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Excerpts

Short selections from books helpful to Christian leaders

Excerpt: 'Threshold of Discovery: A Field Guide to Spirituality in Midlife'

In this essay from his new book, seminary professor L. Roger Owens reflects on the feeling of spiritual restlessness in midlife during an outing with his family.

By L. Roger Owens Professor, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

Image link to article: Excerpt: 'Threshold of Discovery: A Field Guide to Spirituality in Midlife'

Excerpt: 'Having Nothing, Possessing Everything'

How do you learn to see abundance where others see only poverty? In this excerpt from his new book, the Rev. Michael Mather writes about how his congregation shifted its focus from paying people’s bills to cultivating their talents and gifts.

By Michael Mather Pastor, Broadway UMC

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Excerpt: 'Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith'

Queerness opens us to a more thoughtful and meaningful perspective, a willingness to see the possibility in what is different: all the different seasons and struggles, abilities, multiplicities, and convictions of each individual, writes a Presbyterian minister in her new book.

By Mihee Kim-Kort PCUSA minister

Image link to article: Excerpt: 'Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith'

Excerpt: 'Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma, and Ministry'

How do you go on when you are undone by cancer? In her new book, cancer survivor and theologian Deanna Thompson combines personal stories and trauma research to offer insight into the challenge of living with serious illness.

By Deanna Thompson Professor of religion, Hamline University

Image link to article: Excerpt: 'Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma, and Ministry'

Excerpt: "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved"

In the first chapter of her new book, Kate Bowler writes about confronting death in the first hours after her diagnosis with stage 4 colon cancer.

By Kate Bowler Associate professor, author, podcast host

Image link to article: Excerpt: "Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved"

Excerpt from 'Divergent Church: The Bright Promise of Alternative Faith Communities'

In this excerpt from the introduction to their new book, Tim Shapiro and Kara Faris say that congregations aren’t going away, and neither is congregating. Creative, alternative faith communities are finding new ways to connect to the Divine.

Tim Shapiro Kara Faris

Image link to article: Excerpt from 'Divergent Church: The Bright Promise of Alternative Faith Communities'

Excerpt: The Grace of Dogs

In this excerpt from his new book, ‘The Grace of Dogs,’ the theologian finds help from a surprising source when he looks for an answer to his son’s classic question, ‘Will I see my dog in heaven?’

By Andrew Root Professor, Luther Seminary

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Excerpt: ‘Holy Spokes’

In her new book, “Holy Spokes: The Search for Urban Spirituality on Two Wheels,” the executive director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches writes about how bike riding transformed her relationship with her adopted city of Boston.

By Laura Everett Executive director, Massachusetts Council of Churches

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Excerpt: ‘A New Day in the City’

How do you reverse decline in once-grand urban churches? In their new book, Donna Claycomb Sokol and L. Roger Owens share their experience and suggest a framework for seven crucial conversations that Christian leaders can initiate with their congregations.

Donna Claycomb Sokol L. Roger Owens

Image link to article: Excerpt: ‘A New Day in the City’

Excerpt from 'How Your Congregation Learns'

In this excerpt from a new book, the president of the Center for Congregations describes how accomplishing new things requires organizational learning.

By Tim Shapiro President, Center for Congregations

Image link to article: Excerpt from 'How Your Congregation Learns'