What are you reading, Elizabeth Alston?

A dear English professor gave me The Hole in Our Gospel as a gift, and it is outstanding! It will revolutionize the way people "do church." I love the passion that Richard Stearns presents for taking care of the poor, the oppressed, widows and orphans. He passionately presents a case for going out into the world and living our faith as we take care of others. It says nothing to others who don't know Christ if we don't take the time to love them and meet their needs.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is on church staff or church leadership. It's time to lead our churches into a lifestyle that represents James 1:27: "Pure religion that God our Father accepts as faultless is this; to take care of orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

As for my reading habits, I love to read for relaxation and usually read books that have themes about social justice or prayer movements on college campuses. Next on my list to read is Red Moon Rising by Pete Greig. It's about the 24/7 prayer movement on college campuses all over the world.

For fun or inspiration I like to read anything by Francis Chan or Pete Greig!

Elizabeth Alston is a student in the MA in Ministry program at HIU.

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. Thomas Nelson. 2009. 368 pp. Trade paper edition $14.99.

Available from Thomas Nelson, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Better World Books. The book may be ordered through the Hope International University Bookstore.

To borrow a copy of the book from a library, check Worldcat.org to see if your library has this book in the collection.