In the age of the smart phone, picking a book can seem very old fashioned. But it’s a great way to slow down, open up your mind to other ideas and snap out of the doom loop of social media. Here’s six of our top 6 reads for this summer.
1. Forgiveness by Dr Amy Orr-Ewing
Summer is often the season of rioting and anger, but Abi Thomas suggests putting down your bricks, and picking up this book on forgiveness by the amazing theologian Amy Orr-Ewing instead. Abi says:
“I read it in one sitting and was changed. In the introduction Amy explains that her husband suffered horrendous abuse as a child, and that she herself acts as an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, including going with people to court to help them get justice. It’s within the context of that understanding of the harm that people can cause to each other that she write about forgiveness. It’s not a glib “you must forgive” approach. Forgiveness is not cheap, and it does not require us to become doormats, but it is powerful.”
2. The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung
It’s an oldie but goldie! This summer Matt Britton has been revisiting The Father Heart of God by Floyd McClung. A global missions leader, who spent thirty five years with YWAM, Floyd also co-founded All Nations, an international church-planting network. He went to be with the Lord in 2021, but his legacy lives on.
Matt Says, “I first picked this up as a newcomer to faith years ago. It didn’t just give me a fresh picture of God’s Father heart towards me, it also introduced me to stories of people whose faith spilled out of prayer meetings and out onto the streets. Reading it again all these years later, I’ve been struck by how familiar the stories feel. The people Floyd encountered on the streets of Amsterdam aren’t so different from the people we meet on our estates today. His compassion, honesty and deep belief in God’s love for those on the margins still feels incredibly relevant today.”
3. The Place of Endless Lights by Katy Hollamby
Katy Hollamby is a church planter serving on an estate in Manchester, a long-time friend of Proximity, and someone whose artwork and reflections have been inspiring since the beginning. If you’ve been to one of our conferences, you’ll know her workshops are always packed. Her first full length book is something for all the family.
The Proximity Team says, “Katy has this incredible gift for creating illustrations that are both wildly imaginative and deeply beautiful, with a spirituality that feels alive. That’s exactly how she writes too. She’s crafted what genuinely feels like a future children’s classic. A story that explores light and darkness, fear and courage, through characters you’ll fall head over heels for. A fictional story that somehow leaves you feeling like you’ve learned some deep spiritual truths. Rumor has it there’s a sequel in the making!”
4. Positive Urban Theology by Cris Rogers
Another friend of Proximity, Revd Dr Cris Rogers’s brand new book draws on lived experience and theological framework to help us reimagine urban mission, as Sam Ward found out.
Sam says, ” Cris speaks to church leaders, missionaries, and working class readers alike, calling for a more authentic, rooted, and culturally aware approach to mission. Positive Urban Theology offers a fresh vision for those seeking to love, understand, and serve urban communities well. I’ve been living the urban mission life for many years, and Cris’s book makes me want to start all over again.”
5. Hopeward by Dai Hankey
By the time summer rolls around, it’s easy to find yourself running on empty. If you’re feeling a little tired or simply longing for something that nourishes your soul, Dai Hankey’s book is Theresa Jackson‘s recommendation. Preacher, author, church-planting pastor, and passionate social reformer, Dai has also been a past contributor to Proximity.
Theresa says, “Finding a book that speaks to the heart of weariness feels like a breath of fresh air. By its very nature weariness often leads to isolation and shame, so having someone give language to this journey brings reassurance and hope. Dai is incredibly honest. Through his vulnerability and kindness, we hear some of his own story and what has helped him walk through the last few decades of church ministry.”
6. I Didn’t Ask For Any of This: Church, Comedy and Cancer by Allan Finnegan
Baptist minister, Britain’s Got Talent favourite, husband, dad, stand-up comic, and scouse legend Allan Finnegan was recently promoted to glory. Before he left us, he gifted us this remarkable book, packed with stories and life lessons that linger long after the final page. As his friend Tom Grant writes.
Tom says, “This is one of the easiest books I’ve ever recommended.
I had the privilege of serving alongside Allan for 13 years as he faithfully led Emmanuel Baptist Church on an estate in Bootle, where he ministered for more than 20 years. Following his recent passing, this book has become an even more precious reminder of the man he was and the God he trusted.
This isn’t simply a book about cancer. It’s an honest, funny and hope-filled account of following Jesus when life doesn’t go to plan. Estate church leaders will particularly appreciate Allan’s heart for long-term, faithful ministry, his love for people, and his unwavering confidence in Christ through both joy and suffering.
You’ll laugh, you’ll probably cry, and I suspect you’ll finish the book wanting to love Jesus more and serve your community with renewed faithfulness.”
Epilogue
Whatever this summer holds, may you find time to slow down, turn a few pages (or pop in your headphones) and discover a story or a truth that keeps you going long after the ice pops have melted.