The reading list below includes some of my favorite books that have shaped me and my thinking.  Also included are some books that I’m currently reading. Current Reading – The books below are some that I am currently reading and working through.

• Breaking the Missional Code by Ed Stetzer and David Putnam
• iGen by Jean Twenge

Recent Reading for Sermon Series–Currently, I’m preaching through the book of Jonah and in February, I preached a series on the Gospel and Biblical sexuality. Below are some resources I found helpful for both series.

• The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield
• Is God anti-gay? by Sam Allberry
• God on Sex by Danny Aiken
• Sex is Not the Problem, Lust Is by Joshua Harris
• God and the Transgender Debate by Andrew Walker
• The Prodigal Prophet by Tim Keller
• The Ultimate Commentary on Jonah by various authors (Albert Barnes, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Matthew Henry)

Recommended Reading Theology – Every Christian does theology (some well, some not so well).  I believe it is an important aspect of Christian living and understanding.  The texts below have been instrumental in my theological development and spiritual growth.

• The Cross of Christ by John Stott
• Basic Christianity by John Stott
• According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy
• The Cruciality of the Cross by P.T. Forsyth
• Knowing God by J. I. Packer

Biography – One of the most inspiring Christian growth tools comes from reading biographies of great followers of Christ. The ones listed below have inspired me greatly.

• Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Howard and Geraldine Taylor
• Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement by Alister Chapman
• Prophet with Honour: the Billy Graham Story by William C. Martin
• A Passion for Souls: The Life of D. L. Moody by Lyle W. Dorsett

Missions/Evangelism – The books below clarify God’s global disciple-making mission for the church by evangelizing, connecting new believers to local churches, and teaching them to follow Christ.

• Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer
• What is the Mission of the Church? by Kevin DeYoung and Greg Gilbert
• Let the Nations be Glad! by John Piper
• The Soul Winner by Charles Spurgeon
• Reaching and Teaching: A Call to Great Commission Obedience by M. David Sills
• The Insanity of God by Nik Ripken

Preaching and Pastoring – Having a pastor’s heart and a burden for preaching, these texts have both challenged and shaped how I think about interpreting and communicating Scripture as well as shepherding God’s flock.

• Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chapell
• The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter
• Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley
• Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
• The Pastor’s Handbook by John R. Bisagno
• Preaching and Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Apologetics – These books below have been seminal in helping me develop strong convictions and confidence in my Christian faith and a biblical worldview.

• Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Gregory Koukl
• The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller
• Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
• Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from Its Cultural Captivity by Nancy Pearcey

History – History is one of my great loves.  The books below are some of my favorites.

• Evangelism in the Early Church by Michael Green
• Revolutions in Worldview: Understanding the Flow of Western Thought by Andrew W. Hoffecker, ed.
• 1776 by David McCullough
• D-Day, June 6 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose

Christian Living – The following books have impacted my Christian life and practice.

• The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley
• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• The Hour that Changes the World by Dick Eastman

Leadership – Leadership is required in today’s ministry setting.  These books address spiritual leadership in particular and the challenge to pastors to emulate Christ-like leadership.

• Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
• Great Leader Great Teacher by Gary Bredfeldt
• The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley