Here are some recommendations we hope you will find to be encouraging, informative and edifying.
POLITICS
Politics in the Life of the Church
A Workshop on re-thinking faith and politics with Jonathan Leeman
The idea for this event grew out of our January elder retreat during which we considered how to best shepherd DCC through the upcoming presidential election. Little did we know that 2020 would also include a global pandemic, record-level unemployment, renewed racial tensions, mandated face-masks, a scattering of the church over livestream, and a forced economic recession. Any one of these issues is enough to create division. But, when taken together, we find ourselves amidst a uniquely contentious cultural moment even within Jesus’ church. So, what does it look like to engage these issues as followers of Jesus? How do we love fellow believers well, even while disagreeing with them? That’s what this event is all about. We hope it fuels your worship, grows your love for Jesus’ church, and instills renewed confidence amidst turbulent times. - Pastor Adam Sinnett, Lead Pastor, Downtown Cornerstone Church, August 2020
The Perfect Blend of Politics and Religion
A Three-Part Series with Andy Stanley
What Is Jesus' Take on Politics? Your favorite candidate will win or lose based on how our country votes this November. However, the church will win or lose based on our behavior between now and then.
How Christians Should Approach Politics: Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.
What Is The Role of the Church in Politics? The unity and diversity of the early church shocked and intrigued the ancient world. Ours should as well.
Before You Vote
In Before You Vote, David Platt urges every Christian to ask seven critical questions before casting a ballot. These questions are based on biblical truths, not political talking points. As a pastor of a church in our nation’s capital, Platt’s message is non-partisan, practically helpful, and biblically saturated. Exercise your vote with humble conviction in a way that magnifies Christ, maintains unity in the church, and aims for the good of all people.
RACIAL RECONCILIATION
One Blood
Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love
We are living in historic times. Not since the civil rights movement of the 60s has our country been this vigorously engaged in the reconciliation conversation. There is a great opportunity right now for culture to change, to be a more perfect union. However, it cannot be done without the church, because the faith of the people is more powerful than any law government can enact. The church is the heart and moral compass of a nation. To turn a country away from God, you must sideline the church. To turn a nation to God, the church must turn first. Racism won't end in America until the church is reconciled first. Then—and only then—can it spiritually and morally lead the way. In this, his crowning work, Dr. John M. Perkins speaks honestly to the church about reconciliation, discipleship, and justice... and what it really takes to live out biblical reconciliation.
KIDS
Parenting with Love and Logic
Foster Cline
This parenting book shows you how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while teaching your children responsibility and growing their character. Establish healthy control through easy-to-implement steps without anger, threats, nagging, or power struggles.
You can also check out all the articles on www.loveandlogic.com.
Wild Things: The Art of Nurturing Boys
Stephen James & David Thomas
Playing off the themes in the Caldecott Medal-winning children's book Where the Wild Things Are, this informative, practical, and encouraging guide will help parents guide boys down the path to healthy and authentic manhood. Wild Things addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual parts of a boy, written by two therapists who are currently engaged in clinical work with boys and their parents and who are also fathers raising five sons.
YOUTH
The Tech-Wise Family
Andy Crouch
Making conscientious choices about technology in our families is more than just using internet filters and determining screen time limits for our children. It's about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology's promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world's knowledge at our fingertips. And it's definitely not just about the kids.
New Data on Gen Z - Perceptions of Pressure, Anxiety and Empowerment
Barna Research
In 2018, Barna released Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation, a study created in partnership with Impact 360 Institute, that sought to help church leaders understand the next, next generation. Now, just a few years later, Barna and Impact 360 Institute have once again teamed up to learn more about this young generation, resulting in the new report, Gen Z, Volume 2: Caring for Young Souls and Cultivating Resilience. Here is an article detailing some of the findings.
Wait Until 8th
https://www.waituntil8th.org/
The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone. Smartphones are distracting and potentially dangerous for children yet are widespread in elementary and middle school because of unrealistic social pressure and expectations to have one. Childhood is too short to waste on a smartphone. Take the pledge today!
The Talk
Luke and Trisha Gilkerson
Sex-Ed Series for Christian Parents: where Bible study meets biology…. If you’re like most parents, you might be, at best, a bit trepidatious about talking about sexual topics with your kids, and at worst, downright terrified! We want to help you ease into these topics. In fact, we’ll give you a script so you don’t have to think on your feet. This 3-part series of parent-child Bible studies is designed to help children understand biblical sexuality.