1. Wild at Heart - John Eldredge​

For any men who have experienced suffering and disillusionment and are tempted to give in to resignation, this book can be a game-changer. It was certainly that for me when I read it in seminary. Eldredge provides a biblical grid for interpreting the challenges men face, and issues a call to a life of courage, risk, and adventure. I found it to be a tremendous help in the darkest night of my own personal journey, and have also found, within my circle of friends who are in church leadership, that this is THE go-to book for helping men grow spiritually.

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2. God on Fire - Fred Hartley​

Another book which radically changed my outlook on life, Hartley cuts to the chase of conventional Christian experience and asks, ‘What’s the point of it all?’ Through an extended reflection on Revelation 1 (and offering many illuminating examples from church history), Hartley calls us back to our first love, a living, breathing, relationship with the God of fire and glory. This book awakened in me a deeper hunger for God’s manifest presence.

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3. The J-Curve - Paul Miller​

The most profound and practical reflection on suffering I’ve ever read. Through this extended meditation on Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Miller paints a compelling picture of the ‘Theology of the Cross,’ i.e., how embracing a lifestyle of dying with Christ is, paradoxically, the key to true flourishing. Miller is especially good at illustrating theology with compelling examples from his daily life.  

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4. Practicing the Presence of People - Mike Mason​

In C.S. Lewis’ greatest essay, ‘The Weight of Glory,’ he reminds us that there are no ordinary people. ‘Practicing the Presence of People’ is a beautiful meditation on this great truth and provides many helpful insights on how to ‘practice’ this reality in our everyday lives, with those we love, and with those we struggle to love.

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5. Growing the Church in the Power of the Spirit - Brad Long​

Amidst a glut of books you can read on ‘what makes a strong and healthy church,’ this is the best I’ve found. With characteristic thoughtfulness, balance, and precision, Long paints of beautiful picture of church fully alive in the Spirit, and also offers practical steps for individuals and churches who seek to enter more deeply into God’s triune life.

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6. Gentle and Lowly - Dane Ortlund​

An achingly beautiful meditation on the only two words Jesus ever used to describe his own heart. I’ve never read a book that so winsomely beckons us to trust in the merciful character of our Lord.

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7. The Grace Outpouring - Roy Godwin​

The extraordinary story of revival breaking out in a small Welsh retreat center in the 90’s. It opened my eyes to the spiritual power of blessing and transformed how I pray for people I’ve just met, i.e., I’m writing this list in an airport and just prayed with a stranger sitting next to me while waiting to board.

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8. The Bait of Satan - John Bevere​

This book knocked my socks off! I have often struggled with anger, resentment, and unforgiveness, and Bevere’s relentless exposition of conflictual biblical narratives showed me how my attitude often plays right into the hand of the enemy. The best book I’ve found when it comes to engaging with conflict in a countercultural and Godly way.

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9. How People Grow - Cloud and Townsend​

In the early years of my ministry, this book opened my eyes to the essential and transforming power of Christian community. Cloud and Townsend make the provocative claim that God’s ‘Plan A’ for growing His people is not a lightning bolt from heaven, but the crucible of accountable Christian community.  

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10. Disciplines of a Godly Man - Kent Hughes​

Of Hughes’ many excellent books, this is my favorite. An outstanding overview of the disciplines of a Godly man.

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11. Your Best Year Ever - Michael Hyatt​

Every year the Bishop of South Carolina gives the clergy of the diocese a book to read. Of all the books I’ve received in thirteen years of ordained ministry, this was the most impactful. Hyatt introduced me to the power of goal-setting, and after a decade of practicing what he preaches, I can attest to its fruitfulness.

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12. Stop, in the Name of God - Charlie Kirk​

The most convicting book I read this past year, it led me to make significant and long-overdue changes in how I honor the sabbath. Kirk points out that ‘Slaves don’t rest. Only the free do (137).’ This book will help you to embrace the grace of resting in Christ’s sufficiency.

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13. Celebration of Discipline - Richard Foster​

An excellent introduction to the spiritual disciplines. Foster mines the heights and depths of church history and generously shares the treasures with us. His chapter on fasting was especially helpful.

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14. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry - John Mark Comer​

In our increasingly manic society, Comer offers a clarion call to slow down and to embrace the rhythms of Jesus. I especially appreciated Comer’s eclectic and interdisciplinary approach, and found that his (ironically) fast-paced and absorbing writing style kept me on the edge of my seat.

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15. The Making of a Leader - Robert Clinton​

A top-notch book on Christian leadership. Clinton’s exploration of the dynamic wherein God often tests a leader’s character before entrusting them with responsibility, has been extremely helpful in my journey, giving me a better lens for interpreting seasons of struggle.