Onward is a magazine for news, stories, and updates from the members of the NAB family. It is published multiple times a year. The resources below were included in the summer 2024 edition.
When People Throw Stones: A Leader’s Guide to Fielding Personal Criticism
by Blaine Allen
Allen helps leaders under attack respond to criticism biblically, working through the bitterness, resentment, and rage that often result. The counsel in this valuable book will help the ministry leader know when to shrug off criticism, when to heed the criticism, and when to say enough is enough.
Necessary Endings
by Dr. Henry Cloud
Dr. Cloud demonstrates how important removing the superfluous is to our fulfillment. Using the imagery of nature, he talks about pruning the healthy branches that are siphoning resources from the best, the sick branches that are not going to get well, and the dead branches that don’t allow others to thrive.
Tale of Three Kings
by Gene Edwards
To the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling tale by Edwards, based on the biblical figures of David, Saul, and Absalom, offers comfort, healing, and hope to those who need it.
The Church of Us Vs. Them
by David Fitch
Fitch takes a close look at what drives the vitriol in our churches, diagnosing the divisiveness so prevalent in our congregations and and shoing a way for the church to be true to itself, unwinding the antagonisms of our day and making space for Christ’s reconciling presence in our day-to-day lives.
Thriving through Ministry Conflict
by James P. Osterhaus, Joseph M. Jurkowski, & Todd A. Hahn
Through the fictional story of a typical pastor embroiled in conflict, the authors show how to handle and resolve conflict in a healthy way. By working through a series of response activities and discussion questions, you will gain powerful insights into the emotional dynamics of conflict.
Generous Justice
by Tim Keller
We follow a God who is generous, not just in grace and mercy but also in his other attributes as well, including justice. Keller explores a life of justice empowered by an experience of grace. This book offers a new understanding of modern justice and human rights that will resonate with all.
Crucial Conversations
by Joseph Grenny, Kerry Patterson, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler, & Emily Gregory
When stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong, you have three choices: Avoid a crucial conversation and suffer the consequences; handle the conversation poorly and suffer the consequences; or tackle the issue by navigating the crucial conversation with care and skill. This book will help you find that best path.
Good and Beautiful and Kind
by Rich Villodas
Villodas writes that these three essential qualities are stolen by sin, powers and principalities, and trauma, but we can get them back through contemplative prayer, humility, and the cultivation of calm presence and find wholeness, healing, and a new collective future—when rooted in the ancient way of Jesus.
The Spirit of Our Politics
by Michael Wear
Wear argues that by focusing on having the “right” politics, we lose sight of the kind of people we are becoming, to destructive results. This book offers a distinctly Christian approach to politics that results in healing rather than division, kindness rather than hatred, and hope rather than despair.
VIDEO
2024 Microchurch Conference: Main Session 3
At the most recent Microchurch Conference, Brian Sanders leads a panel discussion on unity and collaboration. The panel was composed of Caroline Millar of Chalk Lab in the United Kingdom, Bryan Long of Pack in Singapore, and Jeff Vanderstelt of Soma Churches in the Pacific Northwest.
The Holy Post
“Learning to Disagree Respectfully with John Inazu”
Kaitlyn Schiess interviews professor of Law and Religion, John Inazu, about his new book, Learning to Disagree He says our differences don’t have to become divisions, which is a timely message in an election year. (The interview beings at 1:03:00 in the podcast.)
The Russell Moore Show
“A Road Map for Christian Unity”
Russell Moore and producer Ashley Hales answer listener questions on finding a church, theological disagreements, and living out Christian beliefs in the workplace. They talk about partnering across divisions and the belonging that can be born of joining a church community—even when it’s imperfect.