Chesterbrook Taiwanese Presbyterian Church

Christian books and curriculum are certainly not created equal. Despite all the resources out there, I’ve always been frustrated with finding good tools and resources that are scriptural and Christ centered. Over time, I’ve compiled some excellent gospel resources that I’ve found to be extremely helpful in my walk with Christ and my worldview.

Discipleship

Gospel Transformation by World Harvest Mission

I heard a lot about Gospel Transformation through the grapevine but I finally got my hands on it a few weeks ago. It’s a 36 week inductive study focusing in on the gospel and our ongoing need for it no matter how long you’ve been a Christian. A few brothers of mine are going to start up soon. After flipping through the contents, it’s probably one of the best discipleship resources out there.

Sonship by World Harvest Mission

I haven’t really gotten a chance to go through this one yet, but it looks very promising. In addition, they have a one week Sonship Retreat as well as phone mentoring as well. Once the kids are a little grown up, I’d love to go one of their conferences with Monique one day.

Matthias Media

I went to a conference by 9Marks and was introduced to ministry from Australia called Matthias Media. I was open to a whole new world! Well, not really. Back in my Boston days, there was a Korean couple from Australia who trained us in leading growth groups. Now I know they were trained by Matthias Media materials back in their university days. Anyway, their gospel resources are solid and they are constantly pumping out new tools and resources.

Devotional Aids

Gospel Primer by Milton Vincent

This used to be a free download, but it’s now contracted to be a book with expanded chapters. The copy that gives 20 reasons to rehearse the gospel daily both in prose and poetic forms. The new book has 31 reasons. You can find it here.

The Daily Reading Bible by Matthias Media

For those who get stuck in a rut with their Bible readings, this resource breaks down the passages in doable chunks with a few thoughtful questions as well as guides for prayer. I have one volume so if you want to take a look at it, please let me know.

Books

Dynamics of Spiritual Life: an Evangelical Theology of Renewal by Richard Lovelace

Dr. Lovelace is an emeritus professor at Gordon-Conwell. Unfortunately, I never took a class from him although I saw him on campus from time to time. The stories about him on campus are pretty legendary. Anyhow, a friend did take one of his classes and gave me one of his books. As a church historian, he gives a unique perspective of renewal movements and what is needed today. It’s written in the 80’s, but it’s refreshingly relevant today. By the way, he’s an ordained PCUSA minister too!

The Reason for God by Tim Keller

I just got the book the other day via Amazon. I’m not done with it yet, but I’m thinking about buying a stash and giving them out to family and friends. Everything about the book can be found on www.thereasonforgod.com. He will also be at Georgetown on February 27 at a Veritas Forum.

Gospel Presentations

Two Ways to Live

A concise summary of the gospel that tells the whole story of God’s redemptive plan from beginning to end. There are tracts for adults and children and its translated in many languages including Chinese.

The Big Story

James Choung is coming out with a new book, True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In. Instead of going through a tract, which would roll the eyes of many skeptics, James whips out a piece of scrap paper and starts drawing. He starts with human longings and how it points to creation and from there, tells the story of God’s rescue mission. I like the holistic element and how the gospel not only saves and transforms individuals, but also how the gospel transforms society and the world we live in.

How Can I Know God?

This isn’t a gospel tract or a tool, but a great article by Tim Keller called, How Can I Know God?

Counseling

Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation

A bunch of us went to their annual conference a few years back in Philly. Danny Mak graciously bought all the talks on CD (unfortunately the CD labels got stuck onto the cases. I haven’t gotten around to peeling them off). CCEF is a great example of how to integrate counseling with biblical truth. Books that I own include Instruments in the Redeemers Hands (it’s actually my bro’s, but I haven’t returned it yet), How People Change, Addictions: Banquet in the Grave, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, and When People are Big and God is small. All of these books have been so helpful in my growth in pastoral ministry.

Leadership Training

Leadership Training by Matthias Media

I wanted to mention this resource from Matthias Media. In addition to their paradigm of ministry, they also have developed quite successfully a way of raising up full time Christian workers by creating 2 year apprenticeships for folks discerning a call into ministry before seminary studies. I remember how my time at TAFPC was helpful to get some years under my belt. Unfortunately for me, there wasn’t a system in place for me to work under an experienced mentor/ trainer. I did find other ways, but it does make me think about how I can be more intentional in encouraging people to consider ministry as their vocation and to provide structure and opportunities to serve. I wish I had this book earlier when I had an intern for a summer! Some Chinese Churches in Australia have implemented this apprenticeship. Hopefully one day, we can as well!