Since Christians often talk about community as one of their highest ideals it is shocking when they realize that, as Henri Nouwen insightfully noted, “Community is the place where the person you least want to live with always lives.” Fortunately, John Ortberg shares our passion for community and is able to teach us how to live with and love one another. With the insight of a counselor and the heart of a pastor, Ortberg has written one of the best contemporary considerations of community.

Growing up, Donald Miller wished Bill Cosby was his father. Raised by his mother, Donald felt the painful lack of a father figure – and he has transformed his pain into a passion for helping others find mentors. His memoir addresses fatherless men, enlightens parents, and helps readers understand the need for strong role models.

With his vivid storytelling and introspection, Donald takes readers through his coming of age with key topics like falling in love, authority issues, generational interaction, work ethic, staying with the people we love, the life-changing impact of finding the right person for you, and following your dreams. A memoir with a message, this book calls readers to envision how their own personal paincan be transformed into the “authority of empathy,” as they share what they know with someone who needs a guiding hand. Hardcover.

The last command Jesus gave before he ascended to heaven was the Great Commission, the call to “make disciples of all the nations.” But Christians have responded by making “Christians,” not “disciples.” This, according to renowned Christian thinker Dallas Willard, has been the church’s Great Omission. Drawing upon previously published articles from magazines such as Christianity Today and Leadership Journal as well as remarks given at various conferences, Willard challenges the thought that we can be Christians without being disciples. He calls on believers to restore what should be the heart of Christianity – being active disciples of Jesus Christ. Willard shows us that in the school of life, we are apprentices of the Teacher whose brilliance encourages us to rise above traditional church understanding and embrace the true meaning of discipleship – an active, concrete, 24/7 life with Jesus.