Andrew Root

The Real Church

Theology

“Harald Hegstad is one of Norway's most interesting theologians, and I couldn't be more excited that his work is now available in English. Hegstad is one of the very rare thinkers who has both an incredible handle on the theological Christian tradition, as well the acumen to do empirical examination of the contemporary state of the church. . . . We have many books about the empirical state of the church and many more on dogmatic/doctrinal ecclesiologies, but few-to-none that put these two important foci together--and together in such a rich way.”

The Reciprocating Self

Theology

“I was a big fan of The Reciprocating Self. It is a rare book that delivers a scientific vision of human development through the logic of the spirit, working hard to show the reader how the depth of the human developmental experience is spiritual. So you can imagine this fanboy's glee with the release of this updated second edition! If you missed it the first time, you're in for a treat. This book will broaden your vision and deepen your understanding. I think it is a must for everypastor, youth worker, and children's minister. And if you read the first edition—say, in a seminary class—now is the time to reread it. This updated version promises you and your ministry new insights.”

Thriving with Stone Age Minds

Science & Faith

“There are many books that discuss why faith and science need to be related, but there are few that move on to discussing how to relate them. Thriving with Stone Age Minds is an exciting exception. Justin Barrett and Pamela King are able guides who give us a way to think about evolution in such a way that doesn't flatten the world but opens us to mystery. Beautifully written and richly argued, this book is a must for anyone who is interested in evolution and faith. For pastors and students in practical theology, this book is a treasure.”

To Mend the World

Children & Youth

“Jason Lief and Kurt Rietema are two of the boldest and wisest people I know thinking about and doing youth ministry. To Mend the World puts this on display in technicolor. The book is deeply thoughtful and helpful. I've been worried that those drawing from innovation theory and social entrepreneurship have not had the patience, attention, and spirit to ask larger theological and philosophical questions to back these practices. However, Lief and Rietema have wonderfully questioned and reworked lessons from these fields of thought. There is much to learn, some things to disagree with, but much more that can bless the minister, young people, and the church in this fine book.”

Waiting for Gospel

Theology

“Douglas John Hall is a treasure, a man I have known whose intellectual depth is matched only by his spirit of kindness. . . . So too is Waiting for Gospel. As people continue to discuss the place of the church in North America leaning on sociology and cultural studies, Doug Hall reminds us that in the end it will be only theology, a lived theology of existential depth, that will help. All the contemporary talk of church in North America has so often failed to provide truly unique and insightful thoughts . . . about how God's revelation in Jesus Christ is encountering people in this context, at this time. Waiting for Gospel propels us in that direction and therefore shines brightly, giving the reader value upon value.”

Wide-Awake in God’s World

Children & Youth

“Graham Stanton has been a stalwart in the global youth ministry conversation for a decade. He’s been a wise voice with a keen mind. That wisdom and depth of insight is on full display in Wide-Awake in God’s World. This is a book that all pastors, youth workers, and students in practical theology should wrestle with.”

Wrestling with Rest

Children & Youth

“Stucky’s wisdom is needed for just this time. If you draw from his wisdom it will change your ministry.”

Youth Beyond the Developmental Lens

Children & Youth

“American Protestant youth ministry is in a strange place: something is dying, and something new is coming. What that new thing might be, none of us is sure. But I am sure that if what's coming is to be faithful, it will need the kind of thinking that Wes Ellis offers in Youth Beyond the Developmental Lens: Being over Becoming. Ellis is a budding star in practical theological reflection on youth ministry, and this book loudly signals his arrival. With great theological depth, sensitivity to the personhood of young people, and a driving appreciation of ministry, Ellis gives us all a gift in this book. Take it, sink your mind and heart into it, and see things differently.”