The Castle Blog

New books! February 27, 2012

The year has begun with a hiss and a roar, so here’s a round-up of the new titles we have on offer. These were all released at the end of last year and the beginning of 2012…

Called to Lead, by Stuart Crosson. This an emerging leaders curriculum, designed so that churches can invest in the next generation of leaders. It is aimed at 18-30 year olds who are beginning to explore their call from God. It covers the following key topics (over a recommended 18 month timeframe): God’s Revelation, Character Formation, Leadership Formation, Spiritual Formation, Practical Church Ministry and Leading in Life. Stu is the vicar at St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Dunedin. This curriculum is based on many years practical teaching experience and is grounded in a New Zealand context. Called to Lead is a vital and easy to use resource that will give young people a great foundation and bring out their true leadership potential. For more information about this resource and to order copies online, visit the Castle website.

Help in Times of Need, by Neville and Margaret Williamson. This booklet is an amazing collection of poems, quotes, prayers and practical help, and provides comfort whenever you are going through testing times: illness, convalescence, bereavement, you have personal problems, marriage problems, children problems, surgery, cancer, miscarriage, redundancy, trauma, stress. It is written so that you can gain comfort, and also share it with other people who are experiencing hard times. Many lives have already been impacted by this booklet and it has been incredibly popular since it was first published. With over 60,000 copies in print it is now available in a Castle edition. Order copies here.

The Biblical Mandate for Caring for Creation, by Dick Tripp. Rev Dick Tripp is a prolific author who always engages with the big issues – issues which are at the heart of the Christian faith and the reality of that faith in our lives and society. With the evidence of climate change, environmental issues have made their way to the forefront of people’s thinking in recent years, and there is also a growing movement within the church – Christians are beginning to take ‘creation care’ seriously. This new book is very timely. In it, Dick examines the biblical basis for why Christians should take an active interest in how we look after our natural environment. As Archbishop David Moxon says in the foreword: “Dick’s work provides the biblical and spiritual motivation we need to move forward at this critical time. Readers of this well-researched and intelligently-argued resource will be given an irresistible biblical vision and mandate to redeem what is being despoiled.” Published by Avery Bartlett Books, available from Castle.

Out from Under the Will of the Sea, by Hideo Hatakeda. This is the compelling story of a young Japanese pastor attempting to start his own church in 1960s Japan, and facing a menacing wall of church legalism. The burdens placed on him by those who enforce their authority over him become almost too much to bear. But there is hope. This book tells the story of “the awakening” of Hatakeda, as he discovers the difference between the true heart of Jesus and the intentions of the leaders who have tried to dominate him. Pastor Hatakeda has a unique link with New Zealand. In 1963, as a young man, he visited Auckland for three months. During this time, he became a Christian – changing the course of his life forever. This March, he is visiting New Zealand to promote his book and speak at various churches about his work in Japan. Contact us for more info about his visit, and to purchase a copy of his book, visit the Castle website.