We recognise that this summer feels very different to previous summers, the past few months have been a huge learning curve and time of adaptation and that people are tired – mentally and emotionally. I am reminded of the verse ‘Be still and now that I am God’ (Psalm 46: 10). We need to be still – sometimes we think this means to switch off but we are invited and urged to be still to know.
We need rest – deep and restorative rest but also rest that reminds us of who our Father is and an imagination for His kingdom and church. We felt it important for leaders to balance this time between ‘rest and imagination’ and so we have, in an attempt to support you in these next two months curated a selection of resources, articles, book suggestions, videos to help you to rest and imagine.
If you have suggestions please get in touch and we will try tell others.
Leading in a Crisis by Sam Moore
Love in the Time of Coronavirus, by Andy Crouch
Coronavirus Christianity by N.T. Wright
It’s a great article on lament.
The Year Without a Summer by Andy Crouch
On how Christians gathering in small numbers created an alternative culture in the midst of Rome’s worst-case scenario.
A Body of Work By Curt Thompson
Why Zoom meetings are so exhausting, and some good advice on how to cope
Dream Small by Brian Sanders
Invitation to Retreat by Ruth Haley Barton
The Shaping of things to Come by Alan Hirsch and Micael Frost – a great book for reimagining church and mission.
Forgotten Ways: Reactivating Apostolic Movements by Alan Hirsch – another eye opening look at reframing church
Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People by Michael Frost – a very simple practical book to live differently as Jesus followers in our communities.
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming – Henri Nouwen – a personally life changing insightful book
Strong and Weak: Embracing a Life of Love, Risk and True Flourishing by Andy Crouch – a helpful book when thinking about how we might lead by empowering.
A Praying Life by Paul Miller
Culture Care: Reconnecting With Beauty For Our Common Life by Makoto Fujimura
Letters and Papers from prison by Dietrich Bonheoffer – Challenging ideas written in his last days as he struggles with fascism, loneliness and the role of Christianity. Might be a bit controversial in places!
The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight – This is all about how we read the Bible and the impact it can have on our lives.
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett, Brian Fikkert – how do we help without causing harm?
Creativity by Matthew Fox – a little long winded but exploring creativity and the divine.
The Artisan Soul by Erwin McManus – easy read on creativity.
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath – old book now and not a ‘church’ one.
Ana Mullan presents a short guide/suggested ways to help create space and discipline to hear from God during this season.
