Mystery Manifest: The triune God, figuratively speaking by Gail Ramshaw (Fortress Press, £23.99 (£21.59); 978-1-5064-9498-2).

“Renowned liturgist and scholar Gail Ramshaw mines the treasures of the Bible, patristic sermons, theological treatises, mystical reveries, liturgical texts, hymns, and poetry to craft a richly textured collection and framework for thinking about the language Christians use to address and describe the triune God. More than a compilation, yet more practical than a purely theological treatise, Mystery Manifest is a volume that liturgists, ministers, and theologians will return to again and again seeking wisdom and insight into the figures of speech humans have developed to express the ineffable.”

Evangelism in an Age of Despair: Hope beyond the failed promise of happiness by Andrew Root (Baker, £22.99 (£20.69); 978-1-5409-6871-5).

“‘Evangelism’ is a contested, even conflicted word. But churches are declining in numbers and resources. What if we aren't thinking about evangelism in the right way, culturally or theologically? This book contextualizes evangelism in our late modern times and reimagines what the call to outreach means in today's world. Our sad times are made sadder by the realization that our all-out pursuit of happiness has made us stressed, anxious, lonely, and depressed, says leading practical theologian Andrew Root.”

Christian Conversion and Mission: A brief cultural history by Andrew F. Walls (Orbis, £20.99 (£18.99); 978-1-62698-617-6).

“Edited with an Introduction by Mark R. Gornik. The final work of the renowned scholar of world Christianity offers a concise and illuminating exploration of key moments in the cultural history of Christianity, illustrating the underlying dynamism faith in new cultural contexts.”

Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop.