Growing in Grace: Resources, Summer 2026, Vol. 16

Written By Karen Ristuccia

Quarterly mini book reviews for Christian leaders

Christian Leadership

Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer, Cameron Dolittle, et. al. Lead with Prayer: The Spiritual Habits of Word Changing Leaders (FaithWords, 2024).

Too often, quality of prayer life is the last of the qualifications we have for our Christian leaders. No wonder so much that Christian organizations do is often futile. We who are ministry mentors need to pray and to teach our mentees to do the same.

Understanding the Times

Paul E. Miller, A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in A Discouraging World (Crossway, 2023.)

Prayer is not just the responsibility of church leaders. Miller’s book is both theological and practical. He recognizes that the Church, and not just individuals, must be driven by prayer. This book is an excellent companion piece to Miller’s earlier, A Praying Life (NavPress, 2017).

Personal Growth

Tish Warren Harrison, What Grows in Weary Lands: On Christian Resilience (Convergent, 2026).

Warren Harrison confronts the issue of “aridity” (i.e. dryness) in ministry, especially as it surfaces during our middle years. When the newness wears off and the routine threatens to stifle, where do we who are in ministry go? Warren Harrison finds comfort and direction by looking to ancient Church leaders, ones who not only experienced their own aridity but also learned how to combat its temptations.

Mentoring Topic: Aging Parents

Kathleen B. Nielson, Making Good Return: Biblical Wisdom on Honoring Aging Parents (P&R, 2024).

Many Christian ministry leaders are finding that the needs of their aging parents are significant and at times even all-consuming. Add to these real issues is the truth that we who are in ministry are also aging. Nielson provides an honest, searching, and advice-filled book to help us (and our mentees) face aging—both our parents and ours—with wisdom, resilience, and hope.