Books & Resources
Here are some current books and materials our elders and staff are reading.
The following resources do not necessarily reflect the views of Renewal Church, but are helpful to stimulate discussion and discovery regarding spiritual growth as well as social issues.
Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church — by Trevin Wax, plus multiple authors…
"I'm deconstructing." Yet another social-media post announces departure from the Christian faith. The cause could be sex, race, politics, social justice, science, hell, or all of the above. For many, Christianity is becoming implausible, even impossible to believe.
While it might be tempting to leave the church in order to find answers, Before You Lose Your Faith argues that church should be the best place to deal with doubts. Featuring contributors such as Claude Atcho, Rachel Gilson, Jay Y. Kim, Brett McCracken, Karen Swallow Prior, Derek Rishmawy, and Jared C. Wilson, this book shows deconstructing need not end in unbelief. In fact, deconstructing can be the road toward reconstructing — building up a more mature, robust faith that grapples honestly with the deepest questions of life.
A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing — by Scott McKnight & Laura Barringer
In this book, McKnight and Barringer explore the concept of tov―a Hebrew word in Scripture that we translate “good,”—unpacking its richness and how it can help Christians and churches rise up to fulfill their true calling as imitators of Jesus.
The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible — by Michael S. Heiser
In The Unseen Realm, Dr. Michael Heiser examines the ancient context of Scripture, explaining how its supernatural worldview can help us grow in our understanding of God. He illuminates intriguing and amazing passages of the Bible that have been hiding in plain sight. You'll find yourself engaged in an enthusiastic pursuit of the truth, resulting in a new appreciation for God's Word.