The Relational Pastor, Andrew Root (IVP)
We pastors know that we are not to view people as mere resources, that “getting church done” and “building the church” can be true perversions of our calling. How often, however, does someone call these dehumanizing postures what they are, and how often does someone provide us with clear-headed wisdom on how to truly be with people, to love and to live well with others? If you are a pastor wearied by the temptations to produce and hungry for simple connection with others (simple pastoring), you will find a friend here.
Without Apology, Stanley Hauerwas (Seabury Books)
Hauerwas, a fireball theologian and a fireball preacher, offers another selection of his sermons. This is quintessential Hauerwas, as he challenges the church to boldly be the church, to stop cowering in a quiet corner and to proclaim and live gospel reality. You couldn’t possibly always agree with Hauerwas, but we need such voices in our day.
My Soul Feels Lean, Joyce Rupp (Ave Maria Press)
Rupp, a contemporary poet, offers an accessible, beautiful collection of poetry wrestling with the places of loss and leanness in our life. Reading Rupp will allow for space to open up in you, to listen, ponder and receive grace.
Winn Collier (winncollier.com) is author of three books, a columnist and pastor of All Souls in Charlottesville, Va.