What Should I Be Reading? (2023-24)

Reading is important on many levels, but so is reading widely. An important lesson I have learned over the years about reading is to glean from authors who do not look, narrate, spin a phrase, theologize, or think like I do. The list below might stretch us to consider the perspectives and experiences of similar and dissimilar people who address an assortment of topics and write from various denominations, ethnicities, genders, and genres. 

 Some might say, “I would have never picked up that book.” And that’s exactly the point. Books are gifts just like the people who pen them. While we may not agree with every word, reading broadly helps us better understand the amazingly diverse peoples whom God has placed us with who make our lives (and our reading) richer for the journey. 

1. How to Preach Proverbs 
Jared E. Alcántara

2. Overcoming Apathy: Gospel Hope for Those Who Struggle to Care 
Uche Anizor

3. Preaching Points: 55 Tips for Improving Your Pulpit Ministry 
Scott M. Gibson, ed.

4. Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church 
Nijay K. Gupta

5. Preaching to a Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity 
Matthew D. Kim and Paul A. Hoffman

6. The Race-Wise Family: Ten Postures to Becoming Households of Healing and Hope 
Helen Lee and Michelle Ami Reyes

7. The Essentials of Suicide Prevention: A Blueprint for Churches 
Karen Mason

8. The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your Church in a Rapidly Changing World 
Glenn Packiam

9. Becoming Friends of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship 
John Swinton

10. Reading for the Love of God: How to Read as a Spiritual Practice 
Jennifer Hooten Wilson