Core Books and Resources
These books and resources reflect a "recommended list" from Christ Community pastors and ministry leaders on a variety of topics. Our goal is also to have them available for purchase at The Vine's Bookstore in the north lobby, and are available for check-out in the Christ Community Library in the mezzanine of the lobby/cafe. Our desire is that these will help cultivate your relationship with Christ, expand your kingdom impact and strengthen your grasp of God's Word, the Bible.
Click on the link/title to purchase the book or resource.
Apologetics
Evidence Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
Historical Jesus by Gary Habermas
The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel
The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel
Basics for New Believers
Christianity 101 by Gilbert Bilezekian
What the Bible is All About by Henrietta Mears
Christian Beliefs by Wayne Grudem (very basic)
The Compact Guide to the Christian Faith by John Schwarz
Courage and Calling by Gordon T. Smith
Bible Timeline Pamphlet
Christian History Timeline Pamphlet
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
Basic Bible Reference
Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook
The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times
Bible Doctrine by Wayne Grudem
(for those with a little Bible background)
Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old/New Testament Words
The Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
Cults / Comparative Religions / Postmodernism
What the Cults Believe by
Christianity, Cults and Religions Pamphlet
Men
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn
Tender Warrior by Stu Weber
Women
Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
by John and Stasi Eldredge
Singles
Holy Me: The Single Adults Guide to the Spiritual Journey
by Harold Ivan Smith
Successful Single Parenting by Gary Richmond
Groups and Group Leadership
The Small Group Leaders' Handbook by InterVarsity Press
Small Group Leadership as Spiritual Direction by Heather Webb
How to Lead Small Groups by Neal McBride
The Seven Deadly Sins of Small Group Ministry
by Bill Donohue and Russ Robinson
How to Ask Great Questions by Karen Lee-Tharp
The Serendipity Bible for Personal and Small Group Study (NIV)
The One-Year Bible (NIV)
Spiritual Gifts and Strengths Discovery
What You Do Best in the Body of Christ by Bruce Bugbee
Uniquely You (23 Gifts and DISC) Profile
Living Your Strengths by Winseman, Clifton and Liesveld
Community
Community 101 by Gilbert Bilezekian
The Pursuit of God in the Company of Friends by Richard Lamb
Leadership
Lead Like Jesus by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges
Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders
Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels
Relational Leadership by Walter C. Wright
Spiritual Leadership: Moving People On to God's Agenda by Henry and Richard Blackaby
Global Perspectives
Operation World … book and CD
Culture Making by Andy Crouch
Discipling Nations by Darrow L. Miller
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
If Jesus Were Mayor by Bob Moffitt
Let the Nations Be Glad by John Piper
Missional Living and Relational Evangelism
The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels
I Once Was Lost by Don Everts and Doug Schaupp
Blue Like Jazz: Non-Religious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality
by Donald Miller
Conspiracy of Kindness by Steve Sjogren
101 Ways to Reach Your Community by Steve Sjogren
The Shaping of Things to Come by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch
Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus
Pray and Watch by Neal and Judy Brower
Spiritual Formation and the Christian Life
Good News For Those Trying Harder by Alan Kraft
The Lazarus Life: Spiritual Transformation for Ordinary People by
Steve Smith
The Pressure’s Off by Larry Crabb
Soul Talk by Larry Crabb
Transformed Into Fire by Judith Hougen
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Freedom in Christ / Spiritual Warfare
Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson
Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson
Steps to Freedom in Christ Workbook by Neil Anderson
Marriage / Preparation
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Les and Leslie Parrot
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs
Love and War by John and Stasi Eldredge
Before You Say I Do by H. Norman Wright
After You Say I Do by H. Norman Wright
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Divorce Proof Your Marriage by Gary and Barbara Rosberg
Fit to Be Tied by Bill and Lynne Hybels
So What’s Wrong With Living Together?: A Biblical Response to
Cohabitation by Jeffrey S. Miller
Family / Home / Parenting
It Starts At Home by Kurt Bruner and Steve Stroope
Raising A Modern-Day Knight by Robert Lewis
Tender Warrior by Stu Weber
Families Where Grace Is in Place by Jeff VanVonderen
The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent and Gary Smalley
Revolutionary Parenting by George Barna
The Smart Stepfamily by Ron L. Deal
Single Parenting That Works: Raising Happy, Healthy Children in a Single Parent Home by Kevin Leman
Real Parents, Real Children: Parenting the Adopted Child by Holly VanGulden and Lisa Bartels-Rabb
Parenting the Hurt Child: Helping Adoptive Families Heal and Grow by Gregory C. Keck and Regina Kupecky
Hannah's Hope: Seeking God's Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss by Jennifer Saake
When Empty Arms Become Heavy Burdens: Encouragement for Couples Facing Infertility by Sandra Glahn and William Cutrer
Empty Arms: For Those Who Have Suffered a Miscarriage, Stillbirth, or Tubal Pregnancy by Pam Vredevelt
Financial Freedom
The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey –
DivorceCare and GriefShare Basics
DivorceCare Participant Workbook
Divorce Care: Hope, Help and Healing During and After Your Divorce by Kathy Leonard
Helping Children Survive Divorce by Archibald Hart
GriefShare Participant Workbook
Grieving Through the Loss of Someone You Love
by Raymond Mitsch
It's Okay to Cry: A Parent's Guide to Helping Children Through the Losses of Life by Joey O’Connor