The 2018 Australian Christian Book of The Year

I have the honour of being one of the judges for the Australian Christian Book Of The Year Award.The award is run by an organisation called SparkLit.org, who promote Christian books in Australia, and around the world. Every year, 10 new books (written by Australians) are chosen to make the shortlist. In 2018, we shortlisted the following books:

A Doubters Guide To Jesus,  by John Dickson

This book shows how secular historians are busting popular myths about Jesus. Dickson is an engaging writer, showing how modern historical scholarship buttresses rather than erodes Christianity.  

Jesus The Game Changer: by Karl Faase with George Marriott & Jane Faase

This beautifully presented book is a companion to the apologetic DVD series, 'Jesus The Game Changer'. It discusses the many ways Jesus' life and teaching radically changed our world for the better. An ideal book to have on your coffee table, or in your waiting room. 

Known By God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity, by Brian Rosner

One of the most contested and urgent issues of our day is human identity: who are we? The Christian worldview gives us an amazing and beautiful answer, which Rosner unpacks in this solid book. Highly recommended for pastors, chaplains, or anyone who wants to understand how God's Word shows us who we really are. (Read a TGCA review here.) 

Mr Eternity: The Story of Arthur Stace by Roy Williams and Elizabeth Myers

The tale of Arthur Stace (the man who chalked 'Eternity' throughout Sydney) is a beautiful tale of God's redeeming grace.  This book gripped me with it's confronting portrayal of Stace's early life, and his amazing rescue by the hand of God. It will encourage Christians, and introduce non-Christians to the God who transforms even the most broken. 

Martin Luther: A Wild boar In the Lord's Vineyard, by Mark Worthing

Martin Luther's life is fascinating, and this book makes brings it together in a short but comprehensive way. Easy to read, yet well researched.

The Frog and The Fish: Reflections on Work, Sex, Technology, Stuff, Truth and Happiness, by Chris Parker

A brilliant book. Aimed at late teens/young adults, this book takes complex ideas and explains them in simple yet profound ways, helping Christian teens navigate secular culture. I wish I had this book in late highschool!

The Bible In Australia: A Cultural History, by Meredith Lake

If you want to know the impact that the Bible and Christianity has made in Australia - from colonial times through to the present - then this is your book. Lake opened my eyes to how many Christians advocated for indigenous rights from colonial times. This book is a refreshing counter to the secularist narrative that Christianity is a negative force in society. 

Pathways: Local Missions for All Kinds of Churches, by Ken Morgan

This book reinforced something that I knew anecdotally: people generally become Christian through relationships: they often belong before they believe. I loved how the author maps out the pathway through which people often become Christian: from cold contact, to knowing a believer, to belonging to some group that includes believers, all before they become Christian. A great book for any ministry leader who wants to align his ministry with how people tend to come to faith. 

Glue: Relationship as the Connection for Effective Youth Ministry, by Mike Stevens

Like the previous book, this book argues through practical experience that strong relationships are vital for youth ministry, and then goes on to show how to do it. Check it out if you're involved in youth ministry.

The Bidura Effect, by E.P. George

A confronting but gripping novel, based on the author's personal experience as a frontline caseworker in the foster care system. Among other things, it made me realise how family brokenness affects children - and their children. It especially shone a light on the institutional mistakes of earlier generations, that particularly affected our indigenous communities. Not a light read, but a good one. So that's the shortlist.Which of these books is the 2018 Australian Christian book of the year?

And the 2018 Australian Christian book of the year is...

I've met with the other judges. And we've decided upon the 2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year. Unfortunately, I'm not yet at liberty to reveal the winner.However, it will be announced on the evening of August 16th, at the SparkLit awards ceremony in Melbourne. (You can find out about it and book tickets HERE.)I'll have a blogpost released first thing on the morning of 17th, with a book review of the winning book.  Photos courtesy: SparkLit.org