The best sellers

Christian book top sellers for late 2006 and early 2007 include the following:

 

Abingdon Press/United Methodist Publishing

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

Making Spiritual Sense: Christian Leaders as Spiritual Interpreters, by Scott Cor­mode (978­0­687­49223­7, $15.00). The heart of congregational leadership lies in helping church members under­stand their lives in spiritual terms. Everyone agrees that congregational leadership is important; few agree on exactly what it is. Some claim it has to do primarily with vision casting; others say it is all about effective administra­tion, or serving as a change agent. Cor­mode contends that all of these defini­tions forget that leadership in the church differs from leadership in other groups and organizations in one essen­tial aspect–the congregational leader’s first calling is to help parishioners see the world and their place in it through God’s eyes. Scott Cormode is the Hugh De Pree Associate Professor of Leader­ship Development at Fuller Theologi­cal Seminary and the De Pree Leader­ship Center. An ordained Presbyterian minister, he is the founder of both the Academy of Religious Leadership and the Journal of Religious Leadership.

Strong Was Her Faith: Women of the New Testament, by J. Ellsworth Kalas (978­0­687­64121­5, $9.75) In this follow­up to The Thirteen Apostles, Kalas focuses on 11 women who were crucial to the story of the New Testament. He exam­ines the scriptures to find what readers can learn about and from these women and how each one fit into and shaped the New Testament. Included are chap­ters on Elizabeth, Anna, Martha, her sister Mary, Mary Magdalene, Dorcas, Lydia, and more. Includes a study guide. J. Ellsworth Kalas has been part of the faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary since 1993, after 38 years as a United Methodist pastor and five years in evangelism with the World Methodist Council. He has been a pre­senter on “Disciple” videos and is the author of more than thirty books.

Best Sellers 2006

The New Interpreter’s^® Dictionary of the Bible Volume 1, A­C. Katherine Doob Sakenfeld, general editor (978­0­687­05427­5, $75.00). The best quality in contemporary biblical scholarship on a comprehensive range of topics from the Old and New Testaments, the Deutero­canonical books, and from contextual studies of the ancient Near East and the Greco­Roman worlds and their litera­tures. Easy to use and practical. In­cludes maps, charts, and illustrations. NRSV translation. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld is the William Albright Eisenberger Professor of Old Testa­ment Literature and Exegesis at Prince­ton Theological Seminary. She is 2007 President of the Society of Biblical Lit­erature. Her books include Faithfulness in Action: Loyalty in Biblical Perspective (Fortress Press), and Just Wives? Stories of Power and Survival in the Old Testa­ment Today (WJK).

Direct Hit: Aiming Real Leaders at the Mission Field, by Paul Borden (978­0­687­33194­9, $18.00). Strategies for bringing about positive congregational change. Many congregations are declin­ing due to an inward focus and tend to see their pastor as someone who should only minister to their needs. However, pastors must anticipate a better future. Direct Hit offers hope to leaders of con­gregations that have lost their outward focus. Paul Borden, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of the West, helped initiate the “teaching church” movement and is in demand nationally as a church consultant. Bor­den’s first Abingdon Press book, Hit the Bullseye, is also a bestseller.

Treasures of the Transformed Life: Satisfy­ing Your Soul’s Thirst For More, by John Ed Mathison (978­0­687­33445­2, $16.00). Whether used for personal study, a class lesson plan, or in a congre­gation­wide 40­day reading program, these daily readings embrace desiring a better life, experiencing meaningful prayer, building the church as a team, finding new ways to serve, unleashing generous giving, and living the trans­formed life. Designed to be an integral part of the stewardship program —

Transformed Giving: Realizing Your Con­gregation’s Full Stewardship Potential. John Ed Mathison has been pastor of Frazer Memorial UMC in Mont­gomery, Ala., for 29 years.

 

Augsburg Publishing/ Fortress Press

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

Creating a Habitat for Humanity No Hands but Yours by Jonathan T. M. Reckford and foreword by Jimmy Carter. (978­0­8006­3888­7, $10.00). Habitat for Humanity CEO Jonathan Reckford tells the story of how Habitat has touched the lives of people around the world and is transforming not only those receiving housing but those who participate as builders. The book in­cludes a “justice, mercy, and humility” self­check and lays out a list of action suggestions. It includes an online dis­cussion guide and worship resource at www.creatingahabitat.org. “Jonathan Reckford has captured stories and expe­riences that tell the true meaning of ‘love thy neighbor as thyself.'” — Janet Huckabee, former first lady of Arkansas and coordinator for Governor’s Wives Women Build Program.

Faith and Fitness Diet and Exercise for a Better World by Tom P Hafer (978­0­8066­5331­0, $14.99). What does faith have to do with fitness? What is the connection between being spiritually well and physically well? Author Tom Hafer answers these questions as he ex­plores the connections between a strong faith and everyday lifestyle choices. Filled with practical ideas, this guide to total wellness, physically and spiritually, shows the connections be­tween real food and “living water.” “Tom’s book gives straightforward ad­vice. What makes it special is Tom’s in­sight into what is truly important in life–God and family–and how he uses his priorities as motivation for good health.” — Charles Springer, M.D., SW Florida.

 

Best Sellers 2006

The Jonah Factor: Thirteen Spiritual Steps to Finding the Job of a Lifetime by Ed Klodt (978­0­8066­5617­5, $12.99). This unique and proven thirteen­step process utilizes a combination of spiri­tual discernment, an inventory of tal­ents and abilities, and close partnership with a congregation to help readers dis­cern what jobs, careers, and volunteer activities will provide the delight and fulfillment God intends. “Ed Klodt has nailed it. The largest issue of concern for any wage earner is a sense of fulfill­ment and being in the right place. The Jonah Factor is compelling, engaging, and a must read for anyone who is in­terested in finding God’s call.” — Larry Kreider, president, the Gathering, USA.

Walking Together through Illness: Twelve Steps for Caregivers and Care Receivers by Wanda Scott Bledsoe and Milt Bledsoe (978­0­8066­5292­4, $11.99). In Sep­tember 2003, Wanda Scott Bledsoe’s husband returned from a church work trip to Mexico with an unexplained weakness that grew worse over the next nine months. In this powerful true sto­ry the author interviews her husband as they journey together through his ill­ness. In each chapter they offer inspira­tion and practical advice as they share the realistic challenges of a caregiver and care receiver and the faithful ways they met those challenges.

The Unfolding Drama of the Bible, Fourth Edition by Bernhard W. Anderson (978­0­8006­3560­2, $13.00). In this concise and inspiring volume, one of the most revered contemporary biblical theolo­gians introduces readers to the dramat­ic sweep of the Bible in eight carefully crafted study sessions that make clear the Bible’s central messages. This is an ideal book for adult study individually or in Bible study groups. “Anderson’s readable and perceptive study book provides one of the most accessible brief presentations of what the Bible is about that one will find anywhere.” — Patrick D. Miller, Princeton Theologi­cal Seminary.

 

Ave Marie Press

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

Crossing the Desert: Learning to Let Go, See Clearly, and Live Simply by Robert J. Wicks (978­1­933495­08­8, $18.95). Robert J. Wicks, noted psychologist and best­selling author of Riding the Dragon and Everyday Simplicity, offers an insightful guide on how the wisdom of the ancient desert monks can help contemporary readers grow in personal freedom and authenticity. Exploring the early Christian monastic movement of the Desert Fathers and Mothers through a psychological lens, Dr. Wicks uses their wisdom to guide readers to­wards humility and freedom. In the same way the desert sages never gave answers, but always asked questions, Crossing the Desert presents readers with the Four Desert Questions that will lead them to take three steps to inner freedom.

A Book of Hours: Thomas Merton by Kathleen Deignan (978­1­933495­05­7, $20.00). Thomas Merton was the most popular proponent of the Christ­ian contemplative tradition in the twen­tieth century. Now, for the first time, some of his most lyrical and prayerful writings have been arranged into A Book of Hours, a rich resource for daily prayer and contemplation that imitates the in­creasingly popular ancient monastic practice of “praying the hours.” Editor Kathleen Deignan mined Merton’s vo­luminous writings, arranging prayers for Dawn, Day, Dusk, and Dark for each of the days of the week. A Book of Hours allows for a slice of monastic con­templation in the midst of hectic mod­ern life, with psalms, prayers, readings, and reflections

Best Sellers of 2006

The Dance of Life: Weaving Sorrows and Blessings into One Joyful Step by Henri J.M. Nouwen, edited by Michael Ford (978­1­594710­87­2, $12.95). At the heart of Henri Nouwen’s theology is the idea that the spiritual life is a process of embracing human imperfec­tions and finding the transforming power of God at work within us. In this new anthology, Michael Ford gathers Nouwen selections to guide you through the darkness, loneliness, and turmoil of life’s tough challenges. Ford taps Nouwen’s profound insight into psycho­spiritual development with writings from his earliest works as a young psychology lecturer, his famous paperbacks that emerged during his days as a professor, and his prolific con­tributions before and after his break­down at L’Arche.

Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2007 by Jesuit Communication Centre, Ireland (978­1­594710­97­1, $14.95). Descrip­tion: The 2007 edition of Sacred Space: The Prayer Book offers a practical, portable way to pray throughout the year. Sacred Space: The Prayer Book 2007 is a prayer guide inspired by the very popular, successful, interactive Web site, www.sacredspace.ie . Both the book and the site offer a way to reflect and pray each day of the liturgical year; both present a time to quietly connect with God and a space to be spiritually nour­ished, healed, challenged, and trans­formed.

Live, Laugh and Be Blessed: Finding Hu­mor and Holiness in Everyday Moments by Anne Bryan Smollin (978­1­893732988, $12.95). By popular de­mand, the best­selling author of Tickle Your Soul serves up another generous helping of friendly, smart, upbeat coun­sel on the powerful benefits of a positive viewpoint. Anne Bryan Smollin says that finding joy in life and grasping its beauty is not hard. It is a choice we make, one that leaves us more in touch, more aware, and more eager to share life with others. She shows us that while difficulty, stress, and sorrow will always be a part of life, a positive attitude–and a healthy dose of good humor–will help us live each moment, both good and bad, more fully

 

 

Bethany House Publishing

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

The Book of Worship: 365 Inspiring Read­ings Based on Worship Songs and Classic Hymns by John Randall Dennis (978­0­7642­0067­4, $17.99). Songs, hymns, Scripture, and devotional readings arranged thematically through the Christian calendar leads the reader in a unique personal worship experience.

The Heir by Paul Robertson (978­0­7642­0324­X, $18.99). A Grisham­esque page­turner placing the sole heir to a fortune at the center of a corrupt empire seeking an escape before it is too late.

Summer of Light (978­0­7642­2996­6, $13.99) Christy­award­winning novel­ist W. Dale Cramer tells a poignant and often humorous tale of a family with unexpected role­reversals; packed with true­to­life characters and themes to enlighten the soul.

Best Sellers of 2006

Creating an Intimate Marriage by Jim Burns (978­0­7642­0206­5, $19.99). The president and host of HomeWord, Burns, with affection, warmth, and en­couragement, shows couples how to set the emotional temperature of their marriage.  

Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People by Leith An­derson (978­0­7642­0270­7, $14.99). This expanded retelling of the life of Je­sus includes all the details from the Gospels in chronological order, the geopolitical scene, the historical and cultural settings, and the likely emo­tions and motives of those who inter­acted with Him.

The Portable Seminary: A Master’s Level Overview in One Volume, David Horton, General Editor (978­0­7642­0160­3, $34.99). This comprehensive volume addresses church history, missions, ethics, and much more in a survey of a seminary study. Contributors to this es­sential resource include John W. Stott, Ravi Zacharias, and Norman L. Geisler.

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

The End of Memory: Remembering Right­ly in a Violent World by Miroslav Volf (978­0­8028­2989­4, $22.00). We live in an age when it is generally accepted that past wrongs — genocides, terrorist attacks, bald personal injustices — should be constantly remembered. But Miroslav Volf here proposes the radical idea that letting go of such memories — after a certain point and under certain conditions — may actually be the ap­propriate course of action. While agreeing with the claim that to remem­ber a wrongdoing is to struggle against it, Volf notes that there are too many ways to remember wrongly, perpetuat­ing the evil committed rather than guarding against it. He argues that re­membering rightly has implications not only for the individual but also for the wrongdoer and for the larger commu­nity.

Invincible Spirits: A Thousand Years of Women’s Spiritual Writings by Felicity Leng (978­0­8028­2453­0, $15.00). In Invincible Spirits Felicity Leng presents wise, inspiring words from brilliant women who have been the revealers of their times. Many silent and forgotten voices throughout history come back to life in this collection of spiritual writ­ings. From a ninth­century mother in France writing a poignant self­help book for her estranged son, to a mod­ern­day social campaigner in New York, Invincible Spirits is full of reflections on classic themes and questions in the search for a deeper experience of God. The profound wisdom of these women still has great appeal for twenty­first­century readers seeking spiritual guid­ance and direction.

 

Best Sellers of 2006

Eat This Book: A Conversation in the Art of Spiritual Reading by Eugene H. Pe­terson (978­0­8028­2948­1, $20.00). The second part of Peterson’s momen­tous five­volume work on spiritual the­ology, Eat This Book challenges us to read the Scriptures on their own terms, as God’s revelation, and to live them as we read them. He draws readers into a fascinating conversation on the nature of language, the ancient practice of lec­tio divina, and the role of Scripture translations; included here is the “inside story” behind Peterson’s own popular Bible translation, The Message. Coun­tering the widespread practice of using the Bible for self­serving purposes, Pe­terson here serves readers with a nour­ishing entrée into the formative, life­changing art of spiritual reading.

Giving to God: The Bible’s Good News about Living a Generous Life by Mark Al­lan Powell (978­0­8028­2926­9, $13.00). Filled with good news, Mark Allan Powell’s Giving to God shows Christians the way to a better life and a better relationship with their money — and with God. Powell presents steward­ship as an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a discipline for spiritual growth. Faithful use of our money starts with a deep, satisfying relation­ship with the God. We can then learn to give gladly and generously out of our heartfelt connection with God. Infor­mative, concise, and eminently practical Giving to God gives us resources for best using the treasures, material and otherwise, that God has given us.

The Sense of the Call: A Sabbath Way of Life for Those Who Serve God, the Church, and the World by Marva J. Dawn (978­0­8028­4459­0, $16.00). In Keeping the Sabbath Wholly (1989) Marva Dawn in­troduced the vital Sabbath aspects of resting, ceasing, feasting, and embrac­ing. Now, in The Sense of the Call, she expands these into a way of life for serv­ing God and the Kingdom every single day of the week. Dawn teaches skills such as learning to rest in prayer, saying no to busyness, enjoying one’s body as God’s temple, and embracing the cost of living as a Christian disciple.

 

InterVarsity Press

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton (0­8308­3316­1, $17.00). Mark Labberton reconnects Christian worship with issues of injustice in this prophetic book. From beginning to end, worship must do justice and seek righteousness, translating into trans­formed lives that care for the poor and the oppressed. Move beyond the com­fort of safe worship to authentic wor­ship that challenges injustice.

AD 33 by Colin Duriez (0­8308­3396­X, $22.00). How did Jesus shape histo­ry? In A.D. 33 an obscure religious teacher died a criminal’s death in a dis­tant outpost of the Roman Empire. Yet this was an event with world­changing consequences. What was the world like in that momentous year? Colin Duriez’s compelling book brings to life events in the Roman Empire and beyond.

Best Sellers 2006

Evil and the Justice of God by N.T. Wright  (0­8308­3398­6, $18.00). N.T. Wright explores all aspects of evil and how it presents itself in society today. Fully grounded in the story of the Old and New Testaments, this presentation is provocative and hopeful; a fascinating analysis of and response to the funda­mental question of evil and justice that faces believers.

Fabricating Jesus by Craig Evans (0­8308­3318­8, $19.00). Why are schol­ars so prone to fabricate a new Jesus? Why is the public so eager to accept such claims without question? What methods and assumptions predispose scholars to distort the record? Is there a more sober approach to finding the real Jesus? Craig Evans offers a sane ap­proach to examining the sources for un­derstanding the historical Jesus.

The New Friars by Scott Bessenecker (0­8308­3601­2, $15.00). Have you been called by God to stick out, act out, speak out? Are you ready to set aside comfort and privilege for meaning and impact? Scott Bessenecker profiles young Christians who have done just that, making radical commitments to seek justice and mercy among the poor and suffering people of the world.

 

Paraclete Press

Two Early Best Sellers 2007

Mudhouse Sabbath: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Disciplines by Lauren Win­ner (978­1­55725­532­7, $14.95). De­spite her conversion from Orthodox Ju­daism to Christianity, Lauren Winner finds that her life is still shaped by the rich traditions and spiritual practices of Judaism. In this book, Winner presents eleven Jewish spiritual practices that can transform the way we view the world, and God. Whether discussing prayer, weddings, burials, candle light­ing, or the differences between the Jew­ish Sabbath and a Sunday spent at the Mudhouse, her favorite coffee shop, Winner writes with appealing honesty and rare insight.

Praying in Color: Drawing a New Path to God by Sybil MacBeth (978­1­55725­512­9, $16.95). Sybil MacBeth was first taught to pray by her mother. When she became a young adult, she grew to love the rhythms and poetry of prayer. Prayer has always been vivid for Sybil. Today, she uses her unique ability to combine left and right brain to quite lit­erally pray in color. “This is the most invigorating and enabling book about prayer that I have seen in years! Wry, funny, accessible, wise beyond all ap­pearances, and deeply spiritual, Mac­Beth warms the soul as well as the heart. So will praying in color.” — Phyllis Tickle, compiler, The Divine Hours.

Saving Erasmus: A Novel by Steven Cleaver (978­1­55725­498­6, $21.95). When fresh seminary graduate, Andrew Benoit, is sent to the tiny parish of Erasmus, he soon encounters the Angel of Death who threatens to destroy the town. What ensues is both deadly fun and deadly serious. Along the way, An­drew follows many paths of inquiry, dis­covering the history of the American cinema, encounters with medieval saints, fear of the apocalypse, the Angel of Death, and conversations with a cu­rious group of mystics who meet at the Instant Coffee Cup. This modern­day Jonah tries desperately to save a small town only to discover that he himself is the one who needs saving.

Best Sellers of 2006

Man of Blessing: A Life of St. Benedict by Carmen Acevedo Butcher (978­1­55725­485­6, $21.95). Using a wide range of original sources, legends, and ancient documents dating back to the time of St. Benedict of Nursia, Man of Blessing guides readers into the many details of this medieval holy man. Butcher uses the historical and cultural background of his era, paired with cre­ative, yet realistic, dialogue between Benedict and the important figures in his life, to paint a complete picture of his unusual life and times.

Real Mary: Why Evangelical Christians Can Embrace the Mother of Jesus by Scot McKnight (978­1­55725­523­7, $19.95) Join popular biblical scholar Scot McKnight as he explores the con­tours of Mary’s life, from the moment she learned of God’s plan for the Messi­ah, to the culmination of Christ’s min­istry on earth. McKnight dismantles the myths and also challenges our preju­dices. He introduces us to a woman who is a model for faith, and who points us to her son.

Strange Heaven: The Virgin Mary as Woman, Mother, Disciple and Advocate by Jon M. Sweeney (978­1­55725­432­0, $23.95) Richly detailed, carefully re­searched, and imbued with spiritual sensitivity, Strange Heaven delves into the mystery and history surrounding the life and legends of the Virgin Mary. Award­winning author Jon M. Sweeney explores the many meanings of Mary’s life and the celebration of her legacy throughout the ages and around the world.

 

Zondervan

Best Sellers of 2006

Archaeological Study Bible: An Illustrated Walk through Biblical History and Cul­ture, (Hardcover: 978­0­310­92605­4, $49.99, also available in leather cover and in large print editions). The Ar­chaeological Study Bible sheds new light on the Bible, and is in the most read, most trusted NIV translation. From the beginnings of Genesis to the end of Revelation, this study Bible is filled with informative articles and full­color photographs of places and objects that will open your eyes to the histori­cal context of the stories you read and the people you meet in Scripture.

Inspired By … The Bible Experience (New Testament audio CD) (Hardcover: 978­0­310­92605­4, $49.99, also available in leather cover and in large print edi­tions). Inspired By … The Bible Experience is a fully­dramatized reading of the Bible performed by an ensemble of dis­tinguished African­American actors, musicians, and personalities. The cast includes the voices of Forest Whitaker, Blair Underwood, and Angela Bassett. The dramatization is further enriched by an original musical score composed by Grammy award–winning producers. And the recording is truly contempo­rary, using the accessible and trusted Today’s New International Version (TNIV) of the Bible.