The Englewood Review of Books has been connecting thoughtful Christian readers to quality books since 2008. Every week, the ERB publishes book reviews, poetry collections to accompany the Revised Common Lectionary, and more. We believe reading widely and well is essential to the flourishing of our congregations and communities. Click below to subscribe to the free ERB email newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the ERB is doing.

On Substack, we share stories and reflections on theology and practice. Here, a community of writers, readers, and church leaders explore questions like: What does it mean to be deeply rooted? What does our place have to teach us about God and neighbor? What is the impact of our reading on our formation and mission? What role is the church meant to play in our world?

Phil Kenneson is the Associate Dean of the School of Bible & Ministry, Area Chair of Biblical Learning, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Milligan University in Johnson City, TN. He is the author of several books, including Life on the Vine and The Shape of Our Lives. Phil is available for interviews, sermons, and lectures on topics such as Christ and culture, congregational formation, and spiritual growth.

Debra Dean Murphy is a Professor of Religious Studies and Co-Director of the Center for Restorative Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College. She is the author of Teaching That Transforms: Worship as the Heart of Christian Education (Wipf & Stock) and Happiness, Health, and Beauty: The Christian Life in Everyday Terms (Cascade). Her current research, writing, and speaking interests center on climate grief, radical hope, and congregational formation.

Stephen E. Fowl is the President and Dean of Church Divinity School of the Pacific. He is author or editor of fourteen books of theology and scriptural interpretation. He is available to speak on the role of scripture in our communities, understanding the framework of scripture, and reading in communion with one another.

Chris Smith is a writer, editor, and communications specialist at ECDC in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is also the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books and the author of several books, including The Virtue of Dialogue and Slow Church. He is available to speak on topics like conversation as congregational practice, reading for the common good, retraining the church’s attention, and more.

Dr. Katy Lines serves as a pastor with Englewood Christian Church in Indianapolis. Originally from Colorado, she has served God’s people in California, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Kenya. Wherever she finds herself, she searches for what makes each place unique—its heartbeat, stories, and people—and how God is moving through it all. She is available to speak on topics like practicing hospitality and environmental sustainability for congregations.

Lisa Rodriguez-Watson serves as the National Director of Missio Alliance. For nearly two decades, Lisa’s heart to see people reconciled to God and to one another has led her to invest her life and family in various roles within collegiate ministry, international missions, immigration advocacy, community development, and urban church planting.

Mike Bowling has been a pastor at Englewood Christian Church in Indianapolis for 32 years. He has served on many non-profit boards and served as Executive Director of a large youth serving organization. He has 47 years experience as a lead pastor in three congregations.

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brooks is a lifelong resident of Chicago, IL and currently serves as Lead Pastor at Lawndale Christian Community Church and the Chief Inspiration Officer for Lawndale Christian Ministries. Pastah J, as he is affectionately called, is a sought-after speaker, writer, artist, organizer, and community developer.  He is author of the book Church Forsaken: Practicing Presence in Neglected Neighborhoods.