Sharing my favorite books from the last year
Each year, I have the privilege of receiving and reading a lot of books and interviewing many authors for The Reconnect. This is a list of my favorites from the past year, and where possible, we are including the corresponding podcast. Enjoy!
(Each book image is linked for more information and where to buy)
1. Accessible Church by Sandra Peoples
Sandra offers encouragement for families journeying through disability and practical Gospel-centered ideas for helping your church be more supportive and welcoming of families with special needs members. Interview
2. Adulting on the Spectrum by Ron Sandison
Ron Sandison of Spectrum Inclusion helps us understand that Autism manifests itself in a variety of ways. It has its challenges, but also its strengths. Ron offers ways of supporting those on the spectrum. Interview
3. All Things Together by Heath Hardesty
Pastor Heath Hardesty encourages us to see how following Jesus is much like being a trade apprentice– you learn to do the things your teacher does. This renewed perspective on discipleship helps us view our whole lives in light of following Christ. Interview
4. Anticipating Heaven: Spiritual Comfort and Practical Wisdom for Life’s Final Chapters by Pamela Pyle
Dr. Pamela Pyle helps us prepare for the one certainty- death- by looking at life’s final chapters through the lens of Heaven. I’ve interviewed her several times, but here she talks about navigating the holidays and traditions around them when loved ones are gone. How does the hope of heaven help you during the holidays? Interview
5. Beyond Church and Parachurch: From Competition to Missional Extension by Angie Ward
Angie casts a vision of better collaboration between churches, and between churches and parachurch ministries around the greater goal of reaching others for Jesus. Interview
6. Beyond Evolution: How New Discoveries in the Science of Life Point to God by Sy Garte
Biochemist Dr. Sy Garte points out new research challenging the tension between science and faith. New discoveries are starting to get non-Christian scientists to see the hand of God in the creation of life and human consciousness. Interview
7. Blue Skies: How to Live in Extraordinary Expectation of What’s Around the Corner by James Barnett
James shares how to move from a life of worry to a life of hopeful anticipation in what God is going to do next. Discover a mindset shift that helps us pay attention to the and look for ways God is revealing Himself.
8. Contending for Christ Through the Creed: Apologetics for Loving Answers on the Christian Faith by Alfonso Espinosa
The Scriptures instruct us to content for the faith, but do we really know how? Pastor Alfonso Espinosa shares how a way to approach culture apologetics while being loving with our words and action, not unduly contentious. Interview
9. Daily Scripture Guidebook: A 52-Week Journey Through the Bible by Tim Wildsmith
This guidebook helps readers stick to a unique plan that will guide them through the entire Bible in a year, while also providing weekly insights that will help them comprehend what they are reading and apply it to their lives.
10. Editing Jesus: Confronting the Distorted Faith of the American Church by Rick Lawrence
We have a lot of “discipleship models,” from which to choose, but are missing the point? Rick Lawrence urges American Christians to get back to true discipleship– following Jesus, not principles. Interview
11. For the Joy Set Before Him, an Easter Devotional by Carol MacLeod
This devotional series, available through the Bible app/YouVersion, leads readers through the final week of Jesus’ life. Carol shares why the victory Jesus claimed on Easter gives us an answer to all of our questions. Interivew
12. God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves the Torah Is True by Mark Gerson
Mark looks at the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, and shows that what God taught His people from the beginning makes sense from a social science standpoint today. Interview
13. Gospelsick: A Missionary Doctor’s Prescription for Church Revival by Ryan Porter
From the perspective of living in another country and culture, missionary doctor Ryan Porter addresses our problem of gospel deficiency in the Western Church and how it can prevent us from experiencing revival in our lives and our nation.
14. Gospel Zero: Reclaiming the Radical Message of Grace by Andrew Farley and John Lynch
The authors imagine what if the apostles were alive today to give us the Gospel message afresh and unfiltered. What would they say to modern Christians? How would it shake us up? That’s what’s in this book. Interview
15. Heaven Help Us: How Faith Communities Inspire Hope, Strengthen Neighborhoods, and Build the Future by John Kasich
We may live in cynical and hostile times, but Former Ohio Governor John Kasich writes to remind us that good is happening right where we are, if we can only look for it. In this book, he shares how people of faith and faith communities are doing incredible things for others around them in both physical and spiritual ways. Interview
16. Looking for Christmas: A Search for the Joy and Hope of the Nativity by Donna VanLiere
New York Times bestselling author Donna VanLiere explores Jesus’ birth with a close look at the people and places in the biblical account. Allow your hear to be stirred by the true meaning of Christmas with these reflections and insights into what Christmas is really about. Interview
17. Sawyer Think: How a Small Company Disrupts Markets and Changes the World by Kurt Avery
Kurt Avery shares how his company, Sawyer, can give away 90% of its profits to provide water filtration to those in the world in need, with a goal to expand God’s kingdom. This book challenges and inspires business leaders to think “beyond the bottom line” and harness resources for good. Interview
18. Shine Your Light: Discover Your Unique Call to Illuminate the World With God’s Love by Joakim Lundqvist
Pastor of a church in the secularized nation of Sweden, Joakim Lundqvist reminds readers of God’s plan to light a darkened world, and encourages us to shine our light, no matter what type of light God made us to be.
19. The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence Throughout the Advent Season by Cynthia Ruchti
In this devotional, Cynthia encourages us to see the presence and the role of the Holy Spirit in the story of Jesus birth, and how to pursue Him this Christmas season. Interview
20. Spring Sings by Ellie Holcomb (Board book)
Spring sings! The new life and promise of Spring reminds us that death has not won, but we can hope again, each spring. Artist, author and musician, Ellie Holcomb writes about all the ways Spring sings to us in this Easter book for children. Interview
21. The Problem of Life: How to Find Identity, Purpose, and Joy in a Disenchanted World by Mark Clark
How can we possibly live with purpose and joy when anxiety, depression and loneliness are reaching unprecedented levels? In this book, part three in a trilogy, Pastor Mark Clark shares how life is better when you have a sense of the transcendent and of God.
22. Tomorrow Needs You: Seeing Beauty When You Feel Hopeless by Naeem Fazal
Naeem grew up in a Muslim family and converted to Christianity after a supernatural experience with Christ. In sharing his story, he offers a new way of approaching life, especially in the midst of struggle or conflict, by looking to God’s offer of hope in Jesus. Interview
23. What God Says about You by Hosanna Wong (Children’s book, recommended ages 4-8)
In a world where identity is all the rage, but more confusing than ever, our kids need to be reminded that their true identity is found in the One who made them. Spoken word artist Hosanna Wong seeks to help parents and their kids understand the names God calls us and invite us to understand and live in our true identity. Interview
24. Why I’m Still a Christian: After Two Decades of Conversations with Skeptics and Atheists–The Reason I Believe by Justin Brierley
As a radio host and podcaster, and expert in Christian apologetics, Justin has had years of engaging with many high-profile, vocal atheists. After two decades of those conversations, Justin shares why he still celebrates Jesus and the power of His resurrections. Interview
25. The Impossible Dream: The UNSTOPPABLE JOURNEY of GOD’S WORD BEHIND the IRON CURTAIN and BEYOND by Bob Burckle and Dirk Smith
How did God work for the salvation of those who lived behind the Iron Curtain? EEM‘s Dirk Smith shares the amazing story of how God brought Bibles to some of most spiritually-restricted places on earth, and so transformed Easter Europe and beyond. Interview
