Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers
Recommended by Lea Ann Brookens
Rocky Mountain District Mobilizer
EFCA RESOUND
My favorite fiction book of all time. I have shared this book with women over the years as it reveals the heart of our Father God who loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love. So many women feel shame or distance because of their past sin, and they struggle in intimacy with God. The book is a retelling of the Old Testament story of Hosea and traces the journey of a godly man who is called to marry a prostitute during the California Gold Rush days. A fabulous story of redemption!
Answering God: The Psalms as tools for prayer, by Eugene Peterson
Recommended by David Carlson
Pastor, Bethany Free Church, Madison, Wis.
This book explains how the Psalms provide us richness in our prayer by example and by being the language of prayer and worship for individuals and the church together. They lift us above our private concerns and banal repetition.
The Cross of Christ, by John Stott
Recommended by David Harstine
Pastor, Fellowship Community Church, Grove City, Pa.
It is increasingly imperative to express the gospel in a clear way. John Stott does a great job explaining the centrality of the cross to faith in Jesus Christ. In particular he explains how perfect love and perfect justice are fully satisfied in the cross of Christ. This principle is essential to unshakable Christian faith and provides a helpful explanation of the tensions that exist in our understanding of the nature of God.
Against Heresies, by Irenaeus
Recommended by Dr. Ernest Manges
EFCA EQUIP, ReachGlobal
This is often considered the first systematic theology of the Church, probably completed around 190 AD. In his refutation of Gnosticism, Bishop Irenaeus presents the case for continuity between the Old and New Testaments and for asserting the good of physical creation. Recapitulation is his theological construct, which explains the mechanics and the necessity of the incarnation for the accomplishment of salvation. In order for us humans to be saved, Christ takes on the same flesh as Adam, via Mary. A docetic Christ cannot effect salvation for Adam’s race. Though he does push the parallels between Christ and Adam a bit too far, it is a wonderful picture of how salvation is restorative. This work is a rich theological treasure that deserves to be more widely read today.
Prodigal God, by Timothy Keller
Recommended by Bob Burris
Pastor, Taft Avenue Community Church in Orange, Calif.
Well-worn parable, with new insights and a reminder: The book is about God and His grace.
The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller
Recommended by Bill Cripe
Pastor, Faith EFC, Waterville, Maine
I am frequently asked for the name of a book that someone can give to someone who may be exploring the faith. I am always hard pressed because either my recommendations are fairly heady (Ravi Zacharias) or would take several books to cover all that I would want. But Keller’s book does it all at a level that is appealing to the intellectual as well as the “normal” mind.
Christ is All, by David Bryant
Recommended by Scott Olson
Associate pastor of worship, EFC of Canon City, Colo.
Hands down the best holistic and comprehensive Christology I’ve read thus far—gives me a new appreciation for the Trinity and the character and nature of God in Christ.
Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther
Recommended by Alex Ielase
Church planter, Redeemer on the Mount, Mount Washington, Pa.
This book confirmed that we are completely helpless, stuck in our sin and totally depraved. There is no hope for us in ourselves. Understanding this very “bad” news helped me more fully appreciate and thank God for the good news of the gospel.
The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer
Recommended by Arnold Fleagle
Pastor, Trinity EFC, Amherst, Ohio
A classic that spoke to me about the character and glory of God. Tozer creates an appetite in the reader’s heart and mind to desire an intentional seeking of God. One of the books I have quoted most in my ministry. Whoever reads this volume emerges from this literary journey with new levels of faith and understanding that makes our witness, work and worship much brighter and stronger.
Eve: A novel of the first woman, by Elissa Elliott
Recommended by Rosalie Nelson
Newark Community Church (EFCA), Newark, Calif.
Eve looks back on her life from its literal beginnings, the sin that drove her and Adam from the Garden, and what (may have) occurred later. I found it gripping, and while many of the later incidents are highly fictional, the interaction between Adam, Eve and God after the sin is so sad, so tender, it adds many dimensions to the moment.
Decision Making & the Will of God, by Garry Friesen
Recommended by Jack Brooks
Pastor, Georgtown EFC, Lexington, Ky.
It set me free from the twirly-swirly mysticism with which I’d been infected by Pentecostalism, and introduced me to God’s sovereignty. The book that still profoundly lingers with me is Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, which I read as a child. It spoke to me about family, love, courage, friendship and fighting the horrible thing that took over Charles Wallace.
The Blessed Hope, by George Eldon Ladd
Recommended by Quintin Stieff
Pastor, Valley Church, West Des Moines, Iowa
This short theological book gives a friendly but spirited defense of the premillennial return of Christ from a post-tribulational perspective. Ladd does a great job of laying out his case, answering objections and interacting with Scripture. It was very helpful and formative for me in my early years as a pastor, and has been a wonderful resource for me to share with others.
Knowing God, by J.I. Packer
Recommended by Tim Wiebe
Pastor of men’s, adult education and LIFEcare ministries, Brookside Church, Omaha, Neb.
If I trace my appetite for reading theology and thinking deeply about God to one book, Packer’s Knowing God would be it.
The Person of Christ, by G. C. Berkhouwer
Recommended by John Westerholm
Pastor, Valley Bible EFC, Haddam, Conn.
I think that the biggest “aha” moment in my ministry has been the change in my thinking from what do I want God to do for me—or even what am I doing for God and what do I need him to do for me—to what is God doing and how can I be a part of that? In thinking back on the roots of that, I think the book that impacted me most was John Piper’s Desiring God.
Red Sea Rules, by Robert J. Morgan
Recommended by Ruth Westerholm
Branford EFC, Branford, Conn.
We will face difficulties in life, but God means for you to be exactly where you are and He is to be followed into the sea.
Think Orange, by Reggie Joiner
Recommended by Art Brown
Children’s pastor, First Free Church, Onalaska, Wis.
Describes Northpoint Community Church’s philosophy of ministry—yellow of the light of the church and red of the passion of the home make orange—learning God’s ways deeper and seven days a week versus Sunday morning only. I do not agree with all of it and how it is implemented, but it will help others see how and why ministry can be more intentional.
Perelandra, by C.S. Lewis
Recommended by Tom Loyola
Senior pastor, EFC of Clinton, Iowa
Through imaginative and vivid imagery, Lewis helped me see more clearly both the current spiritual battle and the future breathtaking joy of standing in the Lord’s presence.
Gifted to Lead: The art of leading as a woman in the church, by Nancy Beach
Recommended by April Warfield
Learning to Live Fellowship, Marina Del Rey, Calif.
As a woman gifted with leadership, often times I find myself deferring to the men around me. Not because I am led by the Holy Spirit to do so but simply because they are male. However, after reading this book, I was reminded that gifts are not gender-specific. Gifts are given to serve the whole body of Christ. I recommend this book to women in leadership. After all, sisters want to hear our Savior say, “Well done,” too; not, “What happened?”
Twelve Ordinary Men, by John MacArthur
Recommended by Dave Sherrill
Chairman, First EFC of Sioux City, Iowa
God chooses surprising means to accomplish His purposes, including people. The single greatest insight I gained through this work was Jesus’ patience with His disciples. They were flawed human beings, just like me, and Jesus was patient with them to no end. This has helped me in two ways. First, I trust that the same patient Jesus calls me to Himself daily. Second, I must, must, must be patient with those around me, following His enduring love for people, no matter how flawed.
Ancient-Future Faith, Robert Webber
Recommended by Jose Skinner
Service pastor, Coram Deo Church, Reno, Nev.
Webber suggests that a response to postmodern culture isn’t pushing forward as much as reaching back into the historical roots of our Christian heritage.
The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis
Recommended by Liza Ferndandez
EFCA ReachGlobal, Minneapolis, Minn.
Lewis doesn’t address God directly very much, but his unique portrayal of heaven and hell make me ponder what those two places really will be/are like and what that means for God, man and our relationship. The book reminds me that I often don’t give hell enough weight; I don’t attribute heaven enough beauty; and God is more wonderful and nearer than I think He is.
