A few Good Reads from February. Connect with me over at Goodreads.com and let’s share our reading adventures.

Spent Matches: Igniting the Signal Fire for the Spiritually Dissatisfied by Roy Moran

Turning an existing church into a Disciple Making Movement. Details what a disciple making movement strategy looks like and then tells the story of Shoals Creek Community Church’s adaptation of the strategy.

Under Our Skin: Getting Real about Race–And Getting Free from the Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us by Benjamin Watson

Powerful testimony, encouragement, and direction from a man of wisdom and faith. Solid answers for how to think about racial issues in the aftermath of events that divide our country.

Milliken’s Bend: A Civil War Battle in History and Memory by Linda Barnickel

A civil war battle in Northeast Louisiana that demonstrated the ability of black soldiers to fight victoriously over the Confederate army. Also, interesting details about life in Northeast Louisiana during the 19th century and aftermath of the Civil War. I’m looking forward to visiting the Milliken’s Bend and Grant’s Canal memorials next time I’m driving across I-20.

In the Way: Church As We Know It Can Be a Discipleship Movement (Again) by Damian Gerke

Another good book on how Disciple Making Movement practices can and should be adapted in the West. I’m going back through this one again very slowly. Much to chew on in this book.

The Story of Joseph Willis by Randy Willis

In the early 1800’s, Joseph Willis started the first evangelical churches West of the Mississippi River. Born a slave in the Carolina’s, Joseph Willis answered God’s call to go west. He endured much to deliver the Gospel to harsh Louisiana. Great story of perseverance. Churches planted and pastored by Joseph Willis are still in existence across south Louisiana today.

They Turned the World Upside Down: A Storyteller’s Journey with Those Who Dared to Follow Jesus by Charles Martin

Fiction writer paraphrases and stories his way through the early church. Always good to hear some new and creative perspectives on the Bible.

Teche: A History of Louisiana’s Most Famous Bayou by Shane K. Bernard

The Teche Bayou runs from Port Barre to Patterson. 125 miles and a lot of history along the banks. Includes the story of an ancient people groups, plantation life, civil war ironclad battles, and the changing nature of transportation and commerce in the south. Good book for anyone who loves south Louisiana.

Movements That Change the World: Five Keys to Spreading the Gospel by Steve Addison

5 Universal Keys to Spreading the Gospel and Starting a Movement:

1. white-hot faith
2. commitment to the cause
3. contagious relationships
4. rapid mobilization
5. adaptive methods

Love Steve Addison’s books, and all his resources at movements.net.