Kingdom Calling Amy Sherman – A study of the “wholistic gospel” incorporating both evangelism and the stewardship of creation and culture for kingdom purposes. Gives a new perspective of work as being an avenue for kingdom impact.

The Making of a Leader Dr. J. Robert Clinton – A book that changed my life! Clinton studied the lives of hundreds of Christian leaders over the centuries and has gained perspective on how God shapes leaders over a lifetime. Helps one to recognize and respond to how God is working in your life – preparing you for your kingdom calling.

Choosing Forgiveness Nancy Leigh Demoss – An excellent, biblically-saturated study on forgiveness in the Bible. Very practical and filled with great stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Dispels some myths about forgiveness and reconciliation too. 

The Peacemaker Ken Sande – An excellent biblical guide to resolving conflicts. Does a masterful job of explaining the full range of attempts at reconciliation: from peace-faking to peace-breaking and, ideally, peace-making. Highly practical.

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Peter Scazzero – Another book that had a profound impact in how I saw spiritual growth. Beforehand, I thought it was mostly intellectual – learning the Bible and obeying. This book showed me the importance of emotional healing as part of the journey of discipleship.      

Practicing the Way John Mark Comer – Just as we can’t thrive physically without physical discipline, the same is true spiritually. If we are going to become like Jesus, the goal of discipleship, then we must learn to live as He did – and that means a disciplined life focused on God. Very accessible and relatable.

Love Thy Body Nancy Pearcey – Why can’t modern people define what a “woman” is? McCoy fuses theology, culture, and women’s issues to explain the current gender confusion in our world. She does so with a strong commitment to “sharing the truth in love.”

Strange New World Carl Trueman – A study of what caused the astounding change in societal norms and values in the 21st century. Trueman gives a powerful historical review of “how we got here.”  Show how “expressive individualism” has become the dominant, and devastating, mindset in modern politics and living.

To Be a Woman Katie McCoy – Why can’t modern people define what a “woman” is? McCoy fuses theology, culture, and women’s issues to explain the current gender confusion in our world. She does so with a strong commitment to “sharing the truth in love.”

Abba’s Child Brennan Manning – A message I heard by Brennan at a conference in Boston changed my life forever. It was the first time I truly understood the concept of a grace/gospel-centered life of being radically loved by God. All that teaching is preserved in this marvelous book!

The Return of the Prodigal Son Henri Nouwen – Probably the most impactful book in terms of my understanding of the radical nature of God’s grace. Prayerfully reading through this book helped me move from an orphan spirit (never enough for God) to a spirit of sonship (beloved beyond belief by my Father.) 

A Scandalous Freedom Steve Brown – A profound mix of humor, holiness, irreverence, and deep theology! This book is easy to read and filled with memorable quotes and stories about the radical nature of the gospel of grace. I find it very reminds me to take God’s grace more seriously and myself a little less seriously!