Leading Lives That Matter: What We Should Do and Who We Should Be
edited by Mark R. Schwehn and Dorothy C. Bass
Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, Paperback-2006 {ISBN-082829317}

This anthology draws together a wide range of contemporary and classical texts -- including fiction, autobiography, and philosophy -- offering challenge and insight for those reflecting on what to do with their lives. Instead of giving prescriptive advice, Mark Schwehn and Dorothy Bass approach the vocational process as an ongoing conversation. They include in this conversation some of the Western tradition's best writings on human life -- its meaning, purpose, and significance -- ranging from ancient Greek poetry to contemporary American fiction. Includes works by such various figures as Aristotle, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Frederick Buechner, Willa Cather, Dorothy Day, Annie Dillard, Robert Frost, Abraham Heschel, Thomas Lynch, John Milton, Martha Nussbaum, Theodore Roosevelt, Amy Tan, William Butler Yeats, and many more; features Leo Tolstoy's novella The Death of Ivan Illych as an extended epilogue. Leading Lives That Matter will help readers clarify and deepen how they think about their own lives.

Read interview with editors Dorothy Bass and Mark Schwehn

Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practices
by Craig Dykstra
Westminster John Knox Press, Paperback-2005 {ISBN-0664227589}

In this new edition of his popular book, Craig Dykstra explores the contributions of the traditions, education, worship practices, and disciplines of the Reformed Christian community in helping people grow in faith. Dykstra persuasively makes the case that the church has a wealth of wisdom about satisfying spiritual hunger and the desire to know God deeply - wisdom that offers coherent, thoughtful guidance in such diverse settings as congregational life, families, youth groups, and higher education. This new edition includes a study guide by Syd Hielema, a new foreword by Dorothy C. Bass, and a new preface by the author. The book is ideal for clergy, Christian educators, and all who are interested in finding guidance in their quest for a genuine encounter with God.

Practicing Discernment with Youth: A Transformative Youth Ministry Approach
by David F. White
Cleveland, OH: Pilgrim Press, Paperback-2005 {ISBN-0829816313}

In this resource White calls for congregations to engage their own young people in practices of discernment that involve the gifts and problems of their unique context, bringing their lives more fully into partnership with God's work in their particular place. White models how to do this through historic discernment practices of Christian communities such as Ignatian contemplative practices, Quaker clearness committees, consensus decision making, theater games, and silence.

Singing the Lord's Song in a New Land: Korean American Practices of Faith
by Su Yon Pak, Unzu Lee, Jung Ha Kim, and Myung Ji Cho
Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, Paperback-2005 {ISBN-06622878X}

This groundbreaking book describes eight core practices within the Korean American church: keeping the sabbath, singing the faith, fervent prayer, remembering ancestors, shaping future generations, gathering at the well, fasting, and "ricing" the community.  An essential book for understanding ministry for Korean Americans within various Christian denominations.

A Way of Life in the World: Spiritual Practices for United Methodists
by Kenneth H. Carter, Jr.
Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, Paperback-2004 {ISBN- 0687022460}

A Methodist pastor explores six Christian practices that have been foundational for Wesleyan piety in the past and will continue to shape the Methodist movement in future years: singing, testimony, searching the scriptures, generosity with the poor, Holy Communion, and Christian conferencing.

Help: The Original Human Dilemma
by Garret Keizer
San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, Hardcover-2004 {ISBN- 0060560622}

What does it mean to help others? When does our help amount to hindrance? What informs our ideals of providing aid and how does doing so shape our character?  Drawing from history, literature, interviews, personal anecdotes, and parables such as the "Good Samaritan," this book invites us to ponder what is at stake whenever one human being tries to assist another.

Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition
by Christine D. Pohl
Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, Paperback-1999 {ISBN-0802844316}

This book portrays how communities and individuals can be blessed and transformed by greeting, welcoming, and sheltering others - especially strangers - in the name of Christ. Although hospitality was central to Christian identity and practice in earlier centuries, our generation knows little about its life-giving character. Pohl traces the eclipse of this significant Christian practice, showing the initial centrality of hospitality and the importance of recovering it for contemporary life. Combining rich biblical and historical research with extensive exposure to modern service communities - The Catholic Worker, L'Abri, L'Arche, and others - this book shows how understanding the key features of hospitality can better equip us to faithfully carry out the practical call of the gospel.

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