KANSAS CITY, Mo—Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College celebrated the release of the first two installments in the Real-World Theology series by New Growth Press, edited by Spurgeon College Dean Sam Bierig. The first installments are titled Nomad: A Short Story of our Long Journey Home by Alex Duke, and Iconic: Being God’s Image in Your World by Mike McGarry.
“Rightly understanding theology can change people’s lives,” said President Jason Allen. “That is why I am so thankful for the launch of this new series Real World Theology, edited by Spurgeon College’s Dean, Sam Bierig. Having previously served as a youth pastor and now serving as Spurgeon College Dean, Dr. Bierig understands students and how they think. This new series is sure to serve them well while teaching them the great truths of the Christian faith and how they apply to all of life.”
Aimed at serving high-school and college students, the Real-World Theology series exists to address relevant questions from students with robust biblical theology.
Commenting on the release, Bierig said, “The vision for the Real-World Theology Series could not be more exciting for students and their pastors! What New Growth Press and I had in mind was to provide a resource that is theologically rich and driven by Scripture to connect the overarching storyline of our Bible to the very real questions and problems faced by young adults today.”
He went on to say, “This series serves to help students who are in need of gospel hope to understand themselves and the world around them through a biblical lens. So, it is with great expectation that New Growth Press and Spurgeon College have forged this partnership to present to you the Real-World Theology Series. We are delighted to launch this series with Alex Duke’s contribution of Nomad and Mike McGarry’s Iconic.”
The Local Church for Students
In his book Nomad, Duke presents students with a biblical theology of the local church. He traces the journey of God’s people through the Bible to show readers how Jesus gives direction, peace, and strength every step of the way.
Juan Sanchez, senior pastor at High Pointe Baptist Church, commented on the release, “Most Christians want to read their Bible, but many find it hard. Alex Duke helps us see the bible as one grand story: God’s intention to dwell with his people in his place. Though human rebellion drove us into exile, Duke traces how God, through Christ, brings his people home again.”
Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board, said, “This book can help you understand what it means to feel displaced and alone and yet still find hope and purpose in this life for the glory of God.”
Helping Students Understand the Image of God
Additionally, McGarry’s contribution of the title Iconic addresses the topic of the image of God. He helps readers understand that being created in the image of God means that identity, worth, and purpose are not dependent on a list of accomplishments, but they are given by the One who made them.
Jonathan Dodson, Founder of GC Discipleship, commented, “The imago Dei is an important doctrine for the ages and especially for our teams. With biblical clarity and pastoral sensitivity, Iconic explains what it means to be made in God’s image. It also addresses tensions, questions, and objections that accompany issues like sexuality and gender with wisdom and care.”
Walt Mueller, president of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding, also said, “This book is a roadmap for human flourishing in a culture of mass identity confusion.”
Both books are now available for purchase. To purchase Nomad by Alex Duke, click here. To purchase Iconic by Mike McGarry, click here. To learn more about Spurgeon College, visit spurgeoncollege.com.
