We'll try to keep an updated list of books and other resources on this page. Some titles are also links to web sites. If you have recommendations, please let me know. I'm always looking for a good read, whether it's about house churches or not!
The Shack ( a novel )
William P. Young. Windblown Media, 2007.
Check out the web site (click on the title) for this book and read the endorsement from Eugene Peterson. This is mine:
The Shack is an invitation to the hurting, the lost, the seeking, the weary, or the joyful child of God to come and rest within a circle of friends unlike any other —the circle of friends that is our loving “Papa” God. You will finish this book knowing that no matter where you are and how you got there, your heavenly Father is especially fond of you.
The Shaping of Things to Come
Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch. Hendrickson, 2003.
Australian writers Frost and Hirsch take a look at the Western church from the perspective of a society that they suggest is 10 or 15 years ahead of the American church. "We have seen your future" say the writers, and then go on to make obervations about the church in a "post-Christendom era." Their contention is that the church needs to recalirate itself from the roots up.
Houses that Change the World
Wolfgang Simson. OM Publishing, 1998.
Considered by many to be the most thorough description of home-based churches and their potential for taking the gospel to the world.
Traveling Mercies
Anne Lamott, Anchor Books, 1999
Not for the faint of heart, Lamott's writing is animated, irreverent, tender and transparent. She offers insight to the spiritual journey from brokenness to living with brokennes in the compassion of God. Some of this will make you cringe, some of it will make you laugh, and some of it will make you cry.
The Normal Christian CHURCH Life
Watchman Nee, Living Stream Ministry, 1980
A challenging book for folks who are looking for a description of church from a highly regarded author, which differs significantly from the vision of Church that most of us grew up with. It resonates with the house church model and challenges HC practitioners to see things even more differently.
So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore
Jake Colsen (aka Wayne Jacobsen). Lifestream Press, 2006
A good book for those transitioning out of the traditional model. One thing I like about Wayne's work is that he disabuses us of the idea that true church life is a direct result of the form we use, whether traditional church or house church. It's not the form, it's the relationship, first with Father, and then with others.
Finding Common Ground
Tim Downs. Moody Press, 1999.
A case for planting and not just focusing on "the harvest." Downs helps us get beyond traditional understandings of what it means to "witness."
Fearless Faith
John Fischer. Harvest House, 2002.
Why stay cooped up in our comfy Christian sub-culture--some would say, "ghetto"? Fischer reminds us that Jesus prayed that Father wouldn't take us out of the world but that He would leave us there under His protection so we can engage the world with His love.
Questioning Evangelism
Randy Newman. Kregal, 2004.
Careful of this one. Don't make Newman's thesis into the next great "witnessing method." Instead, let Newman encourage you to avoid making statements and embrace the adventure of actually getting to know people--love them. Ask questions because you want to know the people that God loves; that's the thesis here. This should not be another iteration of the "Amway evangelism" approach (ie, sign 'em up! But if they won't get on board, drop 'em and move on.) it's a refinement of the lifestyle evangelism idea. |
