Trends & Culture
Take an honest look at the society in which most churches today are functioning and learn how to minister in that context.
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Training Theme |
PowerPoint| Topics: | Culture, Pop culture, Relevance, Trends |
| Filters: | Church board, Evangelism, Pastor, Young adults ministry |
| Purpose: | Evangelism |
| References: | 1 Chronicles 10:12 , John 3:1-21, John 4:4-26, John 6:60-69, Acts 17:16-34 |
| Date Added: | August 27, 2007 |
Click an image or title below to order any of these recommended resources.
PERIODICALS
Books & Culture Magazine
This bimonthly journal is one of the leading thought publications for Christians today. Includes reviews of books, commentary on contemporary art, and "The Science Pages," a department that relates science to matters of faith.
www.booksandculture.com
Mars Hill Audio
On this bimonthly tape series, Ken Myers, formerly of National Public Radio, interviews current authors and makes applications to the life of faith.
www.marshillaudio.org
BOOKS
Discontinuity and Hope
by Lyle E. Schaller
Schaller, an expert on congregational health, looks at the upheaval created by changes in society and explains how churches can view change as a threat to the status quo or as an opportunity for growth. (Abingdon, 1999; ISBN 068708539X)
The Experience Economy
by Joseph Pine & James Gilmore
The authors argue that high-profit business will move from arranging sales to staging experiences that will engage customers on many levels. For example, Disney World is not merely a theme park; it's a weeklong excursion to zoos, golf clubs, and nightspots (Harvard Business School Press, 1999; ISBN 0875848192).
New Rules for the New Economy: 10 Radical Strategies for a Connected World
by Kevin Kelly
The editor of Wired talks about the relationship of communication to economics. Kelly's insights reach beyond the Web (Viking, 1998; ISBN 0670881112).
The American Paradox: Spiritual Hunger in an Age of Plenty
by David G. Myers
Myers, a psychology professor at Hope College, analyzes post-war trends in marriage and divorce, crime, media, and morality, and draws implications for society and for people of faith (Yale, 2000; ISBN 0300081111).
Mustard Seed Versus McWorld: Reinventing Life and Faith for the Future
by Tom Sine
Sine approaches data on trends from a Christian perspective and brings to his findings an agenda for a simpler, faith-driven lifestyle. Sine's engaging anecdotes from around the world are joined with recommendations for local churches (Baker, 1999; ISBN 0801090881).
Evangelism Outside the Box: New Ways to Help People Experience the Good News
by Rich Richardson
This book grapples vigorously with postmodern issues (including a courageous chapter that challenges us to re-think how we define the gospel), and offers a way of diagramming the gospel that goes beyond the popular "bridge" illustrations. The pages are packed with practical ideas. (InterVarsity, 2000; ISBN 0830822763)
Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns
edited by D.A. Carson
Essays by leading Christian thinkers, including Ravi Zacharias, Robert Coleman, and Ajith Fernando, give readers guidance for ministry to postmodern thinkers (Zondervan, 2000; ISBN 0310234328).
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
by Daniel Pink
In a changed world where many jobs are being done in less developed countries or by computers, what skills will it take to succeed? While rational thinking and logic are still important, Pink claims that it will become essential to also have design and imagination in your toolbox. With exercises to help you grow in these areas, this book will help you develop a whole new mind. (Riverhead Trade, 2006; ISBN 1594481717)
The World is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century
by Thomas L. Friedman
Globalization is a reality--a reality that has changed the way the world interacts. People are more connected around the world than they have ever been. Friedman isn't predicting the future, he is describing the present that already exists. An important book for understanding our changed reality. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006; ISBN 0374292795)
Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance
by Os Guinness
It is often assumed that one of the main tasks of the Church is to be relevant. But if we try so hard why do we often end up becoming more irrelevant? This lovingly critical book will challenge you to think through what you and your church do and why. (Baker, 2005; ISBN 0801065607)
The Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives
by Leonard Sweet
Andy Crouch, Michael Horton, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Brian McLaren, and Erwin McManus tackle the topic of how the church should engage the emerging postmodern culture. A lively discussion that will challenge anyone's views on this topic. (Zondervan, 2003; ISBN 0310254876)
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future
by Daniel Pink
In a changed world where many jobs are being done in less developed countries or by computers, what skills will it take to succeed? While rational thinking and logic are still important, Pink claims that it will become essential to also have design and imagination in your toolbox. With exercises to help you grow in these areas, this book will help you develop a whole new mind. (Riverhead Trade, 2006; ISBN 1594481717)
The World is Flat [Updated and Expanded]: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century
by Thomas L. Friedman
Globalization is a reality--a reality that has changed the way the world interacts. People are more connected around the world than they have ever been. Friedman isn't predicting the future, he is describing the present that already exists. An important book for understanding our changed reality. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006; ISBN 0374292795)
Prophetic Untimeliness: A Challenge to the Idol of Relevance
by Os Guinness
It is often assumed that one of the main tasks of the Church is to be relevant. But if we try so hard why do we often end up becoming more irrelevant? This lovingly critical book will challenge you to think through what you and your church do and why. (Baker, 2005; ISBN 0801065607)
The Church in Emerging Culture: Five Perspectives
by Leonard Sweet
Andy Crouch, Michael Horton, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Brian McLaren, and Erwin McManus tackle the topic of how the church should engage the emerging postmodern culture. A lively discussion that will challenge anyone's views on this topic. (Zondervan, 2003; ISBN 0310254876)
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