I have a few things I’m reading right now that have been really enjoyable.

Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson: this book asks the question, “Does working at this church interfere with your communion with Christ?”  Wow.  There’s an alarming number of pastors that leave their calling because of burnout, fatique, and/or discouragement within just a few years of entering.  Why is that?  This book attempts to find answers and to address the problem.  Anne is a terrific blogger as well (though she’s on a break for lent).

The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight: Though a tad bit more academic than Mad Church Disease, this has been equally enjoyable.  McKnight is a professor at North Park University in Chicago and also blogs at beliefnet.  I love the question McKnight asks (about biblical interpretation), “What if I’m too conservative to be liberal, and too liberal to be conservative?”  I find myself in that place often.

How to Pray: the Best of John Wesley on Prayer:  John Wesley never blogged (just a few years too early!) so no links to his site.  But, he did start a movement that connects to my heart.  To be quite truthful, I’m terrible at praying.  This book is the jolt I’ve needed for quite some time to reflect on a theology of prayer and the practice therein.  It’s a small book but, again, it’s been enjoyable.

Here’s some music that’s been playing on my computer…

A New Tide by Gomez: Gomez is a band that can’t do much wrong musically in my mind.  They’ve been around since the mid-90′s (though I’ve only been listening for a few years) and just put out a solid work of indie-rock music.

The Long Fall Back to Earth by Jars of Clay: My good buddy Seth gave me this not-yet released album.  Jars of Clay have a special place in my musical library.  Their first album, way back in 1995, was the first “Christian” album I was ever given.  I’ve bought every album since.  While they have enjoyed the same popularity as they had back in 1995, I think their music is equally as pleasing and powerful.