by Jeff Wright
Every so often, it is good to step back and ask, “What am I reading?” How do we stir the imagination and prime the pump for what’s next in our lives and ministry? Here’s my current reading list:
Emilio Alvarez, Pentecost: A Day of Power for All People (IVP, The Fullness of Time Series: 2023). The Fullness of Time Series is a series of slim volumes designed to introduce evangelicals to the traditional church calendar. Previous works on Advent, Epiphany, and Lent are each excellent in creating an intersection between evangelical missional passion and “high-church” liturgical worship. This small book on Pentecost reminds us that Pentecost isn’t just for Pentecostals.
Tim Brown, with Erik Kratz, The Tao of the Backup Catcher: Playing Baseball for the Love of the Game (Twelve | Hatchette Book Group: 2023). This book represents a lot of intersections for me. I’ve been the backup catcher (also known as, “the 25th guy”). I played baseball not because I was good at it, but because I love the game. I’ve always admired the career of Erik Kratz from afar (and now that I live much of the year in Upper Bucks County, fanboy Jeff would like to meet up some time…).
As pastors, most of us will labor without preaching to large congregations, or appearing on TV, or writing a book. We labor for the love of Christ and His church. Kratz’s story has many pearls of wisdom for those who serve in the work of the Lord.
Michelle Hershberger, Why Did Jesus Die? And What Difference Does It Make? (Herald Press, The Jesus Way Series: 2019). Another strong volume within an important and readable series of slim books. Hershberger does a fantastic job unpacking the meaning of atonement. The elders at Blooming Glen (PA) just read this book, and held a series of lively discussions about Christology. I’ve always believed that we can have vigorous and productive discussions in the church with the right resources. Hershberger has given the church a small theological gem to process a big (maybe the biggest) question in our faith.
Stuart Murray, The New Anabaptists: Practices for Emerging Community (Herald Press: 2024). This book is the long-awaited sequel to Stuart’s earlier book, “The Naked Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials of a Radical Faith.” (Herald Press: 2010). In this volume, Stuart and a band of UK collaborators clothe the Anabaptist movement with a set of spiritual habits and practices that unify the people of God around love for Jesus, serving our neighbors, and making peace. Perhaps if all of us who call ourselves Anabaptist or Mennonite put on this suit of Jesus-centered service and peacemaking habits, we might not have as much to divide over.
These four books will inspire some, irritate many, encourage most, and entertain readers of all manner of attention spans. This spring, take a break from all the gardening and lawncare, pour a glass of iced tea, and open one of these books…you’ll be glad you did.
Jeff Wright
Jeff Wright is a Mosaic Conference Leadership Minister. He is also a member of the Missional Priority Team and the official old curmudgeon of the conference staff. When not reading, or cheering for his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, he is serving as interim pastor at Blooming Glen (PA). He has dreams of batting 9th and playing backup catcher for the Mosaic Conference baseball team.
The opinions expressed in articles posted on Mosaic’s website are those of the author and may not reflect the official policy of Mosaic Conference. Mosaic is a large conference, crossing ethnicities, geographies, generations, theologies, and politics. Each person can only speak for themselves; no one can represent “the conference.” May God give us the grace to hear what the Spirit is speaking to us through people with whom we disagree and the humility and courage to love one another even when those disagreements can’t be bridged.