DVD Curriculum
Where Faith and Life Meet (101 Distribution-EMI, 2009)
The Facts: Basically, best-selling author Donald Miller hosts conversations with notable authors, pastors, and theologians on camera about issues related to putting faith in practice. And we watch. Each conversation consists of three 15-minute episodes. The producer identifies the target audience as people “out of college.”
The Slant: It’s not a lecture. It’s not simple Q&A. The conversations are informal, but structured and well-edited, so you don’t feel like you’re simply listening to unscripted ramblings. Miller asks good, probing questions. His conversation partners are thoughtful and articulate. For example, “Frustration and False Gods” with Dan Allender. Tremper Longman has a fabulous conversation about how our misconceptions of the Christian life affect our conduct.
Book
Ethnic Blends Mixing Diversity into Your Local Church, by Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li (Zondervan, 2010)
The Facts: This is Mark DeYmaz’s second book on multi-ethnic ministry. The first, Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church (Jossey-Bass, 2007), was an argument for the biblical mandate and cultural need for intentionally multi-ethnic churches in America. Ethnic Blends moves the conversation in a more practical direction. Written with co-pastor Harry Li, the book addresses seven common challenges to diversifying your local church.
The Slant: There’s no way around it: this is an important conversation. Most books on this subject seem to be aimed at making us feel guilty that our churches aren’t more diverse. DeYmaz and Li do a good job of talking about the brass tacks of this sort of ministry—things like “Overcoming the Relational Obstacles.”
Books
Making Green Disciples
Amid the flood of resources aimed at making us more eco-friendly, here are a few of particular interest for the local church.
Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt (Faith Words, 2010)
The book is part memoir of conversion—from apathetic litterer to environmental champion—part biblical exposition, and part practical guidebook. And it’s short.
Zealous Love: A Practical Guide to Social Justice, by Mike and Danae Yankoski (2009)
Not strictly about environmental care, the book nevertheless has several chapters on increasing ecological awareness. The chapters include several essays on an issue of social concern, followed by several pages of very practical steps toward living more justly.
Tending to Eden: Environmental Stewardship for God’s People, by Scott C. Sabin (Judson, 2010)
A well-written and engaging book on the relationship between the gospel, justice, and creation care.
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