Focusing on applying spiritual disciplines, Willard suggests that those who don't have no idea what they're missing. We are called to follow Christ in a devoted, faithful way, but we are not called to asceticism as a path to spiritual purity. How do we find the balance?

After writing the thoughtful "emotionally healthy church" which reflects on the interaction of family dynamics and church dynamics using Scazzero's own church and family experiences as grist for the mill, Scazzero is back for a second reflection on his journey. This book also introduces a new theme, spiritual formation, with particular reference to daily liturgical practices from the early church.

A father and two sons. Nouwen crashed and burned. Now he traces his journey home. First he identifies with the prodigal, in the need for forgiveness and grace, then with the older brother, who needs to learn acceptance, but finally he also identifies with the father, who is offering self-sacrificing leadership and love to both his children.

Bridges looks at the tolerated sins of plain old suburban believers. We posbies are into anger, jealousy, pride, anxiety, and discontent, all, at the very least, certainly understandable in today's world. Hint: it's not about them, it's about me.

Compulsive, narcissistic, paranoid, codependent, or passive-aggressive? I'm going with...passive-aggressive. Understanding our poisons gives us a chance to begin healing and redemption. So why not take a reflective look, with guidance from a couple writers willing to acknowledge their own dark sides (well, sometimes anyway!)

Do you have meaningful life goals, shaped through spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual self-leadership, in a systematic incremental growth plan? This is a leadership curriculum and study plan from the director of the DMin programs at Bethel, with his own website samrima.com. This is a sequel, written two years later, to "Overcoming the dark side of leadership."