03/26/19

Ada, MI (March 20, 2019)—For the sixteenth year, Outreach magazine has named the top books and curriculum that are geared towards church leaders and churches wishing to deepen their reach for the sake of the Gospel. Six Baker Publishing Group titles were included in the lineup. Rooting for Rivals (Bethany House) has been named one of the two Resources of the Year in the Leadership category. Moral Leadership for a Divided Age (Brazos Press) has been named an Also Recommended Resource in the same category. Whole and Reconciled (Baker Academic) received recognition as a Resource of the Year in the Cross-Cultural/Missional category. How to Read Theology (Baker Academic) was listed as one of the two Resources of the Year in the Theology/Biblical Studies category. Finally, Subversive Sabbath (Brazos Press) was included in the Also Recommended Spiritual Growth category; and Adoptive Church (Baker Academic) was Also Recommended in the Youth and Children category.

The complete list of recognized resources can be found here.

Rooting for Rivals by Peter Greer, Chris Horst, and Jill Heisey (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764231650; ebook ISBN 9781493414970; $16.99)

Rooting for Rivals reveals how your ministry can multiply its impact by cooperating, rather than competing. Peter Greer and Chris Horst explore case studies illustrating the power of collaborative ministry. They also vulnerably share their own failures and successes in pursuing a Kingdom mindset. Discover the power of openhanded leadership to make a greater impact on the world.

Moral Leadership for a Divided Age by David P. Gushee and Colin Holtz (Brazos Press; ISBN 9781587433573; ebook ISBN 9781493415441; $24.99)

Moral Leadership for a Divided Age explores the lives of fourteen great moral leaders of recent centuries. Short biographies of each leader combine with a tour of their historical context, unique faith, and lasting legacy to paint a vivid picture of moral leadership in action. Through skillful storytelling and honest appraisals of their legacies, we encounter exemplary human beings who are flawed in some ways, gifted in others, but unforgettable all the same.

Whole and Reconciled by Al Tizon (Baker Academic; ISBN 9780801095627; ebook ISBN 9781493415526; $22.99)

The ministry of reconciliation is the new whole in holistic ministry. It must be if the Christian mission is to remain relevant in our increasingly fractured world. This book offers a fresh treatment of holistic ministry that takes the role of reconciliation seriously, rethinking the meaning of the gospel, the nature of the church, and the practice of mission in light of globalization, post-Christendom, and postcolonialism. It also includes theological and practical resources for effectively engaging in evangelism, compassion and justice, and reconciliation ministries.

How to Read Theology by Uche Anizor (Baker Academic; ISBN 9780801049750; ebook ISBN 9781493414321; $21.99)

This handy, accessible introduction to reading theology helps readers engage doctrine critically and charitably. It serves as a primer to theological texts, offering practical guidelines for assessing theology and equipping the next generation of pastors and theologians to read theological literature wisely--even when they might disagree with it. An ideal theology textbook, it is especially well suited for students reading theological literature and discussing doctrine for the first time.

Subversive Sabbath by A. J. Swoboda (Brazos Press; ISBN 9781587434051; ebook ISBN 9781493412907; $19.99)

This book pioneers a creative path to an alternative way of existing. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Subversive Sabbath offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that leads to fuller and more joyful lives. A. J. Swoboda demonstrates that Sabbath is both a spiritual discipline and a form of social justice, connects Sabbath-keeping to local communities, and explains how God may actually do more when we do less. He shows that the biblical practice of Sabbath-keeping is God's plan for the restoration and healing of all creation.

Adoptive Church by Chap Clark (Baker Academic; ISBN 9780801098925; ebook ISBN 9781493415625; $19.99)

Integrating the latest research on adolescent faith and young adult ministry for the local church, this book presents a new way of thinking about youth ministry. Chap Clark offers today's youth leaders highly practical principles based on his extensive experience, showing how they can implement a sustainable youth ministry program in their local church. He presents the adoptive youth ministry model as a way to help congregations see youth ministry as a bridge to inclusion, participation, and contribution in the body of Christ. Clark's comprehensive plan for designing and implementing youth ministry shows churches how to intentionally welcome young people and create an environment where they belong.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.