In His Steps by Charles Sheldon -- Written in 1896 by a minister from Topeka, Kansas, this book has stood the test of time and prompts the now common question, "What Would Jesus Do?"  Though it is a fictional work, it has much to teach and many ways to challenge us today.  This edition has language carefully updated for the modern reader and includes illustrations not present in the original.  It is a page-turning novel that is at once engaging, inspirational, and challenging to people of faith. There have been few works that have served as such a persuasive voice for Christian social justice and against the sins of materialism.  It also reveals the spiritual power that can be summoned from small groups of Christians, just as John Wesley taught.  This classic Christian story is available for purchase through the Holcomb UMC Virtual Bookstore, (click on VSL recommends once you are there), or can be freely viewed on the internet at http://www.kancoll.org/books/sheldon/.
 

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan -- Before the notion of God was removed from public schools, this book was taught to young students as the best example of allegory in all of literature.  The hero of the tale, named Christian, begins his journey of faith by meeting Evangelist.  Christian spends the rest of his life on a journey of faith, with his eye on eternal communion with God.  God's mercy and love, Satan's temptations and deceit, and the many weaknesses of humanity are evident throughout this plainly written, symbolic masterpiece.  It was originally written with the young reader in mind, but can be thoroughly enjoyable, and educational for adults as well.  The cover shown on the left is from a new edition with updated language, though it remains true to the original publication of 1678.  This edition includes 100's of scriptural references to support various themes in the story.  In the past it was often claimed that Pilgrim's Progress was second only to the Bible in terms of overall sales.  This Christian classic is available for purchase through the Holcomb UMC Virtual Bookstore (click on VSL recommends once you are there), or for free viewing on the internet at http://www.johnbunyan.org/text/bun-pilgrim.htm.  Part II is included in the book described above, but if you want to discover on the internet what happens to Christian's wife and children, click on  http://www.johnbunyan.org/text/bun-pilgrim2.htm.

Mere Christianity by Clive Staples Lewis -- In this book, the great Christian apologist, C. S. Lewis, sets forth to explain the beliefs that have been held in common throughout the ages by nearly all Christians.  Lewis was a respected literature professor at Oxford University and a close friend of J. R. R. Tolkien.  He became famous during his Christian radio broadcasts on BBC during World War II.  He has written many books on Christianity, but this is one of his very best.   Using simple language, he explains that God must exist.  With reason, he explains the various tenets set forth in the Christian religion.  This short book, can serve as a great beginning for someone who is trying to invoke reason in the Christian faith.  A great defender of the faith, Lewis frequently debated atheists, and helped people to accept Christ when faulty reasoning might have temporarily been in their way.  Read this, and find yourself becoming a better evangelist, by learning answers to many questions that seekers might ask.  This is the first C. S. Lewis book to read.  After that, you may be hooked.  This book is available for purchase through the Holcomb UMC Virtual Bookstore.  (click on VSL recommends once you are there.)  It is still under copyright, and therefore not freely available on the internet.

Waking from Doctrinal Amnesia by William J. Abraham -- This book by the Albert Outler Distinguished Professor of Wesley Studies at Perkins School of Theology has already proven prophetic and continues to point toward future difficulties in UMC polity and practice. What purpose is there for a Book of Discipline, if it is generally ignored? The underlying problem may be that few UMC clergy and laity are familiar with Methodist Discipline.  The UMC is founded on well-outlined doctrines and creeds.  Abraham calls for a reawakening to the UMC Book of Discipline and the doctrines that it references.  Without fundamental Christian doctrine, the UMC begins to look like the Peace Corps or a Masonic Lodge. The UMC is so much more than a proponent of social justice, fellowship, and rituals. We should not ignore the significance of the Incarnation, or Scriptural authority.  As a result of the factions found in the UMC, we are seen by the public as a congregation of people who can believe anything. Abraham points us back to the Book of Discipline and shows that if we are to remain a connectional church, then we simply must afford more consideration to the rules upon which we have agreed.  This book is short, easy to read, and hits home in a direct way.  Let's revisit our creeds.  This book is available for purchase through the Holcomb UMC Virtual Bookstore.  (click on VSL recommends once you are there.)

The Faith-Sharing Congregation by Roger K. Swanson and Shirley F. Clement -- This is the first book I have read dedicated to the concept of corporate evangelism. Many simple suggestions are given to aid churches in making visitors feel welcome, and to develop in them a sense of belonging. While many of the suggestions are not new, this book can help a congregation see its primary task of evangelism as an organized effort and make it more efficient. To see the aggregate personality of a congregation, as a visitor might, is an important insight to effective evangelism and church growth. It also stresses the importance of discipleship training and suggests various programs.  While the book aptly points to effective uses of church space as a proper means of evangelism, the more gaudy architectural suggestions might repel some, including John Wesley.  This book could prove helpful to pastors and lay leaders who are looking for better ways to be obedient to Jesus' Great Commission through effective use of their local church. The book will be far more useful if it is shared widely in the congregation and if leaders can agree how to begin implementing its strategies.
 

John Wesley: A Theological Journey by Ken Collins -- From John Wesley's ancestors, the English political and theological climate, the books Wesley read, and the people Wesley met, we learn how his theology developed. This book reveals the "fire and brimstone" Wesley in his youth turning into the pastorally sensitive older Wesley. The effects of the Anglican Church, German Pietists, Catholicism, and Puritanism all leave their clear mark on this pious, merciful and evangelical man.  The concept of the little church within the church is as worthy of consideration today as it was in the 18th century. Christian accountability is needed today. Wesley knew how to make Christian disciples.  Wesley left us with a fairly detailed, insightful and personal account of his life. Wesley's plain account of Biblical text resulted in his "ordo salutis" which becomes difficult to deny. Collin's book reviews and analyzes Wesley's accounts within their historical perspective. We see Wesley with his warts and his insights.  This book is inspiring in it's historical account of Wesley's evolving theology. Read it and stand on the shoulders of a giant in the faith.

The Heritage of American Methodism by Kenneth Kinghorn -- This book covers the basics from various perspectives. The multitudes of glossy photos add a touch of realism that is very helpful while you accumulate information. In fact, this is the major strength of the work. The topic becomes more inviting to younger readers, while the historical accounts are given serious attention. The author, Dr. Kinghorn, is a well-known and current authority on the topic, with much information and many original resources at his disposal. For someone who wishes to begin their study of American Methodism, or someone who appreciates appropriately placed photos of pertinent buildings, portraits, documents, etc. to further enlighten their understanding, this book is unparalleled. It is an easy and enjoyable read. After reading, this book properly belongs on a coffee table, because of its size and fetching quality.
 

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