My Top Ten Most Influential Books:
Seven Men and the Secret of Their Greatness
by Eric Metaxas
Metaxas is one of my favorite authors, if only for the way he brings clarity and detail to the biographies he writes about. This book is a collection of mini-biographies, two of which Metaxas has written on in greater detail in other works, and one in which he knew the man personally.
In 7 Men, he writes with one question in mind: What is a man and what makes a man great?
In this book Mr. Metaxas offers seven exquisitely crafted portraits of widely known---but not well understood---great men from history. I was inspired by the lives these seven men lived, often in the face of overwhelming adversity, and always at heroic sacrifice to themselves for the sake of others.
by Eric Metaxas
Metaxas is one of my favorite authors, if only for the way he brings clarity and detail to the biographies he writes about. This book is a collection of mini-biographies, two of which Metaxas has written on in greater detail in other works, and one in which he knew the man personally.
In 7 Men, he writes with one question in mind: What is a man and what makes a man great?
In this book Mr. Metaxas offers seven exquisitely crafted portraits of widely known---but not well understood---great men from history. I was inspired by the lives these seven men lived, often in the face of overwhelming adversity, and always at heroic sacrifice to themselves for the sake of others.
Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible
by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. Biblical scholars Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that we so often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where it is all too easy for us to have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own cross-cultural experience in global mission, O'Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. This book was clearly written, easy to read, and by far the best book on issues in Biblical Hermeneutics that I have read.
by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien
What was clear to the original readers of Scripture is not always clear to us. Because of the cultural distance between the biblical world and our contemporary setting, we often bring modern Western biases to the text. Biblical scholars Brandon O'Brien and Randy Richards shed light on the ways that we so often misunderstand the cultural dynamics of the Bible. They identify nine key areas where it is all too easy for us to have significantly different assumptions about what might be going on in a text. Drawing on their own cross-cultural experience in global mission, O'Brien and Richards show how better self-awareness and understanding of cultural differences in language, time and social mores allow us to see the Bible in fresh and unexpected ways. This book was clearly written, easy to read, and by far the best book on issues in Biblical Hermeneutics that I have read.
Devotional Classics: Selected Readings for Individuals and Groups
by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith
So this is slightly cheating to have this book on my top ten, mostly because this work by Renovaré is actually a collection of 52 writings by multiple authors across the span of Christian History. Its purpose? To illustrate the balanced spiritual life in such an imbalanced world. This is one of my favorite resources because through it I have been introduced to many great Christian men and women that I otherwise may never have read about. The book is set up to be an annual devotional, reading one chapter per week or for small group discussions, but it serves for me, as a call to leadership, deep theological thinking, a passion for evangelism, and a deep love for our great God.
by Richard J. Foster and James Bryan Smith
So this is slightly cheating to have this book on my top ten, mostly because this work by Renovaré is actually a collection of 52 writings by multiple authors across the span of Christian History. Its purpose? To illustrate the balanced spiritual life in such an imbalanced world. This is one of my favorite resources because through it I have been introduced to many great Christian men and women that I otherwise may never have read about. The book is set up to be an annual devotional, reading one chapter per week or for small group discussions, but it serves for me, as a call to leadership, deep theological thinking, a passion for evangelism, and a deep love for our great God.
Seven Practices of Effective Ministry
By Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, and Reggie Joiner
Through a well-written and easy to read parable about a baseball team Stanley, Jones, and Joiner lay out and explain seven principles that any leader who wants to lead effectively and lead well, must put into practice. Among all of the leadership books I have read I feel that this one effectively surveys the seven main practices that will help a leader in the church world or the corporate world the most.
By Andy Stanley, Lane Jones, and Reggie Joiner
Through a well-written and easy to read parable about a baseball team Stanley, Jones, and Joiner lay out and explain seven principles that any leader who wants to lead effectively and lead well, must put into practice. Among all of the leadership books I have read I feel that this one effectively surveys the seven main practices that will help a leader in the church world or the corporate world the most.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash the Power of Authentic Life in Christ
by Peter Scazzero
The primary thesis of Peter Scazzero’s book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is that Christian discipleship and spiritual maturity includes emotional maturity; especially if the end result is going to be living a full and well-rounded Christian life of love. Scazzero argues that Christian discipleship in recent history has offered an insufficient model of spiritual maturity because we have neglected to confront and sift through our emotional baggage. He argues that for Christians to truly be discipled as Christ has commanded, believers must pay attention to the range of factors that influence our emotional development. For Scazzero, spiritually mature Christian discipleship is impossible to attain if we remain emotionally immature children or adolescents. Emotional maturity and contemplative spirituality must come together if holistic discipleship is going to take place. Scazzero was the first to introduce me to the concept of Emotional Intelligence and he lays out a framework for improving every aspect of our personal lives as well with HOW we minister to people in the church. It is a must read for anyone serious about growing in Christ!
by Peter Scazzero
The primary thesis of Peter Scazzero’s book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is that Christian discipleship and spiritual maturity includes emotional maturity; especially if the end result is going to be living a full and well-rounded Christian life of love. Scazzero argues that Christian discipleship in recent history has offered an insufficient model of spiritual maturity because we have neglected to confront and sift through our emotional baggage. He argues that for Christians to truly be discipled as Christ has commanded, believers must pay attention to the range of factors that influence our emotional development. For Scazzero, spiritually mature Christian discipleship is impossible to attain if we remain emotionally immature children or adolescents. Emotional maturity and contemplative spirituality must come together if holistic discipleship is going to take place. Scazzero was the first to introduce me to the concept of Emotional Intelligence and he lays out a framework for improving every aspect of our personal lives as well with HOW we minister to people in the church. It is a must read for anyone serious about growing in Christ!
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire
by Jim Cymbala
Thirty-five years ago the Brooklyn Tabernacle was a struggling congregation of twenty. Then they began to pray. Jim Cymbala recounts his story of pastoring the Brooklyn Tabernacle during this tough time. This book opened up to me the true reality that when we begin on our knees, we see the best that God has for us. In response to serious, real prayer, God began to move in Brooklyn … street-hardened lives by the hundreds were changed by the love of Christ … and today they are more than ten-thousand strong. The story of what happened to this broken-down church in one of America’s toughest neighborhoods points the way to new spiritual vitality in the church and in our own lives. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire shows what the Holy Spirit can do when believers get serious about prayer and the gospel. As this compelling book reveals, God moves in life-changing ways when we set aside our own agendas, take him at his word, and listen for his voice.
by Jim Cymbala
Thirty-five years ago the Brooklyn Tabernacle was a struggling congregation of twenty. Then they began to pray. Jim Cymbala recounts his story of pastoring the Brooklyn Tabernacle during this tough time. This book opened up to me the true reality that when we begin on our knees, we see the best that God has for us. In response to serious, real prayer, God began to move in Brooklyn … street-hardened lives by the hundreds were changed by the love of Christ … and today they are more than ten-thousand strong. The story of what happened to this broken-down church in one of America’s toughest neighborhoods points the way to new spiritual vitality in the church and in our own lives. Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire shows what the Holy Spirit can do when believers get serious about prayer and the gospel. As this compelling book reveals, God moves in life-changing ways when we set aside our own agendas, take him at his word, and listen for his voice.
Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters
by Joshua Harris
What will you build your life on? is the question Josh Harris sets out to explore in this book.
He shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth by examining his own life, the life of his father and honestly the life of the reader. This book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation--it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God. I had always been a fan of Josh Harris, reading his books on dating and on the importance of the local church, this book however changed me. This was the first book on theology that I honestly read cover to cover and I owe Pastor Josh very much for introducing me to the beautiful world of theology... and doing so the way he did, with humor, grace, and honesty.
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's funny and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars--it is for anyone who longs to know to know the living Jesus Christ. It was written to be accessible to people who might not normally read theological books. That includes Christians who are turned-off by doctrinally faithful but arrogant believers, as well as people who are skeptical of the usefulness of Christian doctrine. It's also a useful book for people outside the faith who have never really understood basic Christian beliefs. It is a book that I continue to go back to and recommend to those wanting to go deeper in their own faith journey.
by Joshua Harris
What will you build your life on? is the question Josh Harris sets out to explore in this book.
He shares how we can rediscover the relevance and power of Christian truth by examining his own life, the life of his father and honestly the life of the reader. This book shows a young man who rose quickly to success in the Christian evangelical world before he realized his spirituality lacked a foundation--it rested more on tradition and morality than on an informed knowledge of God. I had always been a fan of Josh Harris, reading his books on dating and on the importance of the local church, this book however changed me. This was the first book on theology that I honestly read cover to cover and I owe Pastor Josh very much for introducing me to the beautiful world of theology... and doing so the way he did, with humor, grace, and honesty.
For the indifferent or spiritually numb, Harris's funny and engaging reflections on Christian beliefs show that orthodoxy isn't just for scholars--it is for anyone who longs to know to know the living Jesus Christ. It was written to be accessible to people who might not normally read theological books. That includes Christians who are turned-off by doctrinally faithful but arrogant believers, as well as people who are skeptical of the usefulness of Christian doctrine. It's also a useful book for people outside the faith who have never really understood basic Christian beliefs. It is a book that I continue to go back to and recommend to those wanting to go deeper in their own faith journey.
Run With The Horses
By Eugene Peterson
Pastor Peterson is without a doubt, my favorite writer, and has made a profound impact on my ministry philosophy and my love for Scripture... perhaps more so than any other writer. I read this book at least once every year as a reminder what it is that I agreed to when God called me into ministry. In Run With The Horses, through a series of profound reflections on the life of Jeremiah the prophet, Eugene Peterson explores the heart of what it means to be fully and genuinely human. His writing is filled with humor and self-reflection, insight and wisdom, helping to set a course for what life can be when walking (or running) with God.
By Eugene Peterson
Pastor Peterson is without a doubt, my favorite writer, and has made a profound impact on my ministry philosophy and my love for Scripture... perhaps more so than any other writer. I read this book at least once every year as a reminder what it is that I agreed to when God called me into ministry. In Run With The Horses, through a series of profound reflections on the life of Jeremiah the prophet, Eugene Peterson explores the heart of what it means to be fully and genuinely human. His writing is filled with humor and self-reflection, insight and wisdom, helping to set a course for what life can be when walking (or running) with God.
Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will
By Kevin DeYoung
Hyper-spiritual approaches to finding God's will don't work. It's time to try something new: Give up.
Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung counsels Christians to settle down, make choices, and do the hard work of seeing those choices through.
Too often, he writes, God's people tinker around with churches, jobs, and relationships, worrying that they haven't found God's perfect will for their lives. Or—even worse—they do absolutely nothing, stuck in a frustrated state of paralyzed indecision, waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting for clear, direct, unmistakable direction.
But God doesn't need to tell us what to do at each fork in the road. He's already revealed his plan for our lives: to love him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like.
No need for hocus-pocus. No reason to be directionally challenged. Just do something.
I remember receiving this book from a friend and mentor after I graduated high school, and it was most certainly a tool the God used to help me get over the worry of trying to figure out God's Will for my life and instead to be courageous enough to just take small steps of faith daily... to just do something. It was a short, easy read but incredibly helpful and one that I would recommend to anyone struggling with finding God's Will.
By Kevin DeYoung
Hyper-spiritual approaches to finding God's will don't work. It's time to try something new: Give up.
Pastor and author Kevin DeYoung counsels Christians to settle down, make choices, and do the hard work of seeing those choices through.
Too often, he writes, God's people tinker around with churches, jobs, and relationships, worrying that they haven't found God's perfect will for their lives. Or—even worse—they do absolutely nothing, stuck in a frustrated state of paralyzed indecision, waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting for clear, direct, unmistakable direction.
But God doesn't need to tell us what to do at each fork in the road. He's already revealed his plan for our lives: to love him with our whole hearts, to obey His Word, and after that, to do what we like.
No need for hocus-pocus. No reason to be directionally challenged. Just do something.
I remember receiving this book from a friend and mentor after I graduated high school, and it was most certainly a tool the God used to help me get over the worry of trying to figure out God's Will for my life and instead to be courageous enough to just take small steps of faith daily... to just do something. It was a short, easy read but incredibly helpful and one that I would recommend to anyone struggling with finding God's Will.
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This book may stand out the most on my list, but I do not know of anyone who has read this work and not place it on a list such as this. Bonhoeffer was one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century if nothing more than because of how he lived during the Nazi regime in WWII Germany. In this book, he illuminates the relationship between ourselves and the teachings of Jesus. What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to say to us? What is his will for us today?
Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, Dietrich Bonhoeffer answers these timeless questions by providing a seminal reading of the dichotomy between "cheap grace" and "costly grace."
"Cheap grace," Bonhoeffer wrote, "is the grace we bestow on ourselves...grace without discipleship....Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the girl which must be asked for, the door at which a man must know....It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This book may stand out the most on my list, but I do not know of anyone who has read this work and not place it on a list such as this. Bonhoeffer was one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century if nothing more than because of how he lived during the Nazi regime in WWII Germany. In this book, he illuminates the relationship between ourselves and the teachings of Jesus. What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to say to us? What is his will for us today?
Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, Dietrich Bonhoeffer answers these timeless questions by providing a seminal reading of the dichotomy between "cheap grace" and "costly grace."
"Cheap grace," Bonhoeffer wrote, "is the grace we bestow on ourselves...grace without discipleship....Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the girl which must be asked for, the door at which a man must know....It is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life."
