This Beautiful Mess: Practicing the Presence of the Kingdom of God
by Rick McKinley (revised and updated edition).
I came across this book about 15 years ago and have read it at least three times now (on my own and with others). I love this book because its honest about the messy and vital call of Jesus to be agents of God's influence in a complicated world. I also love the examples Rick provides of individuals and one congregation working this out into practice (in a city much like ours - He's in Portland). Well worth the read. Would also be a great small group study (discussion questions included).
The Future of our Faith
by Ron Sider and Ben Lowe.
"Younger Christians are leaving the church in droves, frustrated and disillusioned by the track record of Western Christianity. Older Christians, who still lead most churches, are concerned about this trend. But the generations don't see eye to eye on many things. Here two evangelical leaders forty years apart in age discuss some of the biggest issues challenging Christianity today and into the future, such as marriage, homosexuality, creation care, and politics." This is a unique book, worth reading and discussing across the ages of Lambrick. Would also be a great small group study (discussion questions included).