A title from Scazzero’s “Emotionally Healthy” series where he addresses relational practice and principles including listening and clarifying expectations.

Crouch does a fantastic job writing to parents about why setting boundaries around technology is so important.  But what I love most is that he’s not anti-technology (quite the opposite).  Rather, he asks poignant questions and advocates for wise choices that vary from family to family and as kids mature.  It feels like a guide that helps families make their own decisions.

Swanson’s book focuses on the reality that predominantly white churches in an American context do not begin from ‘scratch’ when it comes to spiritual formation but have already been ‘discipled’ to a certain extent by the distorted ideology and value systems of racialized hierarchy and white supremacy. As a result, Swanson argues, efforts related to discipleship and formation must focus both on dismantling elements of misguided discipleship and malformation influenced by American history and culture, as well as re-discipling and renewing Christian formation in ways that are oriented toward pursuing racial justice as a non-negotiable aspect of the vocation of Christian communities.

Cindy Lee’s book is grounded in an understanding that formation is always already happening, before – and indeed, whether – one intentionally seeks to implement it. In addition, the author proposes that spiritual formation is best understood not so much as a unidirectional straight line of progress from point A to point B, but rather as a constant process of formation and deformation, or “unforming” and “re-forming.” Lee argues that teaching on spiritual formation in the Christian church has been so thoroughly shaped by predominantly white, Western voices, perspectives, paradigms and traditions that it frequently fails to adequately inform and sustain the needs of Christian communities in more diverse, global, and multicultural environments. As a result, the author proposes an intentional “de-Westernizing” of resources and practices associated with spiritual formation, so as to foster an approach to discipleship and formation that is more hospitable and effective within a global and pluralistic Christian context. **note: this resource comes from a perspective that differs in some ways from conservative evangelical and charismatic traditions; still, it offers a proposal that I think is worth considering and wrestling with**

This is a really practical resource for parents that’s written by parents and youth pastors.  It reflects a good understanding of current youth culture and has especially helpful sections on dealing with porn and bullying online.

All four of the books listed revolve around a common theme and explore specific aspects of that theme in detail. The fundamental set of insights that animate both the more academic trilogy and the more accessible 2016 book are (1) that liturgies and habits are not optional but inevitable components of human formation, operative both in specifically religious traditions and in broader cultural contexts; and (2) that the dynamics of human worship and spiritual formation are animated not so much by what one thinks or believes but rather by the concrete practices and rhythms that express and reinforce what one loves, or desires. Smith’s work consistently challenges readers to become more aware of the cultural liturgies and practices that are already doing important formational work, and to be intentional about developing distinctly Christian counter-liturgies that are oriented toward the worship of God.

This book provided sound theological discussion on spiritual formation with strong connections 
to individual psychological concerns like development, identity and culture.

Another title in Cloud’s popular “boundaries” series that focuses on the marriage relationship.

Popular book to help individuals establish personal boundaries for better health.