Why Cities Matter: To God, the Culture, and the Church By Stephen T. Um & Justin Buzzard (Crossway, 2013)
The Facts: The world is increasingly urban. In fact, as the authors say, "More people live in cities now than at any time in human history." Cities are the centers of culture and influence across the world, so it follows that they should be hubs of gospel ministry and church planting. Stephen Um, from Boston, and Justin Buzzard, from San Jose in Silicon Valley, have joined forces to show just how important cities are for ministry and what gospel ministry in the city needs to look like.
The Slant: Both of the authors planted and pastor churches in cities with distinct cultures. One is a hub of education and old influence; the other is a center of innovation and success. In this book they describe, sociologically and theologically, why cities are so significant to the expansion of Christ's kingdom. They trace the significance of urban centers throughout Scripture and show that cities are more influential in the world now than ever before. Maybe the most significant part of the book, though, is where the authors describe what a healthy relationship with the city looks like—not distant and not conforming, but involved and loving. They show the importance of contextualizing the gospel to the city rather than privatizing faith or abandoning it. Why Cities Matter is a concise, potent blend of academic research and practical application to help us better understand the city, its value to the kingdom, and how to serve in it.—Barnabas Piper
Crazy Busy: A (Mercifully) Short Book About a (Really) Big Problem By Kevin DeYoung (Crossway, 2013)
The Facts: Kevin DeYoung diagnoses seven common problems that make us easy prey for the beast of busyness. He speaks frankly and directly: "Stop freaking out about your kids," and "You are letting the screen strangle your soul." This is not a how-to book on time management. Rather, DeYoung, a pastor, writer, and father of five, offers personal reflections to help readers strike a balance between inactivity and chaos.
The Slant: This is vintage DeYoung: practical wisdom in conversational prose. He doesn't position himself as an expert—"I am the worst possible person to write this book"—but the book benefits from his humility and willingness to share his personal struggles with busyness. No eureka insights here about why we're all so busy; just good reminders from a fellow pilgrim.—Drew Dyck
I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference By Thom S. Rainer (B&H, 2013)
The Facts: Pastor, researcher, and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, Thom Rainer, has plenty of experience working with church members, good and bad. His goal? To remind us what it should look like to be a member of Christ's body. (Spoiler alert: It's less like a country-club membership and more like a commitment to serve.) Each chapter ends with a few helpful study questions and a pledge, something you can sign as you commit to approaching church membership in a biblical way.
The Slant: At just under 80 pages, this book is straightforward—and demanding. Pastors would do well to keep a few copies of this book on hand. It's a great gift for the church member who whines about the music and whispers about others' moral failings. It's a call-to-action challenging readers to evaluate their engagement with the church, instead of complaining or thinking about abstractions.—Kyle Rohane
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