Resources

Slow Church: Cultivating Community in the Patient Way of Jesus, by Chris Smith and John Pattison

Slow Church is inspired by the language and philosophy of the Slow Food and other Slow movements to rethink the ways in which we share life together in our church communities. It encourages churches to examine the ways in which we’ve reflexively embraced a culture of unreflective speed, dehumanizing efficiency, and dis-integrating isolationism. More importantly, it paints a picture of the more holistic, interconnected, and abundant life together that we believe people have been called to in Jesus. [IVP | IndieBound | Amazon]

Slow Church Study Guide, by Chris Smith and John Pattison

This eleven-session study guide provides an opportunity to reflect, both individually and in community, on the message of the bestselling Slow Church. Each session features a guide to lector divine, suggested videos that can be watched online, a series of in-depth questions expanded from what is currently in the book, and much more. [IVP | IndieBound | Amazon]

Growing Deeper in Our Church Communities: 50 Ideas for Connection in a Disconnected World, by Chris Smith

In an age characterized by fragmentation and alienation, what role can churches play in bringing people back together again? In this ebook, Chris offers 50 ways we can become more deeply connected in our congregations and in our neighborhoods. Scot McKnight said about this book: “Fantastic practical ideas that most local churches can do to help connection and fellowship.” [Download for free]

Slow Church Expanded Reading List

The Englewood Review of Books is producing an ongoing series of expanded reading lists for each chapter of the Slow Church.
 

Other Favorite Books

The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches are Transforming Mission, Discipleship, and Community, by Paul Sparks, Tim Soerens, and Dwight J. Friesen

John Pattison on The New Parish: “Across North America and around the world, churches are moving into the neighborhood, faithfully rooting themselves there, and connecting with neighbors to weave a fabric of care in their communities. The New Parish is the handbook for that movement. Paul, Tim, and Dwight have been mentors in my own journey into place. It’s likely that my copy of their wise, inspiring, and even essential book will never make it on to my bookshelf; I’ll keep it close at hand and return to it again and again.” [IVP | IndieBound | Amazon]

Shrink: Faithful Ministry in a Church-Growth Culture, by Tim Suttle

Chris Smith on Shrink: “In the tradition of the biblical prophets, Tim Suttle boldly but gently calls us out of our American obsession with bigness and greatness toward a vision of church life rooted in faithfulness. Shrink is one of the wisest and most significant evangelical books that I’ve read in the last decade; it is essential reading for every pastor and church leader!” [IndieBound | Amazon]

The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry, by Mandy Smith

John Pattison on The Vulnerable Pastor: “No kidding: If I could make one new book magically appear on the bedside table of every minister, priest, deacon, and elder in North America, The Vulnerable Pastor would be it. Mandy Smith’s wise and hopeful book is timely, a much-needed antidote to theinfluence of macho-leadership-run-amok, which has wrecked so many pastors and churches. It is also timeless, an important reminder that God’s power is made perfect in weakness. If you are a pastor, please read this book; if you have a pastor, please read it with them.” [IVP | IndieBound | Amazon]