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According to Scott Solberg, pastor of Wethersfield (Conn.) EFC, his church’s journey toward greater outward thinking and community involvement was triggered by a few specific books . . . and the conversations that followed:

• The Externally Focused Church, by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson

  “This book clearly pointed out how serving people in the community through ministries of mercy can open doors,” Scott says. “It helps the church think outside its four walls and actually engage the culture.”

• UnChristian, by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons

  “There is a wall between the culture and the church,” Scott learned from reading UnChristian. “The perception people have of us does not make them inclined to come to our nice ‘attractional’ events.”

• The Celtic Way of Evangelism, by George G. Hunter III.

  “This book taught us the importance of creating an environment where people can have a sense of ‘belonging’ before they ever believe,” Scott says.