneficial to you in your preparation for ministry. With the consent of your pastor and/or cluster leader, you may select other books to read, provided they fit within the framework outlined below.

There are two sections to this book list: core and cognate. You will read 11 books in the core section, one from each of the 11 sections below. The remaining five books should be in your area of specialty. Those wanting to work with youth, for example, should choose five youth ministry books. Those specializing in pastoral care will choose books in that field. Again, recommendations are provided, but the final decision about which books to read should be the result of dialogue with your pastor and/or cluster leader.

Questions about this list or suggestions for additional books should be directed to the Pastoral Ministry Leadership Team (Thomas M. Brodbeck, chairman).

Core Books

Select and read one book from each of the following sections (for a total of 11 books):

Hermeneutics & Preaching

  • Fee, Gordon D. and Douglas Stuart (1993). How to read the Bible for all it's worth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. ISBN: 0-310-38491-5.
  • Larsen, David L. (2001). Telling the old, old story: The art of narrative preaching. Grand Rapids:Kregel Publications. ISBN: 0-825-43096-8.
  • Robinson, Haddon W. (1980). Biblical preaching: The development and delivery of expository messages. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-8010-7700-1.
  • Stott, John R. W. (1982). Between two worlds: The art of preaching the twentieth century. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans. ISBN: 0-8028-3542-2.
  • Warren, Rick. Audio tape series

Church History

  • Fetters, Paul R., ed. (1984). Trials and triumphs: History of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Huntington, IN: Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
  • Lairns, Earle E. (1996). Christianity through the ages. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House.
  • Shelley, Bruce L. (1995). Church history in plain language. Dallas: Word Books. ISBN: 0-8499-3861-9.
  • Vos, Howard F. (1996). Exploring church history. Nashville:Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-785-21144-6.

Theology

  • Bilzekhian, Gilbert. (1993). Christianity 101. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-57701-2.
  • Erickson, Millard J. and L. Arnold Hustad. (2001). Introducing Christian doctrine. Grand Rapids:Baker Books. ISBN: 0-801-02250-9.
  • Fetters, Paul R., ed. (1992). Theological perspectives. Huntington, IN: Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
  • Grenz, Stanley J. and Roger L. Olson. (1996) Who needs theology: An invitation to the study of God. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-830-81878-2.
  • Hordern, William E. (2002). A layman's guide to protestant theology. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock Publishers. ISBN: 1-579-10925-X.
  • Strobel, Lee. (1998). The case for Christ: A journalist's personal investigation of the evidence for Jesus. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-20930-7.

Empowering Leadership

  • Barna, George R. (1996). Turning vision into action. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. ISBN: 0-830-71852-4.
  • Clinton, J. Robert (1988). The making of a leader. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 0-891-09192-0.
  • Hybels, Bill. (2002). Courageous leadership. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-24823-X.
  • Logan, Robert E. and Cole, Neil. (1995). Raising leaders for the harvest. Carol Stream, IL: ChurchSmart Resources. #RLH
  • Malphurs, Aubrey (1996). Values driven leadership. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-801-09015-6.
  • Maxwell, John (1991). The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: Follow them and people will follow you. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-7852-7431-6.
  • Maxwell, John (1995). Developing the leaders around you. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-840-76747-1.
  • Miller, Calvin (1995). The empowered leader: 10 keys to servant leadership. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers. ISBN: 0-805-41145-3.
  • Rinehart, Stacy T. (1998). Upside down: The paradox of servant leadership. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 1-57683-079-9.
  • Thrall, Bill, Bruce McNicol, and Ken McElrath (1999). The ascent of a leader: How ordinary relationships develop extraordinary character and influence. San Francisco: Jossey Bass. ISBN: 0-7879-4766-0.
  • Warren, Rick (1995). The purpose-driven church: Growth without compromising your message or mission. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-20106-3.

Functional Structures

  • Barna, George (1999). The habits of highly effective churches: Being strategic in your God-given ministry. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. ISBN: 0-8307-1855-9.
  • Drucker, Peter F. (1990). Managing the non-profit organization. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 0-887-30601-2.
  • George, Carl (1994). The coming church revolution. Grand Rapids: Revell. ISBN: 0-800-75528-6.
  • Logan, Robert E. and Short, Larry (1994). Mobilizing for compassion. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. ISBN: 0-800-75506-5.
  • Morris, Linus J. (1993). The high impact church. Houston, TX: Touch Publications. ISBN: 1-880-82878-2.
  • Peterson, Jim (1992). Church without walls. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 0-891-09633-9.
  • Pope, Randy (2002). The prevailing church. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0-802-42741-3.
  • Nelson, Alan and Gene Appel (2000). How to change your church (without killing it). Nashville: W Publishing. ISBN: 0-8499-1660-7.
  • Schaller, Lyle (1984). Looking in the mirror: Self-appraisal in the local church. Nashville: Abingdon Press. ISBN: 0-687-22635-X.
  • Senge, Peter M. (1990). The fifth discipline: The art and practice of the learning organization. New York: Currency Doubleday. ISBN: 0-385-26094-6.
  • Snyder, Howard A. (1996). Radical renewal: The problem of wineskins today. Houston, TX: Touch Publications. ISBN: 1-880-82897-9.
  • Southerland, Dan (2000). Transitioning: Leading your church through change. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 1-310-23344-5.
  • Spader, Dann (1991). Growing a healthy church. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0-8024-3230-1.
  • Warren, Rick (1995). Purpose-driven church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-20106-3.

Holistic Small Groups

  • Beckham, William A. (1995). The second reformation: Reshaping the church for the 21st century. Houston, TX: Touch Publications. ISBN: 1-880-82890-1.
  • Cole, Neil (1999). Cultivating a life for God: Multiplying disciples through life transformation groups. Carol Stream, IL: Church Smart Resources. ISBN: 1-889638-06-4.
  • Donahue, Bill (2002). Leading life changing small groups. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-24750-0.
  • Donahue, Bill and Russ Robinson. Building a church of small groups: A place where nobody stands alone. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-24035-8.
  • Finnel, David (1995). Life in His body: A simple guide to active cell life. Houston, TX: Touch Publications. ISBN: 1-880-82887-1.
  • Galloway, Dale (1986). Twenty/twenty vision: How to create a successful church with lay pastors and cell groups. Portland, OR: Scott Publishing. ISBN: 1-88560-500-5.
  • Galloway, Dale (1995). The small group book. Grand Rapids: Revell. ISBN: 0-811-75570-7.
  • George, Carl (1994). The coming church revolution. Grand Rapids: Revell. ISBN: 0-800-75528-6.
  • George, Carl (1997). Nine keys to effective small group leadership. Mansfield, PA: Kingdom Publishing. ISBN: 1-883-90613-X.
  • Griffin, Em (1987) Getting together: A guide for good groups. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-8778-4390-2.
  • Komiskey, Joel (1998). Cell group explosion. Houston, TX: Touch Publications. ISBN: 1-880-82806-5.
  • McBride, Neil F. (1994). How to build a small group ministry. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 0-8910-9769-4.

Inspiring Worship

  • Dawn, Marva (1995). Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for the Turn-of-the-Century Culture. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN: 0-8028-4102-3.
  • Hayford, Jack (1987). Worship His majesty. Dallas: Word Books. ISBN: 0-849-93566-0.
  • Liesch, Barry (1996). The new worship. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-801-09001-6.
  • Morgenthaler, Sally (1995). Worship evangelism: Inviting unbelievers into the presence of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. ISBN: 0-310-48561-4.
  • Webber, Robert (1994). Blended worship: Achieving substance and relevance in worship. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. ISBN: 1-56563-245-1.
  • Webber, Robert (1992). Worship is a verb: Eight principles for transforming worship. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. ISBN: 1-56563-242-7.
  • Webber, Robert (1994). Worship Old and New. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-47990-8.
  • Wiersbe, Warren (1990). Real worship. Nashville: Oliver Nelson Books. ISBN: 0-840-79585-8.

Gift-Oriented Ministry

  • Bugbee, Bruce L. (1995). What you do best in the Body of Christ: Discover your spiritual gifts, personal style and God-given passion. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-49431-7.
  • Bugbee, Bruce L., Cousins, Don and Hybels, Bill (1994). Network. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-41228-5.
  • Fortune, Don and Fortune, Katie (1996). Discover your God-given gifts. Grand Rapids: Chosen Books. ISBN: 0-800-79108-8.
  • Wagner, C. Peter (1994). Your spiritual gifts can help your church grow. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. ISBN: 0-830-71681-5.

Need-Oriented Evangelism

  • Aldrich, Joe (1999). Lifestyle evangelism. Sisters, OR: Multnomah Press. ISBN: 1-5767-3651-2.
  • Barna, George (1995). Evangelism that works: How to reach changing generations with the unchanging gospel. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. ISBN: 0-8307-1776-5.
  • Celek, Tim and Zander, Deiter (1996). Inside the soul of a new generation. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-20594-8.
  • Coleman, Robert (1994). The master plan of evangelism. 2nd ed. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell. ISBN: 0-8007-8624-6.
  • Ford, Kevin Graham (n.d.). Jesus for a new generation. DownerÕs Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-830-81615-1.
  • Hunter, George G. (1996). Church for the unchurched. Nashville Abingdon Press. ISBN: 0-687-27732-9.
  • Hunter, George G. (1992). How to reach secular people. Nashville: Abingdon Press. ISBN: 0-687-17930-0.
  • Hybels, Bill and Mark Mittelberg (1994). Becoming a contagious Christian. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. ISBN: 0-31021008-9.
  • Kendrick, Graham and Hawthorne, Steve (1993). Prayerwalking. Lake Mary, FL: Creation House. ISBN: 0-884-19268-7.
  • Kramp, John (1995). Out of their faces and into their shoes: How to understand spiritually lost people and give them directions to God. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers. ISBN: 0-805-46183-3.
  • Pippert, Rebecca Manley (1979). Out of the salt shaker and into the world. DownerÕs Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-87784-735-5.
  • Sjogren, Steve (1993). Conspiracy of Kindness. Ann Arbor, MI: Vine Books. ISBN: 0-892-83832-9.

Passionate Spirituality

  • Blackaby, Henry T. and King, Claude V. (1994). Experiencing God: How to live the full adventure of knowing and doing the will of God. Nashville: Broadman and Holman Publishers. ISBN: 0-805-46139-6.
  • Cymbala, Jim (1997). Fresh wind, fresh fire: What happens when God's Spirit invades the hearts of His people. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-21188-3.
  • Cymbala, Jim (1999). Fresh faith: What happens when real faith ignites GodÕs people. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-23007-1.
  • Cymbala, Jim (2001). Fresh power: Experiencing the vast resources of the Spirit of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-23008-X.
  • Foster, Richard (1988). Celebration of discipline: The path to spiritual growth. San Francisco: Harper and Row. ISBN: 0-06-062839-1.
  • Foster, Richard (1982). Prayer. San Francisco: Harper Collins. ISBN: 0-606-02846-4.
  • Hettinga, Jan (1996). Follow Me. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 0-891-09982-4.
  • Martin, Glen and Ginter, Dian. Drawing closer. Nashville: Broadman and Holmes Publishers. ISBN: 0-805-46182-5.
  • Thomas, Gary (1996). Sacred pathways: Discover your soulÕs path to God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-24284-3.
  • Whitney, Donald S. (1991). Spiritual disciplines for the Christian life. Colorado Springs: NavPress. ISBN: 0-89101-658-2.
  • Willard, Dallas (1988). The spirit of the disciplines. San Francisco: Harper and Row. ISBN: 0-060-69442-4.

Loving Relationships

  • Gorman, Julie (1993). Community that is Christian. DownerÕs Grove, IL: Victor Books. ISBN: 0-896-93260-5.
  • Mains, Karen (1976). Open heart, open home. Elgin, IL: David C. Cook Publishing. ISBN: 0-89191-111-1.
  • Hansen, David and David L. Goetz (1998). The power of loving your church. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. ISBN: 1-5566-1968-5.
  • Slater, Michael and Eric Nachtrieb (1985). Stretcher-bearers. Ventura, CA: Gospel Light Publications. ISBN: 0-830-71056-6.
  • Smalley, Gary and Trent, John (1986). The blessing. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-840-73066-7.
  • Washington, Raleigh and Kehrein, Glen (1993). Breaking down the walls: A model for reconciliation in an age of strife. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0-802-42643-3.
  • White, John and Blue, Ken (n.d.). Healing the wounded. DownerÕs Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-811-54533-6.

Cognate Books

Select and read five books related to your area of specialty. (Recommendations are provided for several possible areas of specialty.) Indicate your selections here:

Youth

  • Dean, Kenda Creasy, Chapman Clark and Dave Rahn, eds. (2001). Starting right: Thinking theologically about youth ministry. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties Academic. ISBN: 0-310-23406-9.
  • Dean, Kenda Creasy and Ron Foster (1998). The Godbearing life: The art of soul tending for youth ministry. Nashville: Upper Room Books. ISBN: 0-8358-0858-0.
  • Dunn, Richard (2001). Shaping the spiritual life of students: A guide for youth workerÕs, pastors, teachers, and campus ministers. DownerÕs Grove: InterVarsity Press. ISBN: 0-8308-2284-4.
  • Dunn, Richard and Mark Senter (1998). Reaching a generation for Christ: A comprehensive guide to youth ministry. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0-8024-9348-3.
  • Fields, Doug (1999). Purpose-driven youth ministry: Nine essential foundations for transforming the lives of young people. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties. ISBN: 0-310-21253-7.
  • Rahn, Dave and Terry Linhart (2000). Contagious faith: Empowering student leadership in youth evangelism. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing. ISBN: 0-7644-2194-8.
  • Senter, Mark, Wesley Black, Chapman Clark and Malan Nel (2001). Four views of youth ministry and the church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties Academic. ISBN: 0-310-23405-0.
  • Strommen, Merton and Richard A. Hardel (2000). Passing on the faith: A radical new model for youth and family ministry. Winona, MN: St. Mary's Press. ISBN: 0-88489-606-4.
  • Strommen Merton, Karen Jones and Dave Rahn (2001). Youth ministry that transforms: A comprehensive analysis of the hopes, frustrations and effectiveness of today's youth workers. Grand Rapids: Zondervan/Youth Specialties Academic. ISBN: 0-310-23820-X.
  • Ward, Pete (1999). God at the mall. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishing. ISBN: 1-56563-411-X.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

  • Anderson, Robert C. (1985). The effective pastor: A practical guide to the ministry. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0802463614.
  • Clinebell, Howard (1984). Basic types of pastoral care and counseling: Resources for the ministry of healing and growth. Nashville: Abingdon Press. ISBN: 0-687-02492-7.
  • Collins, Gary (1991). Christian counseling: A comprehensive guide. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. ISBN: 084993124X.
  • Hansen, David and David L. Goetz (1998). The power of loving your church. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. ISBN: 1-5566-1968-5.
  • Larson, Bruce, Paul Anderson and Doug Self (1990). Mastering pastoral care. Portland, OR: Multnomah Press. ISBN: 0-880-70371-7.
  • McMinn, Mark M. and Mark R. McMinn (1996). Psychology, theology and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers. ISBN: 0-842-35252-X.
  • Taylor, Charles W. (1991). The skilled pastor: Counseling as the practice of theology. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Publishers. ISBN: 0800625099.
  • Wagner, E. Glenn and Steve Halliday (1998). Escape from church, inc: The return of the pastor-shepherd. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-24317-5.

Educational Ministries

  • Anthony, Michael (2001). Introducing Christian education: Foundations for the 21st century. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-8010-2275-4.
  • Downs, Perry (1994). Teaching for spiritual growth. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-59370-0.
  • Habermas, Ronald (2002). Teaching for reconciliation. Revised edition. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock. ISBN: 1-579-10820-2.
  • Lebar, Lois (1989). Education that is Christian. Colorado Springs: Scripture Press. ISBN: 1-56476-749-3.
  • Pazmio, Robert (1992). Principles and practices of Christian education: An evangelical perspective. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 1-579-10950-0.
  • Richards, Larry and Gary Bredfeldt (1998). Creative Bible teaching. Revised and expanded edition. Chicago: Moody Press. ISBN: 0-802-42644-6.
  • Schultz, Thom and Joani Schultz (1999). The dirt on learning. Loveland, CO: Group Publishing. ISBN: 0-764-42088-7
  • Wilhoit, James and John Dettoni (1995). Nurture that is Christian: Developmental perspectives on Christian education. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-801-02132-4.
  • Yount, William (1999). Called to teach: An introduction to the ministry of teaching. Nashville: Broadman and Holman. ISBN: 0-805-41199-2.

Personal and Spiritual Development

  • Hansen, David and David L. Goetz (1998). The power of loving your church. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. ISBN: 1-5566-1968-5.
  • Hybels, Bill and Lavonne Neff (1998). Too busy not to pray: Slowing down to be with God. Wheaton: Inter-Varsity Press. ISBN: 0830819711.
  • MacDonald, Gordon (1997). The life God blesses: Weathering the storms of life that threaten the soul. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-7852-7160-0.
  • Maxwell, John (1993). Developing the leader within you. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers. ISBN: 0-8407-6744-7.
  • Stanley, Andy (2001). Visioneering: A blueprint for developing and maintaining personal vision. Portland, OR: Multnomah Press. ISBN: 157673787X.
  • Warren, Rick (2002). The purpose-driven life: What on earth am I here for? Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing. ISBN: 0-310-20571-5.

Worship

  • Callahan, Kennon L. (1994). Dynamic worship: Mission, grace, praise and power: A manual for strengthening the worship life of twelve key congregations. San Francisco: Harper and Row. ISBN: 0-06-061281-9.
  • Dawn, Marva (1995). Reaching out without dumbing down: A theology of worship for the turn-of-the-century culture. Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN: 0-8028-4102-3.
  • Hayford, Jack (1987). Worship His majesty. Dallas: Word Books. ISBN: 0-849-93566-0.
  • Kraeuter, Tom (1993). Developing an effective worship ministry. Hillsboro, MO: Training Resources. ISBN: 1-883002-05-2.
  • Liesch, Barry (1996). The new worship: Straight talk on music and the church. Grand Rapids: Baker Books. ISBN: 0-8010-9001-6.
  • Morgenthaler, Sally (1995). Worship evangelism: Inviting unbelievers into the presence of God. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. ISBN: 0-310-48561-4.
  • Ortlund, Anne (1975). Up with worship: How to quit playing church. Ventura, CA: Regal Books. ISBN: 0-8307-0867-7.
  • Tozer, A. W. (1985). Whatever happened to worship? Camp Hill, PA: Christian Publications. ISBN: 0-87509-367-1.
  • Webber, Robert (1994). Blended worship: Achieving substance and relevance in worship. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. ISBN: 1-56563-245-1.
  • Webber, Robert (1992). Worship is a verb: Eight principles for transforming worship. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers. ISBN: 1-56563-242-7.
  • Webber, Robert (1994). Worship old and new. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House. ISBN: 0-310-47990-8.
  • Wiersbe, Warren (1990). Real worship. Nashville: Oliver Nelson Books. ISBN: 0-840-79585-8.