Staff Favorites: More Book Recommendations

Earlier this year we asked our full-time staff for their top reading recommendations. We had so many great suggestions, that we had to give you more! Here is a continued list of our top reading recommendations.

Fiction

The Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers – “Incredible storytelling paired with biblical context and history, one of my favorites for sure!” -Rebecca “Deemer” Smith

Theology

Encounters with Jesus: Unexpected Answers to Life’s Biggest Questions by Timothy Keller – “I had always understood that Jesus Christ was/is fully God, but this book opened my eyes to understand what it meant for Him to be truly man at the same time.” –  Paige “Captain” Holland

The Cure: What if God isn’t who you think He is and neither are you? by John Lynch, Bruce McNicol, and Bill Thrall – “This book helped me truly grasp the Gospel on a level that made sense to my life and is my go-to for any friend!” – Brooke “Smack” Allen

None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different From Us (and why that’s a good thing) by Jen Wilkin – “It’s about how God is different from us, and why that’s a good thing—He is limitless and perfect and we are not! It’s a book that frees you from striving to be more than we were created to be and to rest in God.” –  Catherine “Ayneong” Taylor

Spiritual Growth

Inside Out by Larry Crabb – “Absolutely formative.” – Michael “JOAB” Murphy

Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa – “This book has had a big impact on my prayer life over the past couple years!” – Craig “Dutch” Langemeier

Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren – “Warren walks through a day in normal, everyday life, but brings unexpected and intimate insight into our hearts and walk with the Lord. Relatable and challenging, especially the chapter on losing your keys!” – Jesse “Schmoe” Garner

Grace Walk: What You’ve Always Wanted in the Christian Life by Steve McVey – “Next to the Bible, it has been the best resource for me in understanding God’s grace in my life.  Kevin East recommended it to me in 2002, and I have read it several times since then.” – Chad “RBY” Larsh

The Official Rock Paper Scissors Strategy Guide by Douglas Walker & Graham Walker – “My favorite book about spiritual conflict resolution in light of Proverbs 18:18: ‘Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.'” – Bea “Ichi Mini Hoi” Rosenhauch

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff – “It’s an easy, lighthearted but deep read.” – Tim “Swanee” Alderson

Looking for Lovely: Collecting the Moments that Matter by Annie F. Downs – “This book is an encouraging read because it’s a good reminder that God shares His goodness with us all the time, not just when life is fine and dandy; we just have to be intentional about looking for the lovely things and also be willing to ask God to help us see His goodness during those seasons!” – Mallory “Wrecks” Peyton

Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way by Shauna Niequist – “Bittersweet is one of those books to read as slowly as possible, lingering over every chapter. It’s comfort and encouragement for walking through suffering.” – Elizabeth “Socks” Moore

Marriage & Parenting

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman – “This book changed how I attempt to show love to people by altering my focus to how they receive it rather than how I’m necessarily comfortable showing it.” -Brandon “Buggy Boy” Kirkpatrick

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.