Resources
We live in a world awash with apps, books, podcasts and the like, and sometimes it’s overwhelming trying to decide what to read or listen to. So Shore Vineyard asked some of our most avid and perceptive readers, listeners and thinkers to give us their top recommendations from the multiplicity of material they have immersed themselves in. We hope you enjoy and are stretched by their recommendations, and check back regularly for updates to the list.
Apps
Pray As You Go, recommended by Fran Francis for its simplicity - “no big teaching, just a daily moment to encounter Christ as a friend in the Scriptures and for the sense of praying with the Church”.
Books
The Mosaic of Christian Belief by Roger E. Olson, recommended by Janelle Breckell as “an introduction to the varied and diverse doctrines of Christian denominations over time, discovering unity in our diversity and underlining the both-and rather than the either-or. A really useful guide on understanding our consensus on what defines us as Christians.”
Surprised by Hope by Tom Wright, recommended by Chris Berry as “an intelligent and engaging book which helps the reader understand what the Christian faith is all about. Changed my life as I realised I had some pretty muddled beliefs about the resurrection and God prior to reading it. Started my journey into theological study. Theology should be accessible and this book is.”
The Story of a Soul, the autobiography of Thérèse de Lisieux, recommended by Sandy Thomson, who says the book has had “the biggest emotional impact” on his life. He adds, “It is easy to challenge her sanity, petulance and theology as naive at best. However, seeing her mature in her faith, doubting and feeling unworthy all the way, until her early death reminds that we don’t need to be the greatest theologian, the strongest Christian, the most mature, always right… The important thing she taught me is that it can be enough to be the little flower of Jesus, loved and cherished by him.”
The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware, also recommended by Sandy for theology buffs as a book exploring alternative views of faith - “I was surprised to find the large number of times I was forced to agree with the thinking.”
Jesus a Short Life: The Historical Evidence by John Dickson, recommended by Jacqui Lloyd as being “helpful for anyone wondering what we can know for sure about the Jesus of history, given that we live in an age where there is a constant stream of bizarre claims, conspiracy theories and fabrications.”
Letters from a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with his father's questions about Christianity, by Dr Gregory A. Boyd and Edward K. Boyd, also recommended by Jacqui for those who have lots of questions, such as, “If God is good why is there suffering in the world?” and “Isn't the Bible full of myths?”
A More Christlike God - A More Beautiful Gospel, recommended by Fran Francis. If you’ve ever felt like Jesus is nicer than God, you’re not alone! Brad’s work puts God and Jesus back together for us. Beautifully! This book is the first of a series, followed by A More Christlike Faith and soon to come A More Christlike Church.
Families
FaithBox, recommended by Janelle Breckell as being “made for the Kiwi family (so no cheesy American stuff)” and flexible enough to cover age groups 5-12 with very little preparation.
Children, Can You Hear Me and Jesus Showed Us! by Brad Jersak, recommended by Fran as a great way to introduce kids to the love of Jesus.
The New Copernicans: Millenials and the Survival of the Church by David John Seel Jr, recommended by Jacqui Lloyd for parents and those working with young people who can't quite figure out where they're coming from”.
Music
Worship Artistry, recommended by Janelle Breckell for worship musicians/vocalists wanting to improve their skills or figure out parts to some of the most popular (and modern) worship songs. $10 a month p/p (less if a group joins together) and you can cancel anytime.
Podcasts
Typology with Ian Cron, recommended by Fran Francis, who says “you can’t grow in love of God and others if you don’t know and love yourself. The Enneagram is wonderful for showing the way home to the me God made (not the me I created).”
Contemplify with Paul Swanson, also recommended by Fran as a humble guy “trying to live out what it means to be contemplative, to live an examined life.” These podcasts are interviews with authors and scholars, while his book and poetry recommendations are “good for the soul, gentle, intelligent and grounded.”