Lake Edge United Church of Christ

Many Lake Edge leaders and members have read the book Real Faith for Real Life by Michael W. Foss, introducing the Six Marks of Discipleship. Disciple just means to be a active follower of Christ, someone who takes their faith beyond Sunday mornings. The book focuses on the joys of discipleship and practical ways to develop spiritual habits. "Real Faith for Real Life" is available in the church library.

Deacons (Board of the Diaconate) and other church leaders read Beyond the Worship Wars by Thomas G. Long in preparation for their project to involve lay people in worship planning. Long invites congregations to get beyond the contemporary-traditional dichotomy and focus on creating "vital and faithful" worship experiences. He identified vital and faithful congregations and analyzed common characteristics shared across their many worship styles. Worship planners for both of Lake Edge's two worship services strive to follow the book's nine characteristics of vital and faithful worship. Click to purchase this book from Amazon.com.

Our Stewardship Team read the book Giving and Stewardship in an Effective Church: A Guide for Every Member by Kennon L. Callahan. As Callahan explains: "Living is giving....We live life best as we give our strengths, gifts and competencies in the service of God's mission. We are called to serve, not to survive." Lake Edge takes a broad approach to the Serve concept, looking at all the ways we use our gifts for God as serving, and service as a joyful and essential part of being alive. Click to buy it on Amazon.com