The stories we read as children helped bring our imaginations to life. They took us to places we could never imagine and taught us lessons through extraordinary circumstances. While we do not live in a world with knights in shining armor or magical creatures, in stories we see their heroic acts display what bravery looks like in action. In C.S Lewis’ novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the courageous acts of Aslan as he sacrificed his life at the Stone Table for Narnia display bravery and love. Defeating the White Witch and restoring Narnia to its former glory portray hope and a new beginning. As Narnia’s victory shows bravery and hope, moral lessons are often woven in the plotline of stories. Jesus used storytelling in his parables to explain deep gospel truths to his disciples and followers. As he spoke, children and adults crowded around him to hear what he had to say and learn from his teachings. People of all generations were learning truths from his parables. Regardless of our age or season in life, we can continually learn and grow from stories, too.
The lessons that we learn from stories also affect how we interact with others. The characteristics they teach shape how we love and care for those around us. While stories are useful in aiding us, nonfiction books on theological and spiritual topics are of practical benefit as well. We can better minister to others when we take the time to educate and understand the different issues surrounding our culture. With resources available to help us grow in our understanding of theology and other personal issues, we can better help others as we learn. While some of the issues may be centuries old, often the wisdom from long ago is still applicable today. It furthers our walks with the Lord and aids in sharing the gospel with those around us.
Within a healthy church, there are different ministry groups at work to share the gospel and encourage those around them. Tenth is known for active participation in the community through various ministry outreaches. One of Tenth’s outreaches is the in-house library. It contains 3,500 resources that are available for the congregation to borrow and benefit from . These include multiple works on specialized topics such as biographies, commentaries, and kids’ fiction and nonfiction. There are special resources intended to aid the elders and deacons in their work, encourage the worn-out mom, and further educate the curious Bible School student. Ministry leaders can receive training as to what resources are available specifically for their ministry.
In addition, however, the library is a place for all congregation members in various seasons of life to be ministered to. While open every Sunday morning from 10:25-10:55, children and their parents comprise most of its users. The library exists as a tool to help further equip people to serve in their specific ministries and callings. As a church who seeks to minister to people in their current season of life, Tenth’s library provides a unique and valuable opportunity to help bring that church-wide desire to fruition.
Learn more about the Tenth library by stopping by in the Catacombs, or at tenth.org/library.
Information for this article was compiled via an interview by Megan Siegle with Sylvia Duggan.