Have you ever had a problem finding a reliable resource for recommendations?
I have.
Certain Google searches are a piece of cake, but the “best resources for ______” ones can be hit-or-miss.
And don’t even get me started on the decision fatigue. As a serial over-thinker, I start to hate myself a little bit after reading through the upteenth list of “5 Best ____s.” It makes it so hard to make a decision! Then, when you pick something, you end up doubting your decision. Not fun.
I’m sure these dynamics apply to a bunch of different things in life. However, while serving as a Youth Minister in seminary, I realized that finding reliable Christian recommendations and resources can be very difficult.
Sure, it’s not for lack of content out there! When it comes to Christianity, everyone has an opinion - and usually an associated reading list!
But how do you know that the book or blog-post that you find isn’t from some crazy yahoo with nothing more than a computer and a Bible?
Furthermore, if you’re a Christian and your looking for recommendations and resources in some other area, how do you know that what you find is worthwhile?
I mean, sure, everything should be read with a critical eye. But is that latest book or blog-post about mindfulness, parenting, self-help, or productivity helpful and useful for Christians? Or will it require quite a bit of theological critique and analysis before it’s helpful without being potentially harmful?
Google is great, and getting better at many things. But - at least for right now - it’s a pretty crappy theologian!
With all this in mind, I have an idea: The Well-Equipped Christian (or a similar title) - a website that’s a one-stop shop for Christians looking for reliable recommendations and resources.
Now, to be clear, I’m not claiming to BE the well-equipped Christian! I am not the be-all-end-all source of reliable Christian information.
However, I am a Christian with a seminary education. I’m pursuing a PhD in theology, and I have a heart for the Church.
I want to devote my life and ministry to helping to produce as many “well-equipped Christians” as possible. And I absolutely love giving practical recommendations - specifically in the areas of Bible study, theology, productivity, and meta-learning.
There are a lot of great resources out there. Resources that Christians can benefit from to have healthy minds, bodies, and souls as they advance God’s Kingdom in their daily lives.
I want to connect you to those resources.
Are you wiling to help me figure out whether or not this is a good idea? If so, great! I’d love to hear your answers to the following questions:
Finally, please share this post with anyone you think would be willing to give me their input! Thank you so much!
~Josh