For the next few days, we want to replay the EMA stage recommendations in terms of books, particularly for those who were not able to make it. These are not all the books our BookPanel liked – that would be too long a list – but instead those we wanted to particularly identify as being worthy of some reading time. In each case, there is a very brief review, but the main purpose of the posts is to highlight the titles.

The EMA is a conference for preachers of all different stages and abilities. Above all, our great desire is that preachers might progress (1 Tim 4.15). Here’s a book which will help. Unashamed Workmen is a collection of essays by well known preachers (including David Jackman, Peter Adam, Josh Moody, Iain Duguid) each highlighting one aspect of their preparation and then modelling it in a sermon. As with all multi-volume books, some contributions are stronger than others – but, interestingly, you view on which may depend on your stage of ministry. I think there is something here for every preacher, even in a ministry of reminder, and this is possibly a useful book to give preaching teams or those just starting out. I liked it a lot. It made me remember why the hard work of preparation is worthwhile as we serve our congregations.