THE BOOKSHELF
Good books. Real questions. Faith in practice.
Books can challenge what we assume, give language to what we feel, and help us live more faithfully in the world we’re actually in.
This is a collection of my book reviews and reading reflections from different seasons of life and ministry. Start with a question that matters to you, and see where the reading leads.
WHAT ARE YOU READING FOR?
Find a place to begin
Start with the newest posts, or choose one of the three curated reading paths. Each card tells you whether the article is a full review, a reflection, or notes from a book in progress.
01 / NEW ON THE SHELF
Latest Book Reviews
The four most recent Books posts, shown in publication order. This includes reviews, reading notes, and reflections; new book posts will appear here automatically.
- Review: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy, Social WorldJab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy, Social World by Gary Vaynerchuk My rating: 5 of 5 stars… Read more: Review: Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy, Social World
- fussy baby=reading timeThe past couple of days Bethany has been fussy. I don’t think she feels that great and maybe a new tooth is coming. So… Read more: fussy baby=reading time
- A Good summer readWhile we were in Disney a couple of weeks ago I took “The Sweet Taste of the Bilge” with me on my kindle. I… Read more: A Good summer read
- Love Wins: ThoughtsRob Bell just released a new book a couple of weeks ago. It is all about Heaven and Hell. It takes some of the… Read more: Love Wins: Thoughts
02 / EVERYDAY FAITH
Grow in Faith and Self-Understanding
For the seasons when faith feels messy, identity feels unsettled, or you want to follow Jesus more intentionally.
Messy Spirituality
Reflection · 2007
A reminder from Mike Yaconelli that grace often meets us in the middle of imperfect, ordinary lives.
Soulprint
Review · 2010
Mark Batterson explores identity, purpose, and the experiences that shape our particular calling.
Primal
Review · 2009
A practical invitation to rediscover what it means to love God with heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Three books for a busy season
Reading roundup · 2012
Notes on several books, including Momentum for Life, about energy, resilience, and purposeful living.
03 / QUESTIONS & CHANGE
Rethink Faith and the Church
For people open to hard questions, fresh perspectives, and imagining what living faith might become.
The Next Christians
Review · 2011
Gabe Lyons asks how Christians might bring hope, renewal, and a restoring presence to the world.
Love Wins
Book reflection · 2011
Thoughts on Rob Bell’s questions about heaven and hell—and making room for conversation rather than division.
A New Kind of Christianity
Reading notes · 2010
Early impressions of Brian McLaren’s questions about Scripture, faith, and the future of the church.
Live It: Thinking about Unlearning Church
Book-inspired reflection · 2008
A response to Michael Slaughter’s call for faith to become visible in the way we act.
04 / MINISTRY & LEADERSHIP
Lead, Teach, and Serve with Purpose
For church leaders, teachers, volunteers, and anyone seeking practical ideas for learning, leading, and serving.
Unleashing God’s Word
Review · 2009
Ideas for helping groups study Scripture inductively rather than simply receiving answers.
Deep Justice
First impressions · 2008
An introduction to justice as a daily way of life, not merely a one-off youth service project.
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook
Review · 2013
A historical look at more effective online storytelling and communication for a church community.
Relationships Unfiltered
Reading notes · 2009
Early thoughts on Andrew Root’s accessible resource for relationship-centered youth ministry.
From the archive: Many of these reflections were written between 2007 and 2013. They capture what I was reading and thinking at the time, not newly updated assessments of every book or technology.
Explore the complete Bookshelf
Looking for another title? Browse every post in the Books category, including those not featured above.