Staff Favorites: Book Recommendations

It’s always fun to have a new book to read, right? We asked our full-time staff for their top reading recommendations, and they gave us a great list!

Theology

Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary by J.D. Greear – “This is one of my favorites because it speaks the truths of the gospel so simply yet the depth of the gospel, as usual, just blows you away and JD does a fantastic job communicating it.” – Kristen “Sherpa” Kimmel

The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan – “It’s full of Scripture and has helped me think through how I live life as a Christian!” – Ryan “Lil Tex” Millikin

What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert – “ This book gives a clear and refreshing presentation about the most important truths of our faith and it’s short, simple yet profound!” – Austin “Bama” Burch

Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterson – “A great read on the search for meaning and significance to an intellectual. Few books answer a practical application of life with such a deep theologically rich understanding (walking through the Apostles Creed). Plus, it is time tested as one of the most influential books of all time. Recommend for: intellectuals, those wrestling with the meaning of life, their purpose, or even struggling with their faith/doubt.” – Jake “Dr. Shakle” Collins

Spiritual Growth

You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit by James K. A. Smith

“‘You are what you love, but you might not love what you think.’ This book challenged the power our culture has over our spiritual formation and reordered the way I think about and execute disciplines and practices.” – Katelyn “Mando” Sullins

“I read it in the Forge, life-changing perspective shift on the spiritual power of habit, and how incredibly impactful “small, meaningless” actions ultimately have on what we make the object of our worship.” – Josiah “Thunder Dash” Shipp

“This book opened my eyes to seeing how, without an appropriate calibration of the object of my affections, I can quickly become an assimilation of current culture.” – Amanda “Spilly” Cirigliano

Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Walgemuth

“My second year on summer staff, we went through this book in our small group and the Lord used it to transform my thought life and open my eyes to lies I was believing about God and myself.” – Anna “Prestigeee” Birch

“Such a great resource when lies creep in about God, circumstances, marriage, and parenting. It gives truth to help combat the lies. Single-handedly the most influential book in my spiritual walk…besides the Bible.” – Melanie “Wafells” Langemeier

The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy by Timothy Keller – “It gives an amazing depiction of how we should be, “regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God,” as Paul speaks about in 1 Corinthians 4. It has helped me have a right understanding of self in light of a right understanding of the Lord.” – Pat “Michelangelo” Preston

The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer – “I’m really enjoying it and it’s been incredibly convicting. I recommend it because Tozer’s words have reminded me that God is a person whose face above all else I should seek and that the truth of His word is the greatest reality, even though it so often is unseen.” – Conor “Flo” Barry

Leadership

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

“A really helpful look at both the spiritual and practical side of leadership in an easy-to-read format.” – Jason “Payless” Wallace

“Every page seems to give practical, quotable, Godly advice that has been proven through the lives of the author and persons he quotes and I see Pine Cove all in it.” – Nick “Father Christmas” Wiggins

“I read this book before every summer – (sometimes twice a year)! It always seems to clear priorities, redirect how I use my time and energy, and challenges me to pray and keep family first in the midst of our busiest ministry season!” – Taylor “Fish Face” Jervis

“This is a book worth reading every year.  It’s so rich with a mix of devotional and thought-provoking questions to consider, but also very practical wisdom for living our faith everyday in whatever context God has planted us. It’s a modern classic and a staple for many discipleship programs and seminary curriculums.” – Grant “Judge Juicy” Seifried

Marriage & Parenting

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp – “This book gives a high-level view of parenting in the context of the gospel, which is easy to relate to both for parents but also for leaders and developers of people.” – Coleson “Mish” Lechner

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller – “I give this book to a lot of people. It was so impactful for me to read as a single woman, because it gave me a much more accurate picture of what a godly marriage looks like! I re-read sections often now that I’m married, and still find it so helpful.” – Chelsea “Hive Impact” Connor

Faith & Culture

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi – “It gave me a lot of insight into American Muslim culture, and it’s also a great testimony of how God can bring people to Him.” -Julianne “Rice Tripsies” Shivers

Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Bryan Loritts – “A compilation of responses to Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous letter, written by pastors and leaders today explaining how the gospel impacts my response to all forms of injustice!” – Wally “JJ Redneck” Jenkins

Editor’s Note: We don’t endorse every book or author on this list, but we do hope you are encouraged and sharpened as you evaluate these books in light of Scripture.