True Religion: Taking Pieces of Heaven to Places of Hell on Earth, Palmer Chinchen (’86), David C. Cook, June 2010; A rising voice in the missional movement, Chinchen challenges Christians to a new kind of spiritual formation — one focused on pouring out our life for others and radical dependence upon God. Discover why true religion involves engaging the problems in our world as we go with the good news of the gospel. And in the process of pouring ourselves out for others, we’ll see God radically transform our own hearts as well.

The Deep Things of God: How the Trinity Changes Everything, Fred Sanders (associate professor of theology), Crossway Books, August 2010; The doctrine of the Trinity is widely taught and believed by evangelicals, but rarely is it fully understood or celebrated. Sanders shows how recognizing the work of the Trinity in the gospel changes everything, restoring depth to prayer, worship, Bible study, missions, tradition and our understanding of Christianity’s fundamental doctrines.

This is Your Brain in Love: New Scientific Breakthroughs for a More Passionate and Emotionally Healthy Marriage, Earl Henslin (Psy.D. ’86), Thomas Nelson, January 2010; In this sequel to his groundbreaking book This is Your Brain on Joy, Henslin applies the latest in brain imaging and research to show how the brain affects your love life, offering tips for boosting it to new levels. The book is filled with stories of real couples Henslin has counseled and will be a useful reference for couples, counselors and ministers.

Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today’s Families, Michelle Anthony (’89, M.A. ’01), David C. Cook, June 2010; This is not a “how to” parenting manual, but a guide for developing as a spiritually minded parent who asks, “Who did God create my child to be?” The book speaks to the journey that all parents must learn to accept: to hear God’s voice and change along with their children.

Against All Gods: What’s Right and Wrong About the New Atheism, co-authored by John Mark Reynolds (director of Torrey Honors Institute and professor of philosophy), InterVarsity, May 2010; Despite their conclusions, folks like Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris are asking the right questions. They’re making belief in any religion an issue again, especially in the university context where, for decades, questions about faith and reason have been taken off the table for serious discussion. Together, Phillip E. Johnson and Reynolds explore the unique opportunity these “evangelistic atheists” are creating in their attempt to convert us to their unbelief.

Sticky Teams: Keeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page, Larry Osborne (’74, M.A. ’78, D.Min. ’86), Zondervan, March 2010; Osborne exposes the hidden roadblocks, structures and goofy thinking that all too often sabotage the health and harmony of even the best intentioned ministry teams. Then, with practical and seasoned advice, he shows what it takes to get a leadership board, ministry team and an entire congregation headed in the same direction, sticking together, unified and healthy for the long haul.

Here Today, There Tomorrow: Unleashing Your Church’s Potential, Gary McIntosh (professor of Christian ministry and leadership), Wesleyan Publishing House, March 2010; McIntosh provides help to leaders of churches, regardless of size, who struggle to create workable plans to move their congregations forward. Loaded with case studies, resources and chapter-by-chapter action plans, this practical resource contains everything a pastor needs to understand the planning process; identify the churches mission, values and goals; and put it all together in a plan that works in the local setting.

Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide, Brett McCracken (current M.A. student, managing editor, Biola Magazine), Baker Books, August 2010; What happens when the church’s concern with appearances outweighs our concern for sound doctrine or faithful practice? This probing book examines an emerging category McCracken calls “Christian hipsters” — an unlikely fusion of the American obsession with being “cool” and the realities of a faith that is often seen as anything but. He explores what they’re about, why they exist and what it all means for Christianity and the church’s relevancy in our youth-oriented culture.