Of all the books I receive, there is a certain category I find myself filing away and holding on to. Sometimes I read them right away but more often than not I save them for when I’ll need them. These are the books targeted at pastors and dealing with niche areas of the ministry. I want to make you aware of 3 such books, all of which are new releases. The second and third fit squarely in the category, while the first is one that I’d like to read more immediately.
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If You Bite & Devour One Another: Biblical Principles for Handling Conflict by Alexander Strauch. Strauch is the go-to author when it comes to books related to church leadership. Here is what the publisher says about his newest book: “Conflict in churches is a pervasive problem we know all too well. If You Bite & Devour One Another is the only book of its kind, examining all the biblical passages on conflict and outlining key scriptural principles for handling various kinds of conflicts among Christian–whether personal disputes, issues of Christian liberty in lifestyles, congregational matters, or disagreements about important doctrines. The book emphasizes Spirit-controlled attitudes and behaviors through solid Bible exposition and true-to-life stories of Christians handling real-life conflicts in a Christ-honoring way.”
Elder Governance: Insights into Making the Transition by Daniel Evans & Joseph Godwin. This book speaks about making the sometimes-difficult transition from a board-run church to a church governed by elders. Here is the publisher’s description: “When the leadership of Patterson Park Church looked for a book explaining the process of transitioning from a board-run church to an elder led form of church government, a structure they had come to believe was more in line with Scripture, they found none. God honored their efforts and two of their elders decided a book still needed to be written. Elder Governance: Insights into Making the Transition examines church government from a biblical and historical context and tells the story of Patterson Park’s transition. The authors are hopeful that God will use their experience to help others considering such a transition.” It comes endorsed by R. Kent Hughes, James Grier and Alexander Strauch.
Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals: Applying the Gospel at the Unique Challenges of Death by Brian Croft & Phil Newton. I guess the title pretty much says it all in this case. I love that DayOne is willing to continue to publish niche books like this–books that can be extremely useful when put in the right hands. Here’s what the publisher says: “Our calling as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to make Christ central in all we do. Yet, in many funeral occasions, the gospel of Jesus Christ is lamentably overlooked as the primary purpose of the funeral service and that upon which all true hope depends. The aim of this book is not just to inform you of all the different kinds of important logistics, challenges, and practicalities that often accompany any funeral, but so that you will know how to apply the power of the gospel in the midst of those unique challenges.”