Reading in Community: ICS’s Summer Read, On Tyranny
If you’re like our team at Ministry Forum then summer is a time to slowing oyur pace, catch up on good books, and reconnect with the deeper questions that shape our faith and practice. That’s why we want to highlight an offering from our neighbours at the Institute for Christian Studies (ICS): their 2025 Summer Read, featuring Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century.
Just do ONE thing.
Years ago, when I was on an Inter-mission (if you don’t know what that is… check it out here!) I discovered that I would be OFF for 100 Days. So for those 100 Days I committed to doing just one thing. Each day I’d have one thing I wanted to accomplish - it could be visiting somewhere, fixing something around my home, completing a task from start to finish - but it was always just ONE THING and when it was done. The rest of the day was my own to simply be. It was an amazing way to approach this intentional time away from my ministry context. Just do the one thing!
10 Books for Rest, Renewal and Taking Time Off in Ministry
For pastors and church leaders, the rhythm of constant giving can slowly erode the well of spiritual and emotional strength if not attended to with care. Rest, renewal, and intentional time away are not luxuries, but essential parts of sustaining a healthy and faithful ministry. Whether you're considering a sabbatical, planning a retreat, or simply hoping to find a slower rhythm in your everyday life, these books offer wisdom, encouragement, and practical tools. Below, we've curated a selection of thoughtful reads to inspire rest and support your journey toward spiritual health and vocational sustainability.
Indigenous Stories Book Club
Starting an Indigenous stories book club in you church or small group is more than just adding another event to the calendar—it’s an opportunity for real transformation. As we listen to the experiences of Indigenous peoples through their own words, we begin to see our shared history in a new light. These books invite us into conversations that matter, challenging us to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a pathway to deeper understanding, empathy, and healing
Knox’s Book Club Bingo - Summer ‘24
Over the summer the faculty and staff at Knox College participated in Summer Book Club Bingo. We’ve curated a list of all of the books that were read and we’re sharing the board in case you’d like to try a version of it in your own ministry context (or event a solo journey). Have we mentioned how much we LOVE books at Ministry Forum?
3 Books For Navigating Transitions
Leaving well and starting well are vitally important for both parties - the ministering person and the ministries to which they are beginning or concluding.
It's Raining Books – Hallelujah!
Dive into a World of Books with "It's Raining Books – Hallelujah!"
Books have always been a cornerstone of learning and growth in ministry. They inspire, educate, and connect us to a broader world of ideas and perspectives. We celebrate the transformative power of books and are excited to introduce our new course on CHURCHx: It’s Raining Books – Hallelujah!
Calvin Symposium 2024: Resources and Reflections
I attended the Calvin Symposium on Worship a couple of weeks ago in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I had heard for many years that this was a destination for many clergy, staff and leadership teams among colleagues in the PCC. This was my first time - here are my impressions …
The Best Books of 2023
A round up of the best books from 2023 to help you lead and grow in your ministry context