In 1964 Martha and the Vandellas sang, “Summers here and the time is right for dancing in the streets”.
Around here we are more likely to engage in summer reading.
Whether you are drawn to the mountains, the beach, or just some time at the neighborhood pool, the summer is often an opportunity to kick up your feet and relax with a book.
There are literally thousands of titles to choose from and unless you have a stack of books waiting for you, picking one can be a challenge. A recommendation always helps.
This year a few of us put together list of books we would not just recommend, but could encourage you to invest your time in. Imagine everyone at church reading books from the same list. The BFG’s, the choir members, the ushers, all of us filling our minds with Christ honoring thoughts.
My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with me;
He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me. Psalm 101:6 (NASB)
** Side Note – Under What We Are Reading, the Bible took first place.
We did not provide an Amazon link for each title since the books are available in a variety of formats from a variety of suppliers. Here are some good places to try-
Lifeway – lifeway.com
Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore – wtsbooks.com
Christian Book Distributors – christianbook.com
Amazon – amazon.com
Jeff B’s Picks
What I am reading: The Power of Prayer in a Believer’s Life (Charles Spurgeon) Emerald Books. Compiled and edited by Robert Hall; 1993 for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
Light reading: Let the Nations be Glad, written by John Piper, 10th edition, Baker Books, 1999.
Heavy reading: Revelations, Expositor’s Bible Commentary; The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Revelations vol. 1-2, Moody Publishers, 1999.
Lee’s Picks
What I am reading: Fearless by Megan Fate Marshman
Light Reading: Believing God: Beth Moore
Justin’s Picks
What I am reading: When People are Big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man by Edward T. Welch
Biography: Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther by Roland H. Bainton
Light reading: 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You by Tony Reinke
Heavy reading: True North: Christ, the Gospel, and Creation Care by Mark Liederbach and Seth Bible
Great stories: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson
Josh’s Picks
What I am reading: A Company of Heroes: Portraits from the Gospel’s Global Advance– Tim Keesee
Biography: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy– Eric Metaxas
Light Reading: Gaining by Losing: Why the Future belongs to Churches that Send– J.D. Greear
Heavy Reading: Reading the Bible Supernaturally– John Piper
Great Stories: The Hobbit– J.R.R. Tolkien
Wesley’s Picks
What I am reading: God’s Design for Man and Woman: A Biblical-Theological Survey – Andreas J. Köstenberger and Margaret Köstenberger
Biography: The Pastor: A Memoir – Eugene Peterson
Light reading: You Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit – James K.A. Smith
Heavy reading: Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism – John Piper and Wayne Grudem
Great Stories: The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia) – C.S. Lewis
Daniel’s Picks
What I am reading: Wisdom and Wonder: Common Grace in Science and Art by Abraham Kuyper
Light reading: Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey
Heavy reading: Recalling the Hope of Glory: Biblical Worship from the Garden to the New Creation by Allen P. Ross
Great stories: The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
Nick’s Picks
What I am reading: Counter Culture: Following Christ in an Anti-Christian Age– David Platt
Biography: Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest by David McCasland
Light reading: The Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan
Heavy reading: Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots by J. C. Ryle