Surrounding Yourself With the Wrong Books...

I have been thoroughly enjoying the discussion that has ensued at Steve Addison's blog from his post calling for the top ten books for church planters. He has posted some lists that have come back to him here, here, here, and here. He posted the 'final' list here this morning.

I like this list-- and have read most of the books on it. However, I'm often drawn back to the conversation from Good Will Hunting in which Will accuses Shawn of filling his shelves with the wrong books. I think all the books (most of the books) that people are suggesting to Steve are excellent, and I would commend the majority of them to people desiring to plant a church. In fact, some of the books on Steve's list are on my own church reading list. Still, I think that we often read the wrong books, and time doesn't permit us to read the right ones.

Not the wrong books in the sense that we're reading heresy-- or, in the realm of church planting-- techniques or methodologies that are misleading. Rather, I think they could be the wrong books simply for the reason that they shouldn't be our first books. And, they're not original material for the most part. We have become a generation of second handers-- reading the books of second handers. And I'm the first to raise my hand in admission of guilt.

The oldest book on Stev'e list is 11 years old. I'm all for being current, but I think we should also be working with theological foundations for church planting that run a bit deeper than the latest fad, pimping the latest technique, using the latest lingo.

I didn't personally contribute to Steve's list because it seemed like he was calling for people with experience and success in church planting-- the former of which I have a little, and the latter of which I have none. But, I do have a few suggestions, and would like to hear comments/critiques/suggestions/subtractions/additions.

KEVIN'S MUST READS FOR CHURCH PLANTERS//
-"Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission (David Jacobus Bosch) | I think that Bosch's book will be on the top of my list and never optional for years to come. This forces a planter to think through their theology of mission. I would also pair Newbigin's, "The Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission in this list-- perhaps suggesting both as a pair.

-"Does God Need the Church?: Toward a Theology of the People of God" (Gerhard Lohfink)

-"Christ and Culture" (H. Richard Niebuhr) | I don't care what critique you have bought into on this one. I think that people who want to plant churches should reckon with this book-- and should be able to provide an alternative model if they reject Niebuhr's proposal. Exactly what theology of cultural engagement underpins your plant?

-In connection with the above, I would like to see church planters reading books like "Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission (New Studies in Biblical Theology or anything with Peter O'Brien's name on it.

-Dr. Beale, my mentor in graduate school, has written an excellent book dealing with a theology of the mission of the church through the lens of a biblical theology of the temple. The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Temple (This is also a more recent book. That is, I don't want to say we should be reading older books and then actually suggest newer ones-- but I believe this one is important). Beale's biblical theology of mission argues that "the themes of Eden, the temple, God's glorious presence, new creation and the mission of the church are ultimately facets of the same reality" (11). This book is not light reading.

So, there is my top six off the top of my head this morning. A different day could make a different list.

Comments

[Steve McCoy]

Good books, some I still need to read.

Great flashback to a fantastic movie. I'm shocked you wouldn't give a verbatim quote. :)

[Matthew Wireman]

Kevin ~

I've been enjoying your blog for months and decided to finally make a comment. The lists you have are good, I would just want to add one more - Religious Affections by J. Edwards. I think it pertains not only to church planters but also to anyone who desires to discern well. I have started it today and am finding it very helpful in evaluating what I see in the church at large and in my local congregation.

[James Paul]

Your "generation of second-handers" comment reminded me of the bar scene where Will mocks the college student by finishing his plagerized sentences.

The "wrong books" scene was one of my favorites! Thanks for the thoughts.

[Kevin Cawley]

Two things:

1. Matt- welcome. With regard to the Religious Affections, I completely agree with you. I actually have my copy on the desk right now. We could add a number of books in this category that pastors and church planters should be familiar with and constantly returning to.

2. I sent this link to Dr. Beale, and received this email in return:

Kevin,

What do you mean "a different day could make a different list"? That might
mean my book will not be on your list tomorrow, and that would, of course,
be heresy. Or, maybe it means that you are a fickle bibliophile.

Ok, Beale and Bosch are the constants. Done and Done.

[Bruce]

Thanks for those additions Kevin. I will be sure to check them out.

Recommended book titles are much valued commodity...