Hi Everyone,
Our library has been on a rocky road for a while. However, with our new pastor, things have certainly improved.
That being said, recently I was told that since library books don't save souls, and that's what church is really about, there is no need for inclusion in our budget. that our church's money needs to be spent on other programs.
Hmmm... I know that Lee Strobel's book CASE FOR CHRIST certainly makes a powerful statement about why an atheist became a Christian.
My question is, can anyone out there recommend other titles that can be used to bring a skeptic to salvation?
I'd like to have a list of titles before our next board meeting in two weeks.
Thanks so much,
Linda
Replies
What about biographies? Many biographies for all ages inspire - to come to Christ, to grow deeper in our faith and to share the Good News.
Examples of 3 series in our library:
Christian Heroes: Then & Now collection written by Janet and Geoff Benge.....published by YWAM
Heroes for Young Readers published by YWAM
Little Lights series by Catherine MacKenzie
Good Idea. We do have a few biographies, but not nearly enough. I'll add them to my list. Bless you!
Amen to those. Also, YMAM (Youth with a mission) has a series of biographies for young people.
Really like the book Playing on God's Team by T.C. Stallings. It is a 21 week devotional. I have found Terri Blackstock's books to be well written and to have a Gospel message. They are favorites in our church library. The If I Run is her new series. I especially like her Cape Refuge series. Books by Stormie Ormartin, esp. the Praying for Your Adult Children is good. I am always looking for good Children's books, esp. like Stephen Elkins and Joel Anderson. (Tell me about Eternity). Hope this will help.
I recently discovered a book (although I haven't read it yet) that seems like it's in the same vein as Lee Strobel's Case for Christ. It's called Jesus on Trial: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth of the Gospel by David Limbaugh.
On a personal note, thank you for asking the question. I felt so encouraged as I read through others' responses. My understanding of the church library as a ministry was greatly clarified.
Prayerfully -- for you, your meeting, and church libraries all over --
WCP
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely look into it. I'm so grateful for this group. It has helped me in so many ways! Bless you!
The Case for Antioch is really good. I just added it to our library.
I have also started adding the Bible Studies we have used so individuals can check them out. Some we use with new Christians.
I have a number of Bible Studies cataloged here. They are available not only for our people's use, but for anyone from other churches who might be interested. Thanks for the reminder. Bless you!
What are some of the books studies you have done? I am lookinf ofr new ideas for our adult education
I am having a similar, but different discussion. Our library is in the downstairs and slightly larger than a large closet space, it is being considered to have it moved to an upstairs, larger location, but several think it's silly and the library is about as useless as your people seem to think. I found an article (title at the end) that could be very helpful for you...
“A church library is a storehouse of materials that reinforces a church's message or aids people who want to dig deeper. Libraries have also become a place where individuals and families can find entertainment that uplifts spirits and enlightens minds instead of assaulting their values” (Why the Church Library Is Still Relevant, Luanne Radecki Blackburn).
Also, the church is NOT for the lost, it is for the saved, though we are to reach the lost, as our collective mission, we are to gather together with fellow believers and encourage and uplift one another. In this area the church library, and books, can really shine.
*Of course there are several great books mentioned that can help sway a non-believer as well, and I agree with the Christian fiction point made. Though that goes both ways because I read a fiction book recently that really helped me understand more of Christ and his love and forgiveness.
-
3
-
4
-
5
-
6
-
7
of 8 Next