In the March/April issue of Preaching Magazine, Dr. R. Albert Mohler suggests Ten Books Every Preacher Should Read in 2010—including Adopted for Life and Ancient Word, Changing Worlds.
In the expanded article found in the printed edition of Preaching Magazine pp 4-8, Mohler also recommends the following recent Crossway titles:
- The Gospel in Genesis: From Fig Leaves to Faith by Martyn Lloyd Jones
- Romans by R. C. Sproul
- Through His Eyes: God’s Perspective on Women in the Bible by Jerram Barrs
- Understanding English Bible Translation by Leland Ryken
- Christian Apologetics: Past and Present by Edgar and Oliphant
- Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods by Driscoll and Breshears
- Religion Saves: And 9 Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll
- Filling up the Afflictions of Christ by John Piper
- This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
- The Power of Words and Wonder of God edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor
- Big Truths for Young Hearts by Bruce A. Ware
Are you a preacher or a pastor? We’d love to give you a jump start on your 2010 reading list. Tell us about a Crossway title that you’ve already read that you would encourage other preachers/pastors to read and why. We’ll pick one winner at random on Friday 3/19 to receive the above listed book bundle (13 books)!
I recently picked up a copy of Sam Storms’ book ‘To the One Who Overcomes’. Even though it is written as a daily devotional I was able to use it as a nice supplement to preaching Revelation 2-3. Even where I disagreed with the author’s interpretation I found his writing very helpful in stimulating the process from text to application. For preachers this won’t be helpful in place of other resources (such as commentaries, etc.), but it will certainly complement your exegetical work.
Comment by Eric Nygren — March 16, 2010 @ 7:27 am
Two picks:
Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns – Simply the best book on forgiveness out there. It combines solid biblical teaching with sharp pastoral insight.
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson – A good book to read in a day of celebrity pastors. This book will encourage any pastor who feels ordinary. Highly recommended.
Comment by Darryl Dash — March 16, 2010 @ 7:34 am
I have read “The Pilgrim’s Progress” several times in the past, but never has it been more pleasant as when reading the new Crossway version with illustrations. Every preacher/pastor should read “The Pilgrim’s Progress”, and there is no better way to do so than with this beautiful book.
‘Next to the Bible,’ wrote C. H. Spurgeon, ‘the book that I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress … it is a book of which I never seem to tire, but then the secret of that is, that John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress is the Bible in another shape. It is the same heavenly water taken out of this same well of the gospel.
Comment by Jerry Minor — March 16, 2010 @ 7:39 am
I am currently not a pastor but currently talking with a church about being one and I have preached the gospel from the pulpit on many occasions. The Crossway title I would encourage pastors/preachers to read is The Great Exchange by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington. Reason is that I believe that the atonement is one of the most crucial doctrines in the Bible that must be studied continually especially right now as Easter draws near. The book is excellent because it is backed up by the Bible and even addresses New Testament books that mention the atonement and even the history of the atonement from the Old Testament. It is easy to read and Bridges has this user-friendly approach in writings where he is a deep theologian but easy to understand. I am also being biased because Jerry Bridges is one of my favorite authors.
Comment by Chris Land — March 16, 2010 @ 7:39 am
Not to jump on a Sam Storms bandwagon, but I recently picked up the two volume set called “A Sincere and Pure Devotion to Christ.” Like the aforementioned Revelation study, this is set up as devotional readings, but is a wonderful “commentary” on 2 Corinthians. Having had a class on that epistle in seminary, it’s always been one of my favorites, and this is a wonderful addition to my library. We’re considering using it in the Bible Study class I teach, covering a handful of daily readings each week. Though certainly not a fancy “scholarly commentary”, I think folks will enjoy these books.
Comment by Scott Weldon — March 16, 2010 @ 7:47 am
Leaders Who Last by Dave Kraft. I’ve read a ton of leadership books but this is the one that helped me learn to lead myself as well as other people. My spiritual growth has been aided through the chapters of this book.
Comment by Matthew Johnson — March 16, 2010 @ 8:27 am
God used Mark Driscoll’s “Death By Love” to absolutely reconstruct my understanding of the Atonement. It has to be one of the best books I’ve ever read. He explains complex and at times difficult truths in an efficient and understandable format. Excellent.
Comment by Robert Ward — March 16, 2010 @ 8:37 am
I’ve recently started reading “Communion with the Triune God” by John Owen (ebook edition). I’ve read several of his works already but always struggled – small print, long paragraphs etc but this edition of Communion with God is wonderful! It has blessed me soooo much. One of my all time favourite quotes is in this book – here it is:
“The endless, bottomless, boundless grace and compassion that is in him who is thus our husband, as he is the God of Zion. It is not the grace of a creature, nor all the grace that can possibly at once dwell in a created
nature, that will serve our turn. We are too indigent to be suited with such a supply. There was a fullness of grace in the human nature of Christ, — he received not “the Spirit by measure,” John 3:34; a fullness like that of light in the sun, or of water in the sea (I speak not in respect of communication, but sufficiency); a fullness incomparably above the measure of angels: yet it was not properly an infinite fullness, — it was a created, and therefore a limited fullness. If it could be conceived as separated from the Deity, surely so many thirsty, guilty souls, as every day drink deep and large draughts of grace and mercy from him, would (if I may so speak) sink him to the very bottom; nay, it could afford no supply at all, but only in a moral way. But when the conduit of his humanity is inseparably united to the infinite, inexhaustible fountain of the Deity, who can look into the depths thereof? If, now, there be grace enough for sinners in an all-sufficient God, it is in Christ; and, indeed, in any other there cannot be enough. The Lord gives this reason for the peace and confidence of sinners, Isaiah 54:4,5, “Thou shalt not be ashamed, neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame.”
But how shall this be? So much sin, and not ashamed! so much guilt, and not confounded! “Thy Maker,” saith he, “is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” This is the bottom of all peace, confidence, and consolation, — the grace and mercy of our Maker, of the God of the whole earth. So are kindness and power tempered in him; he makes us, and mars us, — he is our God and our God, our Redeemer. “Look unto me,” saith he, “and be ye saved; for I am God, and none else,” Isaiah 45:22, “Surely, shall one say, In the LORD have I righteousness,” verse 24.
And on this ground it is that if all the world should (if I may so say) set themselves to drink free grace, mercy, and pardon, drawing water continually from the wells of salvation; if they should set themselves to
draw from one single promise, an angel standing by and crying, “Drink, O my friends, yea, drink abundantly, take so much grace and pardon as shall be abundantly sufficient for the world of sin which is in every one of you;” — they would not be able to sink the grace of the promise one hair’s breadth. There is enough for millions of worlds, if they were; because it flows into it from an infinite, bottomless fountain. “Fear not, O worm Jacob, I am God, and not man,” is the bottom of sinners’ consolation. This is that “head of gold” mentioned, Song of Solomon 5:11, that most precious fountain of grace and mercy. This infiniteness of grace, in respect of its spring and fountain, will answer all objections that might hinder our souls from drawing nigh to communion with him, and from a free embracing of him. Will not this suit us in all our distresses? What is our finite guilt before it? Show me the sinner that can spread his iniquities to the dimensions (if I may so say) of this grace. Here is mercy enough for the greatest, the oldest, the stubbornst transgressor, — “Why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Take heed of them who would rob you of the Deity of Christ. If there were no more grace for me than what can be treasured up in a mere man, I should rejoice [if] my portion might be under rocks and mountains.”
Comment by Phil Gibson — March 16, 2010 @ 8:40 am
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor is a wonderful read that’s full of pastoral insight, and that’s written by one of today’s great thinkers in the church world. It’s also a bit different from the normal fare that pastors typically read, so a welcome change.
Comment by Brian — March 16, 2010 @ 8:44 am
While I’ve read and enjoyed many of the books on the above list, I would wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Mohler in recommending “Adopted for Life” and “Big Truths for Young Hearts”. The former had been one of my favorite books from recent reading even before I attended the first ever “Adopting for Life Conference” last month, which only furthered my conviction that every Christian needs to read Russell Moore’s book. “Big Truths for Young Hearts” has also been great in my understanding of how to present doctrine to children systematically, in a way that is understandable yet uncompromising.
To add to the above list, though, the most recent Crossway book that I’ve read was “A Sweet and Bitter Providence” by John Piper. Many in our congregation (and in every congregation in the world) are hurting, and this is one of the most poignant books I’ve read on suffering and the sovereignty of God.
Comment by John Gardner — March 16, 2010 @ 8:57 am
Tim Challies’ book, The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, is a book to be read by anyone concerned with the health of the church today. Written by a wise layman who helps uncover the lost art of discernment and gives very practical ways to restore biblical discernment in congregations. There are plenty of books opining the problems of doctrinal fuzziness in the church, but few that offer any realistic solutions. Well written and engaging, Challies does a great service to churches that want to be biblically and spiritually healthy.
Comment by Todd Baucum — March 16, 2010 @ 8:57 am
Two Crossway books that I would personally recommend are:
“Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor” – I was absolutely gripped reading this biography of Tom Carson, first because he was so extraordinarly ordinary, and second because he ministered in my home and native land, Canada. I was humbled by the incredible faithfulness of this almost unknown servant of the Lord.
“What Is a Healthy Church?” – I find Mark Dever’s writing incisive and convicting, and this book was no different. Oh to have a church healthy in the areas that he outlines! That is the prayer and passion of every pastor that I know, myself included.
Comment by Dan Brubacher — March 16, 2010 @ 10:58 am
I have to agree with many of the titles already mentioned here. Two in particular stick out to me. “Death by Love” by Driscoll helped to shape much of how I think about Christ’s work, especially bringing it home in a very pastoral and serious way. “A Sweet and Bitter Providence” by Piper was very good regarding pain and very devotional to me regarding God’s work throughout it all.
Comment by Dan — March 16, 2010 @ 11:15 am
I would suggest that every pastor must read “The Deliberate Church” by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander. It is a great intorduction to thinking through the ideas of Mark Dever’s “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” (another must read). In tandem with these 2 books I would recommend “What is a Healthy Chruch Member” by Thabiti Anyabwile. Great books for thinking on our responsibilities as shepherds, and what we should be expecting in our sheep (meaning our responsibility to teach them).
Comment by Shelby Pruitt — March 16, 2010 @ 3:21 pm
I love Crossway books and I do not recall all the books that I have read from them that have blessed and encouraged me. However, I have been reading through 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. I know it has been around a while, and I am sure many pastors who read this blog have probably already read it. However, if you have not then I recommend that one. It’s not a nine step process in building a bigger church with more people and a bigger budget. Rather, it is about getting back to the basics of what a Church should be. The 9 marks are a superb goal to grow in for any pastor leading a Church.
Thank you Crossway for all you do!
Comment by Matt Tyler — March 16, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
“Adopted for Life” by Dr. Russell Moore is to be read by every pastor. It is not just about the adoption of orphans the way we think of it, although it is about that. Beyond that, the book is about our adoption as sons of God in Christ Jesus. Moore goes on to paint a biblical picture of the inextricable link between salvific adoption and the gospel being lived out in the church through the adoption of children today. The book is theological and also very practical. There is an adoption revival going on and more of your flock are going to be asking questions about this, God willing. Prepare yourself and refresh your own heart and mind on the matter by picking up this book. You’ll be glad you did.
Comment by Matt Privett — March 16, 2010 @ 9:58 pm
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson – very encouraging for any pastor/preacher of any level of capability. And we are really living in an age of many popular and good preachers.
I must admit that after the reading the book I thought that Tom Carson is also a hero of great height. But during the course of life he was first of all a faithful person who loved God and the people.
Comment by Timothy Ha — March 16, 2010 @ 10:59 pm
With apologies to Brauns’ Unpacking Forgiveness and Carson’s Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor, my pick is Chester and Timmis’ Total Church. It made me seriously grapple with the nature of the church centered squarely around the gospel, community and mission while avoiding being canned or yet another mere “how-to” book. Great stuff that’s robustly biblical/theological, Total Church should be required reading not only for every pastor, but also every church leader (let alone every Christian!).
If you want your paradigms challenged in ways that will keep you up at night thinking through the implications of how you “do” church, look no further. But be prepared for an all-nighter and leave your Ambien in the medicine cabinet. As an old seminary teacher used to say in an endearing Welsh brogue, “Sell you shirt and get this book!”
Comment by Michael L. Johnson — March 16, 2010 @ 11:00 pm
With Easter coming up, Scandalous, by D.A. Carson has been valuable in re-centering my focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Since I deal a lot with younger recent university grads, the Hunter Baker book “The End of Secularism” has been valuable in codifying my understanding of secularism and its results.
Comment by Stephen Dawe — March 16, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
Without hesitation I would recommend to my fellow pastors Russ Moore’s book Adopted for Life.
I had been burdened to challenge the congregation to consider adoption or at least foster care as a reasonable Christian responsibility. Adopted for Life provided strong scriptural support for adoption and outreach to orphans. It also provided pragmatic support for the same. It was very helpful in preparation for offering the challenge to the body.
Also, I regularly need a reminder of the obvious! Dr. Moore provided the reminder that those who are saved are adopted by God. Who, of all people on earth, should be promoting adoption? Those who are adopted! Taking the spiritual and making a practical application.
Comment by Jeff Baxter — March 17, 2010 @ 12:14 am
Well as a pastor in England I should recomend an English author! I would highly recommend what is an IVP title here, and a Crossway title there – if that counts!
I can remember reading Tim Chester’s “You can change; God’s transforming power for our sinful behaviour and negative emotions” and thinking “If only I had been able to read this ten years ago when I was starting out in pastoral ministry.” God has been so graceful over the years in teaching me how real change is wrought in people by God through the gospel and I’m still learning.
I think pastors should read great and deep books, but they also need to read books that distil some of that great and deep wisdom and present it in a way that is accessable to your average church member.
As I write there are nine copies of the book sat under my desk. It is a wonderful book to give away, a great book for relatively new Christians, a great book for church leaders and a great book to read with someone in the context of discipling.
So highly recomended!
Comment by Graham Culver — March 17, 2010 @ 2:19 am
I have been challenged greatly by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis’ book Total Church. I believe their vision for the common life of the body of Christ is far more comprehensive and has more “legs” on it than most treatments I have read on the life of the church, mostly because they re-root the Christian faith in ordinary life, within view of the rest of the world, so that a) the gospel begins to permeate everything we do, even the mundane things, instead of being relegated to a few select scheduled events, and b) so that the world would see the beauty of the reconciling work of Christ in us as we live out the implications of the gospel together.
Check it out.
Comment by Chris in RVA — March 17, 2010 @ 3:33 am
A Crossway book that I highly recommend is:
“Scandalous” by D.A. Carson – This is Carson at his best! A very convicting, Cross-centered, Christ-exalting book!! As we came to expect from Carson’s books, he excells in insights in the passages he exposes and in glorifying God by showing us that the Christ’s cross-work is the fundation not only for our lives but for our comfort and hope as well. Highly recommended is his sermon on John 11! It moved me to tears!
Comment by Carlos Eduardo — March 17, 2010 @ 4:21 am
I really enjoy reading Big Truths for Young hearts to my children and watching them absorb truth and grow because of it. The ministry of Crossway is so helpful to the church right now. I just started the Godly Home by Richard Baxter, can’t recommend it enough to people. Thanks Crossway
Comment by Aaron Kircher — March 17, 2010 @ 4:53 am
I would warmly suggest Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns. An excellent book rich in application, but more importantly soaked in scriptural exposition of this important concept.
Comment by Josh Gelatt — March 17, 2010 @ 5:06 am
Every preacher should read “Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ” by John Piper. As those who proclaim the Word, we must understand the meaning and purpose of suffering. This is inescapable in the Bible and inescapable in life. We must suffer well, for the glory of God.
Comment by Justin Childers — March 17, 2010 @ 5:28 am
Unpacking Forgiveness is a definite for all pastors. You will spend more time in counseling dealing with this issue than any other issue. The reason is that there is so much misinformation regarding forgiveness and this is a highly emotional topic. So many of your sheep don’t know how to forgive others, especially over small issues that become major problems. You need to know how to forgive others yourself and how to lead your sheep to do likewise.
Comment by Brian Harvey — March 17, 2010 @ 6:04 am
Two recent standouts from Crossway have been “Total Church,” by Tim Chester and Steve Timmis, and “The Bookends of the Christian Life,” by Jerry Bridges and Bob Bevington.
“Total Church” was extremely helpful to the discussions our core group held as we began our church plant, as it encouraged us to consider the relation between gospel and community. Of particular help was the section on the 3 strands of evangelism: building relationships, sharing the gospel, and introducing people to community.
“Bookends of the Christian Life” is a great little book simply explaining justification and sanctification (OR the “righteousness of Christ” and the “power of the Holy Spirit”). Understanding these and distinguishing between them is crucial, and this book does a great job of clarifying them. In fact, our ladies group is meeting this morning to continue discussing the book…
Comment by Jason Oesterling — March 17, 2010 @ 6:27 am
Adopted for Life, by Russel Moore, swept me up into a deeper recognition of the depth of grandeur and glory in the gospel. My wife and I have seriously begun to pray about adopting, even though we are in a culture where adoption is looked down upon. May God change this culture!
Comment by Mark — March 17, 2010 @ 6:28 am
The book that our family is enjoying together is Bruce Ware’s “Big Truths For Young Hearts.” Biblical, theological and practical. We need more books like this to disciple our children!
Comment by Jo Schouten — March 17, 2010 @ 6:34 am
“Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ” by John Piper has been a gift to my soul shining light in my heart to give me “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” I’ve used it as a discipleship tool with another as well, when they were lacking that light in their heart. Highly recommended!
Comment by Tim Becker — March 17, 2010 @ 7:04 am
I read Vern Poythress’ book _In the Beginning Was the Word: Language – A God-Centered Approach_ earlier this year. I was helped by the way he showed that the very things we assume about language, such as communicability, depend on the reality of God. In that sense, it was helpful both in thinking about God as well as language, and even in some sense a work of apologetics.
Comment by Bruce McKanna — March 17, 2010 @ 7:14 am
As a preacher/teacher, John Piper’s “50 Reasons’ Whe Jesus Came to Die” changes the way I see the gospel in every sermon I preach. On every page of the book, John Piper explains clearly and effectively why the gospel is paramount to the Christian’s life. I have greatly benefited from it personally and it has been a major influence in how every sermon is shaped around the person and work of Christ Jesus, in both the Old and New Testament. Every pastor NEEDS to read this book.
Comment by Oren Conner — March 17, 2010 @ 7:18 am
“The Roots of Endurance,” by John Piper ought to be read by every pastor. After 32 years of pastoral ministry, I think most pastors have bought the lie that success should always be immediate and observable. When the ministry is hard, I fear too many quit when they should persevere. The section on Charles Simeon is simply worth it’s weight in gold. This is the kind of book that will help keep a man encouraged and faithful in difficult circumstances.
Comment by Doug Shivers — March 17, 2010 @ 7:20 am
I would recommend pastors to read Kent and Barbara Hughes’ book “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome”. I have found this book immensely. We all need to be reminded what is true success in the ministry; faithfulness, serving, loving, believing, prayer, holiness and attitude.
Comment by Scott Van Neste — March 17, 2010 @ 7:32 am
I’ve greatly benefitted from Carson’s “For the Love of God” vols. 1 & 2. It provides a great reading plan for individuals as well as families and provides deep, thoughtful and accessible commentary for virtually everyone.
Comment by Scott Alexander — March 17, 2010 @ 7:40 am
Not sure if this fits, but I have been using the ESV Study Bible and the web site. They are excellent resources for sermon prep. I have been traveling quite a bit for my work and the web site has saved me from having to carry my big bible on airplane!
Comment by Denny — March 17, 2010 @ 7:50 am
Counsel from the Cross by Fitzpatrick and Johnson is a wonderfully practical look at comforting others with the gospel of Christ
Comment by Jeremy Wright — March 17, 2010 @ 7:56 am
i am a 4th generation pastor- and i suppose the biggest endorsement i can give crossway books is that i gave my father (who has been in the ministry for over 35 years) an esv study bible and he really enjoys it.
i have also given him copies of “what is a healthy church” and “what is a healthy church member”.
i have so much to learn from him, but i feel blessed to be able to recommend/give to him resources that i know will help him, but that he probably would not have otherwise known about.
Comment by stephen cavness — March 17, 2010 @ 8:21 am
Carson’s book, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor is pure gold. The stories of Tom’s faithfulness is an example of real success in ministry. Having heard some of those stories in Dr. Carson’s preaching over the years, I was so glad that he wrote this book!
Comment by John Botkin — March 17, 2010 @ 8:26 am
Jerram Barrs, Learning Evangelism From Jesus.
Comment by Justin Buzzard — March 17, 2010 @ 8:29 am
Recently I did read “Nine Marks of a Healthy Church” by Mark Dever. This book must be readed by every christian who loves the church. It’s a biblical book about the will of God for his wife.
Comment by Marcelo Sánchez — March 17, 2010 @ 8:37 am
Perhaps because it’s the first time I’ve actually finished The Pilgrim’s Progress, but that is the Crossway title I’d take as a recommendation. It’s a reminder, at least to me, that we’re really in a battle, taking a real journey, and it really helped me to think about those things better.
Although I also greatly like my ESV Study Bible.
Doug Hibbard
Comment by Doug Hibbard — March 17, 2010 @ 9:27 am
I just read and enjoyed John Piper’s “A Sweet and Bitter Providence”. This is a short book that packs a powerful punch. Piper’s exposition of Ruth caused me to reflect on a number of present day issues in light of God’s Word. Piper shows us how Ruth eventually leads us to Christ, that all of life is really connected to something far greater than ourselves.
Comment by Elroy Senneker — March 17, 2010 @ 9:49 am
I am almost finished with Mark Dever’s “Deliberate Church.” I recommend it for its solid and faithful dedication to the Word of God being the center of the church. It’s worship, it’s functionality, it’s preaching.
Comment by Jacob Riggs — March 17, 2010 @ 10:18 am
I read Mark Dever and Paul Alexander’s book, “The Deliberate Church” and recommend it for its practical and helpful application of the Gospel to shepherding a Church. This is a book you can take your leadership through or encourage small groups to go through to better understand why your Church approaches things like worship, preaching, or evangelism the way it does. Ultimately, it is to build the Church on Christ who is the foundation and to display the wisdom and glory of God to a watching world.
Comment by Todd Terry — March 17, 2010 @ 10:55 am
After recommending Total Church (above), another book occurred to me that I’d be remiss omitting: Packer’s The Quest for Godliness. First, because it’s Packer (hence a joy to read as well as one of the best books he’s written). Second (and most importantly) it wrenches our attention back to another era where godliness was once of utmost importance (i.e. as displayed in the lives of the Puritans). How easy it is for pastors to get sucked up into secondary issues, while our knowledge and love for God diminishes.
If you’ve yet to read Packer, begin with Knowing God (alas, not a Crossway title!) and follow it up with The Quest for Godliness. Packer ought to be essential reading (and revisited often). Don’t wait till he departs this earth to discover what a gift he is to the Church. Other authors may be more in vogue, but Packer assuredly has had a long shelf life for good reason.
Comment by Michael L. Johnson — March 17, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Carson’s “Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor.” Too many of us pastors and preachers struggle with the pride and the desire for self-promotion when we see and hear and read from the many “celebrity” pastors in evangelicalism today. Carson reminds us that God wants us to simply be faithful in our ministries. In fact, it is the ordinary pastors that God is using all over the world to see people changed into the conformity to Christ. While the mega-pastors have really big ministries and are really out there, there are far more ordinary pastors out there doing the work where God has placed them. We should not desire to be extraordinary but simply faithful in our ordinariness.
Comment by Allen Mickle — March 17, 2010 @ 11:45 am
Been reading Sam Storms’ “Chosen For Life” which is a very clear, detailed, and fair presentation of issues surrounding Divine election and the sovereignty of God.
Comment by Kenny Innes — March 17, 2010 @ 11:47 am
I recently read “In My Place HE Stood Condemned.”
Such a wonderful book detailing the incredible doctrine of substitutionary atonement. All of the entries in the text are wonderful but Dr. Packer’s essay further clarified for me, what exactly Christ accomplished at calvary.
Any pastor looking to explore the wonder of the atonement MUST READ this book!
Comment by Dayton Hartman — March 17, 2010 @ 11:52 am
Based on a recommendation from another pastor, I recently obtain “Counsel from the Cross” by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Dennis E. Johnson and have read almost all of it. This has to be one of the best books on the subject of counseling I have ever read, certainly one written in the past five years. This work contains excellent biblical counseling advice.
Comment by Bruce D. Walker — March 17, 2010 @ 11:55 am
I received the pdf copy of Mark Driscoll and Gary Bershears’ Doctrine with my order ofthe book and it has already been helpful in its clarity and practical emphasis.
Comment by Dave — March 17, 2010 @ 12:04 pm
I could pick a basket-full of Crossway titles to recommend. For now, though, I’m encouraging pastors and preachers to read “Redeeming Science” by Vern Poythress. I can think of no other book to better prepare pastors to face the challenges of a world devoted to scientism. It affects every aspect of modern western life, from family to food, from education to economics, and it has even infiltrated church life like yeast in so much dough.
There are lots of good “pastor-preacher” books out there. While this one’s a little off the path, it’s essential reading for addressing the post-postmodern mindset.
Comment by Jamie Cain — March 17, 2010 @ 12:17 pm
Some of my favorite Crossway reads: Carson’s “Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor”; Chester & Timmis, “Total Church”; and “Pierced for Our Transgressions.” Very helpful books. These books have helped me think about being faithful to the gospel in pastoral ministry and are a few of the books I recommend to our pastoral staff.
Comment by AWHall — March 17, 2010 @ 12:48 pm
Though there are many on my bookshelf (some read, some unread), the two that are most influential in my life have been:
1. 9 Marks by Dever–Banging the drum of biblical preaching, real evangelism/discipleship, etc.–if we nail these down who knows what God will do in our churches? Essential reading for pastors and lay leaders.
2. Overcoming Sin and Temptation by Owen–”but we are GOING to sin…” This prince of “Dead Guys” reminds us that sin should be taken seriously–and attacked much more aggressively than we currently do. Cut the excuses, start killing sin. Pastors must do this, and we must help our people do this.
Comment by Ryan Reese — March 17, 2010 @ 12:51 pm
There are almost too many helpful Crossway titles to mention just one (or even a few!). But one that I am reading through right now (for the second time) that I think would be of particular help to pastors is A Quest for Godliness by J.I. Packer. It is a fabulous introduction to/overview of the, much neglected, Puritans — that pastors could learn much from. It not only introduced me to the study of the Puritans and their writings but also taught me quite a lot about theology, hermeneutics, and a whole host of issues.
I believe every preacher should read this book about these “mighty redwoods” of the faith (Packer’s analogy). It will greatly help your ministry.
Comment by RevTubbs — March 17, 2010 @ 1:03 pm
I’d have to list 3 (of many that I could list!): Holiness by Grace by Bryan Chapell- It really shows how the Gospel is what leads to sanctification. Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin – a wonderful, Gospel-centered & practical book on worship. And as several others have recommended, Unpacking Forgiveness by Chris Brauns – it really helps clarify and apply what true Biblical forgiveness looks like.
Comment by Dave Vosseller — March 17, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
I am currently reading “the Discipline of Spiritual Discernment” by Tim Challies. While not finished with it yet, I would highly recommend it. In today’s spiritual climate, with so many different views and ideas coming at pastors all the time, spiritual discernment is a must.
Comment by Steve Hanchett — March 17, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
I would recommend Francis Schaeffer An Authentic Life by Colin Duriez. Schaeffer had a profound impact on me during my college years and so this biography helpful to see his life from various perspectives. Duriez brings a unique perspective because he studied under Schaeffer. You will always glean something very practical from reading biography. John Piper has taught me that with his series, Swans are Not Silent – now there is a set everyone should have on his bookcase. If we are to help our people live and follow hard after Christ and treasure him we must have real life examples of imperfect people who obeyed Jesus call on their lives. I am currently and elder.
Comment by David — March 17, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by DA Carson reminds us to forget about the trends and to faithfully love the people God gives us.
Comment by Abraham — March 17, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
I was particularly helped as a pastor by Vintage Jesus. That book expertly communicated many important aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry. It made a difference in me, personally, as a disciple of Christ and that clearly followed through into my ministry. After reading the book myself, I decided to purchase the DVD curriculum and lead a small group in our church with it. The fruit of that group is still being felt as people continue to see Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King. I’ve also recommended the book to one individual, from a Jewish background, who came to faith as God awakened their heart while reading. The chapter on OT Prophecies fulfilled in Christ was particularly useful for that. Praise God for the ministries of Pastor Mark Driscoll and Professor Gerry Breshears!
Comment by Len Flack — March 17, 2010 @ 2:09 pm
Recently read through these two with leadership….I believe they are necessary reads: Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Dever and Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by Hughes. Why? God leads leaders to lead, so they better know how to biblically lead.
Comment by Mark Patton — March 17, 2010 @ 3:03 pm
Being a young punk, I wasn’t aware of John Owen’s “Overcoming Sin and Temptation” on Banner of Truth. I caught the Crossway version, which was a good thing since I may not have comprehended the older version. I can no longer take it easy on myself (or my congregation) when we have a casual attitude toward sin. This is a war we must be waging, not sitting back saying, “We are all GOING TO SIN.” Very edifying. One of those books you need to read often, as very few modern authors are this thorough and aggressive on the topic. If, at the end of my days, I am given a dollar for every time I uttered, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you,” I will leave my children a great inheritance.
Comment by Ryan Reese — March 17, 2010 @ 3:23 pm
I recently read Religion Saves: And 9 Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll. All of the topics (chapters) dealt with such timely issues for the modern day reader. Helped me think through somethings like birth control, regulative principle,etc. Things I hadn’t gone deep into before. However the book is worth buying just for the emergent church chapter. Driscoll is excellent at making a clear assessment of something that is very allusive and hard to explain. Good book!
Comment by Andrew Edmonds — March 17, 2010 @ 5:49 pm
Minor correction: A Quest for Godliness (not The Quest…”
Comment by Michael L. Johnson — March 17, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
I’ve found D.A. Carson’s book “For the Love of God” (Volume 1) very helpful. It is a daily devotional that follows the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan. Carson’s comments on the text are consistently insightful, thought provoking, and exegetically sound.
Comment by Josiah — March 17, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
In My Place Condemned He Stood.
Someone said one of the essays in this book is worth the price of the whole book. After reading, I wholeheartedly agree. Packer’s clear and warm manner in which he presents the importance and meaning of the doctrine of the atonement were very welcome. More pastors need to teach and preach WHAT Packer unpacks here but also HOW he does it. Thank you Mr. Packer, Mr. Dever and Crossway.
Comment by James Hong — March 17, 2010 @ 8:25 pm
As a pastor I would recommend The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson. The short book is approachable and thin enough to ensure that most people can finish it. Yet it grapples with the concept of the love of God in a biblical and systematic way. The love of God is central to the gospel and pulpit ministry. The more you wrestle with this the more you will appreciate scripture. Reading this book will encourage your heart devotionally and develop your theological abilities.
Comment by David Wenkel — March 17, 2010 @ 8:44 pm
A little late to the party, I was given Ken Sande’s “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” last year. The book and ministry have been a great resource for practically living out the gospel in every relationship.
Comment by Carl Johnson — March 18, 2010 @ 5:57 am
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, because it lays out, in a very concise and readable way, truths that all pastors should ponder.
Comment by Paul — March 18, 2010 @ 6:46 am
I read ‘This Momentary Marriage’ by John Piper and it was a blessing to my marriage and continues to be. As a Pastor it has been helpful to me as I encourage and teach our people about a Biblical understanding of marriage.
Comment by Bryan McKenzie — March 18, 2010 @ 6:50 am
At the risk of simply being redundant, I need to add my voice to the chorus of support which has been proclaimed for D.A. Carson’s Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor. Its great value lies in its reminder that my goal as a pastor should be neither more nor less than being faithful to the One who has called me.
I also found Jerram Barrs’ Learning Evangelism from Jesus to be quite helpful. Jerram is the most Christ-like evangelist I’ve ever met, a fact that comes through very well in this book.
Comment by Pete Scribner — March 18, 2010 @ 7:01 am
I’ve heard Piper say that maybe his most important book is God is the Gospel. (Of course, being able to clearly identify which book is most important is nearly impossible!) I would generally agree with him. This is where Christian Hedonism touches the heart of the gospel- a powerful combination indeed.
In this work he specifically targets pastors and asks them if they are truly preparing people for heaven, or are they presenting a gospel that centers on gifts instead of God. He asks:
“If you could go to heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauty you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied in heaven, if Christ were not there?”
He goes on to address us as leaders: “Do we preach and teach and lead in such a way that people are prepared to hear that question and answer with a resounding NO?”
If you want to preach, teach, and lead in a gospel-centered way more faithfully, then be sure to read and saturate your heart with the truth contained in God is the Gospel!
Comment by Mike Osborne — March 18, 2010 @ 7:32 am
John Piper’s mini-biographies of John Bunyan, William Cowper, and David Brainerd, highlighting especially their suffering, make The Hidden Smile of God a great read. They were helpful in thinking through suffering in the Christian life, and in its various forms (Bunyan–prison, Cowper–severe depression, Brainerd–poor health).
Comment by Kent Scantlin — March 18, 2010 @ 9:48 am
Just finished Scandalous today. What a great book on the finished work of Christ. For a pastor this is helpful just to reacquaint us with the Gospel and all that Christ has done on our behalf to bring us back to Him. I enjoyed reading every page.
Comment by Jeremy W. — March 18, 2010 @ 11:17 am
We are making some adjustments to our church covenant document, part of a process of strengthening and altering our church by-laws, and I have been helped even in the last hours by Thabiti Anyabwile’s “What is a Healthy Church Member?” He even includes a sample church covenant that had some of the wise grace-filled adjustment we needed.
Comment by Dana Olson — March 18, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
Recently read “Death by Love” by Driscoll and Breshears. This book helps the reader to not only understand theological terms but also how they apply in pastoral situations. each chapter is a letter written to someone in Driscoll’s church, each story is very powerful and shows how God has worked in these people’s lives. in the letters he explains to each person how a specific doctrine is important to them personally and really speakins into their lives.
great book!
Comment by Lewis Campbell — March 18, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
I am torn between recommending two MARK DEVER books published by Crossway, so here’s a double shot: (1) The Deliberate Church — was read by our elders a few years back, and it led to massive encouragement and actions on our part [like creating a church covenant] from which we are reaping sweet fruit and spiritual growth. Also (2) his book Personal Evangelism — my son and I both read this, and for me it took me back to the bold(-er) days of my college years, when I was more passionate about sharing my faith. It has helped me refocus my ministry and personal aspirations to do the work of an evangelist. [thanks Mark Dever & Crossway] db
Comment by Dave Bissett — March 18, 2010 @ 6:48 pm
I just read “Filling Up the Afflictions of Christ” by John Piper. I believe Mr. Piper has a heart for missions, and spreading the gospel, and it comes across in this book. First he tells us of William Tyndale who really gave us the English Bible. The Geneva Bible, King James Version, and all the later word for word translations are indebted to Tyndale.For instance it is said that the 1611 KJV NT is 83% Tyndale’s words! Especially remarkable for the bible coming up on its 400th anniversary, and still quite popular.
Then John Piper gives us the remarkable story of John Paton, the fearless missionary to the savages of the New Hebrides Islands.He knew when he went that the cannibals might eat him, and was so warned by others. He survived persecution, several attempts on his life and many other problems. Yet the gospel he preached endured and most of these islands were converted.
Lastly, Adoniram Judson. His story will also stir your heart as he went to another difficult mission field; Burma (now call Myanmar). God used him there. The stories of these men and their families will convince you (if your not already convinced), that God uses men to reach men for His kingdom, and His Glory. Thank you John Piper for this excellent little book.
Comment by Charles Woodruff — March 18, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
I have recently read and reread A Shelter in the Time of Storm: Meditations on God and Trouble by Paul David Tripp. I encourage other pastors to read this because we need to have our own hidden agendas, sins, fears, pride, and weaknesses diagnosed and treated with a big dose of the Gospel. Tripp does just that in these 52 rich meditations on Psalm 27.
Comment by Joseph V Carmichael — March 18, 2010 @ 9:32 pm
Vintage Church by Driscoll has been a great book to read through and be challenged and shaped by. I highly recommend it to others so that they might know a more biblical way to be the church in the culture.
Comment by RD — March 19, 2010 @ 12:19 am
I read and taught through Vintage Jesus to our middle school students. It does a nice job with the important attributes of Christ. What I valued the most (for my students’ sake) was the comparative views of other cults and religions along with the pop culture’s input on some of the topics.
Comment by Ryan Boyer — March 19, 2010 @ 8:07 am
Thanks all for participating! Congrats to Pete Scribner—please email your shipping info to facebook@crossway.org!
Comment by Staff — March 19, 2010 @ 8:44 am
After 3 months of searching the internet and you tube to decide if I wanted to come back to religion, I finally found someone who preaches from the heart, the way my Mama and Papa used to hear when they went to church, DR John Collins with the Church of Biblical Christians tells it the way it should be plus he does not accept donations, He preaches against todays prosperity preachers, My Papa said hes the only guy he has heard of lately not affraid to tell you what he thinks and use scripture to back him up. So I Listened to all of his sermons read all of his blogs and than decided to leave my number to see if he would really call as he says on his web site, With in 2 hours I recieved a call and DR. Collins never rushed me off the telephone answered all my questions, And After just that one call you can tell he loves and believes in what he does, He wont be for everyone, Because he does talk about damnation and what it takes to get to heaven, And its not from giving ministers our money> I watched the you tube videos of many and he is just for me, everyone has a choice but in listening to his sermons and reading his blogs and than the telephone call this guy is the real deal. The one on Gossip , wwjd hypocrites and the land of milk and honey not greed and money were right on, anyway if you get a chance listen to the guy you might be as glad as I am that I took the time. http://www.ucofbc.com/
Comment by mandy — January 18, 2012 @ 4:43 pm