Now in its 20th year, the 2023 Outreach Resources of the Year honors the past year’s best books that emphasize outreach-oriented ministries.
Last fall we invited publishers and authors to submit resources with release dates between Nov. 1, 2021, and Oct. 31, 2022. The Outreach magazine editorial team then sorted qualifying titles into 10 key categories for review by expert panelists in each field.
The panelists thoughtfully evaluated each submission and chose one or more as an Outreach Resource of the Year, then highlighted other titles as “Also Recommended.” Here are the winners of the Apologetics category.
APOLOGETICS
Evaluated by Andrew MacDonald, associate director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center Research Institute.
RESOURCE OF THE YEAR
Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith Amid Doubts and Big Questions by Travis Dickinson (IVP)
Travis Dickinson’s Wandering Toward God is a vital apologetic resource for church leaders who navigate our age of deconstruction. This book not only provides answers to pressing questions, but also sorts through the central challenge of doubts.
As the genre of apologetics continues to undergo a revolution, turning greater attention to the importance of story and persuasion, Dickinson’s work stands out for its analysis of the underlying problems of doubt, and how our response to this reality can actually fuel rather than damage our faith and mission. More of an apologetic to rather than for Christians, Dickinson hits a critical need for many in the church who are fearful of where their challenging questions might lead them.
ALSO RECOMMENDED
A Doubter’s Guide to World Religions: A Fair and Friendly Introduction to the History, Beliefs and Practices of the Big Five by John Dickson (Zondervan Reflective)
This book is worthy of mention as a vital reference guide for church leaders ministering in religiously diverse communities. It offers accessible primers that help provide an initial orientation.