When I was a team leader on the Summer Beach Project back in the 1900s, one of the perks was staying to attend the staff fellowship and training after all the students went home. I remember sitting and listening as the Director taught through the values we held as a ministry and recognizing that, while I had never put words to those things, each of the CO values had become personal. It’s been YEARS since I graduated from Troy State University and went on staff with Campus Outreach. Over the years, I have pulled out that list of values to see if my living still reflects them.
At some point in our ministry history, it was agreed upon that a list of sixteen values was a LONG list, and the leadership did some consolidating. That list is on the website and captures what CO is about. I can still look at that list and wholeheartedly say, ”Amen!” to each. But I have to admit my sentimental heart still loves that old list. I picked a value — Be A Learner — and approached some other “old-timers” for whom I see this value reflected in their lives. This value is NOT just about “book learning,” but I took this opportunity to ask each of them about a book that, as a lifelong learner, they would recommend to someone who wants to continue as a learner. Here are their responses:
Learner: Demps Dempsey
Celebration of Discipline — Richard Foster
- This book opened up a whole new world for me regarding spiritual disciplines, in a more joyful and enticing way than in a dutiful way. The categories of inward, outward, and corporate disciplines helped me see the disciplines in a new way.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness — Tim Keller
- This little booklet was a Godsend to me when I struggled with anxiety. It was a spiritual salve for a mind preoccupied with self, reminding me of the importance of “not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself less.” This is my number one book to pass on to those who are struggling with anxiety. It’s not a clinical remedy but a welcome companion for the soul.
A Praying Life — Paul Miller
- The best book I’ve ever read on prayer, the spiritual discipline that most feeds my soul. It is a great reminder to pray to our Father with child-like faith and simplicity. It is also highly practical, with many new applications for a life of prayer.
Learner: Andy Cheely
The Apostle — John Pollock
- A well-researched and well-written biography of Paul. It will impact how one reads Acts and the epistles in lifelong, positive ways.
Learner: Gary Alward
Faith in Future Grace — John Piper
- God is in my future with the grace that I will need at the moment. That truth keeps me stepping out in faith into situations and the future that I know I cannot handle on my own.
Learner: Kent Bailey
Daws: The Story of Dawson Trotman, Founder of the Navigators — Betty Lee Skinner
- I read this book annually for 12 straight years. The story of prayer, faith, and multiplication never gets old to me.
Learner: Jo Bailey
Suffering is Never for Nothing — Elisabeth Elliot
- A small book full of great truths.
Learner: Olan Stubbs
Pilgrim’s Progress — John Bunyan
- This book offers many vivid images and clear explanations of deep theology, showing how to walk with Christ and battle sin in everyday life.
Learner: Phil Sineath
The Master Plan of Evangelism — Robert Coleman
- When I read this book as a sophomore in college, it changed my life. This book gets you in touch with Jesus’ heart for the harvest and also helps you understand his strategy for bringing it in; a classic on vision and strategy for personal ministry.
Learner: Amy MacCaughelty
Surrender to Love — David Benner
- This book helped me see how often I find myself striving when what I need to do is surrender.
Breath as Prayer — Jennifer Tucker
- Jennifer gives scripture that you pray while intentionally inhaling/exhaling. It’s super helpful when I feel overwhelmed and need to refocus on Jesus.
Gentle and Lowly — Dane Ortland
- This book reiterated God’s heart of love for me in such a tangible way.
Learner: Samm Poteat
Conscience — Andrew David, Naselli, and JD Crowley.
- This book has been really helpful in navigating various perspectives in our Christian circles, where people have different (and often adamant) conclusions about the best ways to honor the Lord. It’s also extremely helpful to think about how our Christian faith plays out in different cultural contexts.
Learner: Joe Naramore
Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness — Gavin Ortlund
- “Self-hiding, self-hatred, self-protection are all forms of self-preoccupation, whereas humility leads us into freedom from thoughts of self altogether.” We think of ourselves too highly and too often, whether through self-actualization strategies or self-abasing maneuvers. In either case, we become people consumed by self. This is not the path to freedom, joy, and fulfillment. Jesus said He came to give us life to the full. The enemy’s evil is to steal, kill, and destroy through subterranean tactics such as self-preoccupation. If we’re going to live in the light, we are signing up to live in humility in community with one another, where hope precludes hiding. This book is a great start on that journey towards healthy integration with God, ourselves, and others.
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