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 spring 2023 edition.
BOOKS
Centered-Set Church by Mark D. Baker
Drawing on his extensive experience in church, mission, parachurch, and higher education settings, along with interviews and stories gleaned from scores of firsthand interviews, Baker delivers practical guidance for any group that seeks to be truly centered on Jesus.
Revitalize by Andrew M. Davis
Writing out of his own journey leading church transformation, Davis gives pastors the spiritual support they long for and the practical advice they need to turn their churches around and position them for greater health in the future.
The Church and Its Vocation by Michael W. Goheen
Goheen clearly articulates the missionary understanding of the church as articulated by Lesslie Newbigin, a twentieth-century church leader and writer on missiology, and places it in the context of Newbigin’s core theological convictions.
Becoming a Missionary Church by Michael W. Goheen and Timothy M. Sheridan
This book offers a historical assessment and balanced critique of contemporary church movements, and it calls for the recovery of the missionary nature of the church and commends church practices applicable to any congregation.
How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin L. Gray
The Bible has a lot to say about how to heal our persistent racial divides. In this book, Gray walks us through Scripture, showing us the heart of God, how from the beginning he envisioned a reconciled multiethnic family in loving community, reflecting his beauty and healing presence in the world.
Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil by Christopher B. James
In this book, James attends carefully to stories of ecclesial innovation taking place in Seattle, Washington. His study of the new churches founded in this “post-Christian” city offers both theological reflection and pragmatic advice.
Reappearing Church by Mark Sayers
Throughout history, periods of decline traditionally precede powerful spiritual renewal—and even revival. What if all the bad news in this world is actually good news for the church? Sayers writes with wild hope about how to prepare ourselves and our churches to be a part of renewal now and in the future.
Sent to Flourish edited by Len Tang and Charles Cotherman
Sent, written by a diverse team of scholar-practitioners who have planted churches in a variety of contexts, is theologically grounded while remaining practically oriented. It combines biblical patterns and practice to equip planters to develop their own holistic planting plans.
Invitation to World Missions by Dr. Timothy Tennent
Combining a strong biblical anchor with practical suggestions, this unique text is arranged in three parts according to the Trinity’s roles, relationships, and activity. Dr. Tennent questions whether missions as currently conceptualized is adequate and he challenges us by building the book around key theological foundations.
The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
Villodas lays out a fresh vision for spiritual breakthrough following five key values. This book serves as a roadmap to live in the richly rooted place we all yearn for: a place of communion with God, a place where we find our purpose.
ARTICLE
“We’re All Pioneers Now”
by Mandy Smith
“Outside my window there’s a man treating for termites. He’s whistling. I’m envious. I imagine that whistling while working is possible when you know what you’re doing. I’ve rarely felt that way in ministry. A termite guy is given tools, chemicals, and a uniform, and he appears to be good to go. The tools I’ve been given as a Christian leader often no longer apply to my work. . . .”
PODCAST
The Saturate Podcast: Tin Man Has a Heart
with Jeff Vanderstelt
Jeff Vanderstelt talks with Jeff Schulte, founder and president of Tin Man Ministries, who shares about his journey from brokenness toward emotional and spiritual health, which led to the formation of Tin Man Ministries. The Tinman from the Wizard of Oz didn’t know he had a heart. Far too many people live disconnected from their own heart. Jeff shares how Tin Man Ministries helps people recover and re-engage their heart.
VIDEOS
End Goals: Intro
In this video series, NAB Executive Director Dr. Harry Kelm explains the importance of the End Goals of the NAB. This video introduces each of the end goals and why they are important to us as the NAB. In addition to this intro, there are four additional videos in this series, one for each End Goal of the NAB.
10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation
Celeste Headlee has worked as a radio host for decades, and she knows the ingredients of a great conversation: Honesty, brevity, clarity and a healthy amount of listening. In this insightful talk, she shares ten useful rules for having better conversations.
The Art of Neighboring
Dave Runyun shares his personal story of how he learned to be a good neighbor and shares how to do the same.
WORKBOOK
Multiethnic Conversations: an Eight-Week Journey toward Unity in Your Church
by Mark DeYmaz and Oneya Fennell Okuwobi
Structured around eight weeks of daily readings and thought-provoking questions, this workbook is a Christ-centered, biblically accurate guide that facilitates authentic personal exploration and small group discussion of race, class, and culture.