New Hope Community Church
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Real People, Real Hope

What We're Reading


One of the ways our souls are fed and our minds are enlightened is through reading the experiences and insights of others who are on the journey of faith with us. We have often wanted to be able to share what we are reading with our church family and friends, and we are excited to finally be able to do that here. We encourage you to read these books and join in the discussion. If you have a good book you think we should read, let us know. (Please understand that we do not necessarily share all the thoughts, ideas and beliefs expressed in these books. We do believe they offer good insight and most anyone could benefit by reading them.)

Christianbook.com is the official online bookstore for New Hope Community Church. Featured books may be purchased by clicking the book title or the "Buy It" link below each book description. Other books and Christian-related items may be purchased here, or use the book search box to the left. New Hope Community Church receives a 10-12% commission on all purchases made through this site.

Featured Books

It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It, Hardcover
By Craig Groeschel / Zondervan

Some churches have "it" and some don't. Congregations that do have this powerful, life-changing force thrive and grow---sometimes even in the most difficult circumstances. But what is "it" exactly? Blending in-your-face honesty with off-the-wall humor, Groeschel seeks to define the elusive "success gene" that provides spiritual balance for leaders and helps ministries flourish. 160 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

 

  

unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity
By David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons / Baker

In his Epistle, the Apostle Peter instructed us to give others good reason for the hope we have in Christ, but to do so with "gentleness and respect." Unfortunately, in the eyes of many non-Christians today, the church has done just the opposite. In Unchristian, David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, has complied startling research among the unchurched and learned that Christians are too often known for the issues they stand against, rather than the hope which they stand for. According to the research, believers are seen as too judgmental, too political, and often hypocritical. If you are a Pastor, lay person or youth leader you will not want to go without the details of this critical study. Uncover for yourself the latest research on the unchurched in Kinnaman's must-read book.

 

Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian
By Gary A. Haugen / IVP Books

Prepare to step off the well-trodden path of your spiritual journey, and take the road less traveled---it's far more rewarding! International Justice Mission president Gary Haugen witnesses to the organization's work to protect victims of slavery, sexual exploitation, and other violent abuse---and challenges you to fight oppression and serve all God's people. 144 pages, hardcover from InterVarsity.

 

 
Other Books We Recommend:

An Unstoppable Force: Daring to Become the Church God Had in Mind
By Erwin Raphael McManus / Group Publishing

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
By Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart / Zondervan

The Jesus I Never Knew
By Philip Yancey / Zondervan Corp.

The Purpose-Driven Church
By Rick Warren / Zondervan Corp.

Cure for the Common Life: Living in Your Sweet Spot

By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

By John Ortberg / Zondervan Corp.

Mere Christianity
By C.S. Lewis / Zondervan Corp.

Paul, A Novel
By Walter Wangerin, Jr. / Zondervan Corp.

Jesus: A Novel
By Walter Wangerin, Jr. / Zondervan Corp.

The Bible Jesus Read
By Philip Yancey / Zondervan Corp.

Confessions of a Pastor: Adventures in Dropping the Pose and Getting Real with God
By Craig Groeschel / Multnomah Publishers Inc.

Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
By Donald Miller / Thomas Nelson

The Barbarian Way
By Erwin Raphael McManus / Thomas Nelson

Just Walk Across the Room: Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith
By Bill Hybels / Zondervan Corp.

Before the Thunder Rolls: Devotions for NASCAR Fans
By Dale Beaver / Judson Press -- Forewords by Jimmie Johnson and Ryan Newman!

In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day
By Mark Batterson / Multnomah

No Perfect People Allowed: Creating a Come-as-You-Are Culture in the Church (Book and DVD)
By John Burke / Zondervan

 
Bibles:

At our worship Gatherings we primarily use the New Living Translation of the Bible. While there are many good, accurate translations of the Bible, we like the NLT because it combines easy to understand, modern language with accuracy to the original Greek and Hebrew biblical texts. Below are links to various additions of the NLT Bible. 

NLT Life Application Study Bible - Updated Edition Hardcover
 
 

NLT Slimline Reference Bible - Burgundy

NLT Gift and Award Bible: Imitation Leather - Navy