These books left an imprint on me, causing me to think, feel, laugh, and hope while I read them and after completing them…I share this list, hoping that they do the same for you.

I always enjoy reading end-of-year book lists. As in past years, I’ve broken my list up into two categories, “Christian Theology and Ministry” and “Other,” with ten books in each, ranked in descending order.

These books left an imprint on me, causing me to think, feel, laugh, and hope while I read them and after completing them. Good books are like good friends; they challenge and shape us, making us better people. I share this list, hoping that they do the same for you.

Christian Theology and Ministry Books

(10) Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, Rosaria Butterfield.
In this book, Butterfield provides a diagnostic of our current times and shows how some foundational frameworks are false and anti-Christian. Most of this relates to the sexual revolution and the LGBTQ+ agenda. When thinking through the difficult issues of our day, readers will be helped by engaging this book and prayerfully considering how to honor the Lord and love their neighbors.

(9) How to Read a Book: Advice for Christian Readers, Andrew Naselli.
Presenting the tension between (seemingly) unlimited books and limited time, the author attempts to help Christians think about reading in light of Christ’s Lordship and provide some tools to steward their time to read more effectively. The book offers many practical tips from Naselli’s life, including what counts as reading a book, when to put the book down, and how to read well. If you want to start reading or develop a deeper joy when reading, I think this book will serve you well.

(8) Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation, Collin Hansen.
Like many other Christians, Tim Keller significantly impacted my life. Whether through sermons, books, or talks at the TGC conferences, I’m grateful for Keller’s influence. But I didn’t really know where he came from. Apart from what personal information I might glean from a book or sermon, I really didn’t know much about him. Collin Hansen chronicles Keller’s early life and influences, education, key relationships, and conversion. I enjoyed how Collin highlighted Tim’s special bond with his wife, Kathy. These stories were so encouraging to read. Reflecting on his life and ministry, I’m reminded of the line from the poem by Charles Studd, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.” Reading of Keller’s life reminds me again of this truth. And as it does, it compels me to do something that will last.

(7) C. S. Lewis — A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet, Alister McGrath.
I picked up a copy of McGrath’s biography of Lewis at my local library because I was not quite ready for the commitment a purchase might bring. I couldn’t put the book down. I found Lewis to be intriguing and instructive. McGrath helped me to understand his persistent wrestling and how God brought him over from atheism to theism and finally to Christianity. Along these lines, the author helped provide the historical context of Lewis’s relationships (with family, friends, faculty, and fans) and the historical setting he found himself in (early 20th Century in Ireland & England). As I read, I felt I got to know Lewis a bit, even if I was beginning to understand him. I’m convinced his voice is one I need to hear. His blend of apologetics and fiction writing gives me an on-ramp to enjoying and learning from him. I only wish I would’ve started sooner.

(6) To the Judicious and Impartial Reader: Baptist Symbolics Volume 2: A Contextual-Historical Exposition of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith, James Renihan.
What a great title! This new book contributes to an older history of Baptist theological study. Weighing in at a hefty 688 pages, this exposition of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith is worth its weight in gold. When one takes up the study of older, dense theological works, there are many cultural, historical, and theological hurdles to overcome. James Renihan, a leading voice on 17th-century Baptist theology, has distinguished himself as a trustworthy guide to navigate these challenges. Along with his love for Baptist history and doctrinal precision, I’m grateful for his pastoral heart. If you want to understand the 2LCF better, I highly recommend this resource. (Hard copy Kindle)

(5) Lloyd-Jones on the Christian Life: Doctrine and Life as Fuel and Fire, Jason Meyer.
Jason Meyer provides a short biography of the well-known Dr and then takes readers on an in-depth tour of Lloyd-Jones teaching. The treasure here is the thoroughness of the citations and thoughtfulness of the interactions. If you want to be discipled by Lloyd-Jones, get this book. If you’re looking for help arranging lessons for classes at your church, ideas for sermon series, or want to grow, pick up this book. You’ll be encouraged.

(4) The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart, Harold L. Senkbeil.
Reading Senkbeil felt a little bit like reading Wendell Berry. Combining pastoral ministry with the writing cadence and flavor of Berry is a delight. Senkbeil, a veteran pastor, helps readers understand the minister’s noble work. He focuses on establishing the rhythm or habit of the Word and Prayer. He writes with many antidotes to flesh out his instruction. Drawing upon decades of ministry, his stories combine the teaching with natural texture. Also, he comes from a Lutheran background, which is slightly different from my own. This nuance helped some of his points to land a bit differently. He surprises me and instructs me in the work. I don’t see how a pastor would not be helped by reading this book.

(3) The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis.
This year, a friend challenged me to read Lewis and stick with it. Per his advice, I started with The Weight of Glory. The book is a collection of 9 sermons delivered during World War Two. Right away, I was intrigued. Lewis was developing a defense for the Christian faith by deploying word pictures and a precision of logic that drew me in. I was hooked when I got to the chapter on Pacificism. I found Lewis thoughtful, careful, fair, and inviting while rigorously maintaining his position. He invited the pacifist in to evaluate the basis of their reasoning. Pastors today could benefit from his triad of facts, intuition, and proofs.

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