I’ve put this list of resources together for Christians, Church ministry leaders, Sunday School teachers and small groups leaders, pastors-in-training, and my fellow brother-pastors. This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I am continually updating it, but hopefully you will find resources that intrigue and challenge you, while also helping you grow in your faith and appreciation of God. If I’m missing a category or you can’t find something you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I'm often asked for book recommendations, so I thought I would compile this list and keep it growing. So, if it's on this list, then I've read it, interacted with it, and/or approve of it.
Hopefully this can be a resource that you and others can use and come back to. So use it as a resource list, not a to do list!
For those recommendations with asterisks, see the note at the bottom.
Bible Translations
For more on this, see here.
Biblical Theology
Textbooks
An Old Testament Theology, Bruce Waltke
Introduction to OT Theology, John Sailhammer
The Theology of the New Testament, Frank Thielman
God’s Glory in Salvation through Judgment, Jim Hamilton
The King in His Beauty, Tom Schriener
God’s Kingdom through God’s Covenant, Stephen Wellum and Peter Gentry
Zondervan’s Biblical Theology of the New Testament Series, various authors.
Non textbook works on Biblical Theology
Biblical Theology In the Life of the Local Church, Michael Lawrence
What is Biblical Theology, Jim Hamilton
The God Who is There, DA Carson
The Unfolding Mystery, Ed Clowney
From Eden to New Jerusalem, T. Desmond Alexander
The Christ of the Covenants, O Palmer Robertson
Biblical Theology, Nick Roark and Robert Cline
Retelling the Story Series, Russ Ramsey
Even Better that Eden, Nancy Guthrie
The Drama of Scripture, Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen
Systematic Theology
Textbooks
Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem
See also, Bible Doctrine by Grudem
A Theology for the Church, Daniel Akin, Editor
A Theology for the Community of God, Stanley Grentz
Systematic Theology, John Frame
A Theology of Lordship, 4 Vols., John Frame
Biblical Doctrine, John MacArthur
Systematic Works from Church History
Reformed Dogmatics, 4 Vols, Herman Bavinck
Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin
Systematic Theology, Louis Berkhoff
Works, Karl Barth **
Non textbooks Systematic Theology
Knowing God, JI Packer
Concise Theology, JI Packer
20 Basic Christian Beliefs, Wayne Grudem
Desiring God, John Piper
Future Grace, John Piper
Providence, John Piper
Heaven, Randy Alcorn
Possessed By God, David Peterson
The Apostles Creed, R. Albert Mohler
Union with Christ, J. Todd Billings
The Holiness of God, RC Sproul
Christian Ethics
Christian Ethics, Wayne Grudem
Introducing Christian Ethics, Scott Rae
Doing the Right Things, Scott Rae
Fundamental Christian Ethics, Daniel Heimbach
The Doctrine of the Christian Life, John Frame
The Moral Vision of the New Testament, Richard Hays
An Introduction of Christian Ethics, David Jones
Ethics, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Statements of Faith/Creeds
The Apostles Creed
The Nicene Creed (325)
The Augsburg Confession (1530)
The First and Second Helvetic Confessions (1536 and 1566)
The Belgic Confession (1561)
The Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647)
Westminster Shorter Catechism (1647)
The 1689 London Confession of Faith
The Baptist Faith and Message 2000
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy
The Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Baptist Studies
Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches, 2 ed., John Hammett
Why I Am A Baptist, Tom Nettles and Russel Moore, Eds.
The Baptist Story, Anthony L. Chute, Nathan Finn, and Michael G. Haykin
Baptists in America: A History, Thomas Kidd
Pastoral Ministry/Theology
The Care of Souls, Harold Senkbeil
Practical Shepherding Series, Brian Croft
Hearers and Doers, Kevin Vanhoozer
The Pastor as Public Theologian, Kevin Vanhoozer and Owen Strachen
The Pastor Theologian, Gerald Heistand and Todd Wilson
Becoming a Pastor Theologian, Todd Wilson and Gerald Heistand, Eds.
Pastoral Theology, Daniel Akin and Scott Pace
Nine Marks for the Church series, various authors
Pastoral Theology, Thomas Oden
Shepherds after My Own Heart, Timothy Laniak
The Works of Eugene Peterson
Special Emphasis on “The Pastor” and “A Burning in my Bones.”
Also his 3-volume work on Pastoral Theology
The book of Pastoral Rule, St Gregory the Great
Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradirion, Andrew Purves
Pastoral Theology, Daniel Akin and Scott Pace
Ecclesiology (Church)
Nine Marks of A Healthy Church, Mark Dever
The 9 Marks Series on Healthy Churches, various authors.
Don’t Fire Your Church Members, Jonathan Leeman
Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch
Elders in the Life of the Church, Phil Newton and Matt Schumcker
Church Elders, Jermaie Rinne
40 Question about Elders and Deacons, Benjamin Merkle
Embracing Shared Leadership, Joe Hellerman
Paul’s Vision for the Deacons, Alexander Strauch
Deacons, Matt Smethurst
A Guide to Church Revitalization, Al Mohler and Mark Dever
Revitalize, Andrew Davis
Reclaimed Church, Bill Henard
40 Questions about Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, John Hammett
When the Church was a Family, Joe Hellerman
Those Who Must Give an Account, John Hammett and Ben Merkle
How to Study the Bible/ Hermeneutics
How to Study the Bible for All its Worth, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart
40 Questions on Interpreting the Bible, Rob Plummer
Christ-Centered Hermeneutics, Graeme Goldsworthy
Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture, G. Goldsworthy
Validity in Interpretation, ED Hirsch
Preaching
Speaking God’s Word, Peter Adam
Christ-Centered Preaching, Bryan Chapell
He is Not Silent, R. Albert Mohler
Preaching and Preachers, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Preaching and Biblical Theology, Ed Clowney
Him We Proclaim, Dennis Johnson
A Peculiar Glory, John Piper
Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper
Expository Exultation, John Piper
The Supremacy of God in Preaching, John Piper
Preaching, Jason Meyer
The Passion Driven Sermon, Jim Shaddix
Homiletics, Karl Barth**
Preaching, Tim Keller
Doctrine that Dances, Robert Smith
Faithful Preaching, Tony Merida
The Privilege, Promise, Power, and Peril of Doctrinal Preaching, Tom Nettles
Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts, Tom Schreiner
Strange Fire, John MacArthur
Counseling
A Theology of Biblical Counseling, Heath Lambert
The Gospel for Disordered Lives, Robert Jones, Kristen Kellen, Rob Green
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands, Paul Tripp
How People Change, Paul Tripp and Timothy Lane
When People are Big and God is Small, Ed Welch
Side by Side, Ed Welch
The Peacemaker, Ken Sande
The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life, Jeremy Pierre
The Body Keeps Score, Bessel Van Der Kolk
Mending the Soul, Steven Tracey
The Pastor as Counselor, David Powlison
God’s Grace in Your Suffering, David Powlison
Deeper, Dane Ortlund
To Know and Love God, David Clark
Leadership
The Conviction to Lead, R. Albert Mohler
Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders
The Trellis and the Vine, Colin Marshall and Tony Payne
Lead, Paul Tripp
The God Who goes Before You, Michael Wilder and Timothy Paul Jones
Leadership in Christian Perspective, Justin Irving and Mark Strauss
Called to Lead, John MacArthur
Character Matters, Aaron Menikoff
An Unhurried Leader, Alan Fadling
The Emotionally Healthy Leader, Peter Scazzero
The Emorionally Healthy Church, Scazzero
Leading Major Change in Your Ministry, Jeff Iorg
The Painful Side of Leadership, Jeff Iorg
Time Management
What’s Best Next, Matt Perman
Do More Better, Tim Challies
Ministry/Discipleship
Mentor, Chuck Lawless
Disciple, Chuck Lawless
Discipleship, Mark Dever
The Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney
The Vine Project, Colin Marshall
Deep Discipleship, JT Englsish
The Cross and Christian Ministry, DA Carson
Growth Groups, Colin Marshall
Community, Brad House
The Hospitality Commands, Alexander Strauch
The Simplest Way to Change the World, Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements
Everyday Church, Tim Chester and Steve Timmis
Christian Living
Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Donald Whitney
Praying the Bible, Donald Whitney
Devoted to God, Sinclair Ferguson
How Does Sanctification Work, David Powlison
Desiring God, John Piper
Gospel Deeps, Jared Wilson
The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges
The Gospel for Real Life, Jerry Bridges
Habits of Grace, David Mathis
Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund
The Gospel, Ray Ortlund
Holiness, JC Ryle
Stop Asking Jesus in Your Heart, JD Greear
The Five Masculine Instincts, Chase Replogle
The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
An Unhurried Life, Alan Fadling
Conscience, Andy Naselli
The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment, Tim Challies
The Renovation of the Heart, Dallas Willard
The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard
Renovated, Jim Wilder
Practicing Affirmation, Sam Crabtree
Classic Christian Works from History
Mere Christianity, CS Lewis
The Great Divorce. CS Lewis
Screwtape Letters, CS Lewis
The Bruised Reed, Richard Sibbes
The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, Jeremiah Burroughs
Communion with God, John Owen
The Mortification of Sin, John Owen
The Heart of Christ, Thomas Goodwin
Freedom of the Will, Jonathan Edwards
Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
Charity and its Fruits, Jonathan Edwards
Devotionals
The Valley of Vision, Arthur Bennet, Ed.
New Morning Mercies, Paul Tripp
A Month of Sundays, Eugene Peterson
God's Wisdom for Navigating Life, Tim Keller
The Songs of Jesus, Tim Keller
Taste and See, John Piper
Suffering/ Dealing with Hardship
Suffering, Tim Keller
Lament, Mark Vroegop
When the Darkness will Not Lift, John Piper
When I Don't Desire God, John Piper
The Creaking Under the Stairs, Mez MConnell
God's Grace in Your Suffering, David Powlison
Don't Waste Your Cancer, John Piper
Missions
40 Questions about the Great Commission, Daniel Akin, Ben Merkle, and George Robinson
When Helping Hurts, Corbett and Fikkert
What is the Mission of the Church?, Deyoung and Gilbert
Church Planting by the Book, E. Elbert Smith
Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World, Bob McNabb
No God but One, Allah or Jesus? Nabeel Queshi
Marriage
This Momentary Marriage, John Piper
Preparing for Marriage, John Piper
The Meaning of Marriage, Tim and Kathy Keller
When Sinners Say “I Do,” Dave Harvey
Marriage, Paul Tripp
Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel, Ray Ortlund
The Family / Parenting
Family Worship, Donald Whitney
The Storm Tossed Family, Russel Moore
The Disciple-Making Parent, Chap Bettis
Parenting, Paul Tripp
Visionary Parenting, Bob and Any Rienow
Shepherding a Child’s Heart, Ted Tripp
Give them Grace, Elyse Fitzpatrick
Family Discipleship, Matt Chandler
Raising A Modern Day Knight, Robert Lewis
Disciplines of A Godly Family, R. Kent Hughes
For Women
Jesus Through the Eyes of Women, Rebecca McLaughlin
Women of the Word, Jen Wilkin
Disciplines of a Godly Woman, Barbara Hughes
Word-Filled Women’s Ministry, Gloria Furman and Kathleen Nielson
Missional Motherhood, Gloria Furman
For Kids
The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Children’s Storybook Bible, Catherine Vos
Everything a Child Should know About God, Kenneth Taylor
Everyone a Child Should Know, Claire Heath-Whyte
Everything a Child Should know About Prayer, Nancy Guthrie
Thoughts to Make your Heart Sing, Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung
God Made All of Me, A Book to Help Children Protect their Bodies, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
God Made Me For Worship, Jared Kennedy
Apologetics
Apologetics, John Frame
Christian Apologetics, Cornelius Van Til
Christian Apologetics, Norm Geisler
Confronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlin
The Reason for God, Tim Keller
Defending Your Faith, RC Sproul
Fools Talk, Os Guisness
Culture
To Change the World, James Davidson Hunter
Culture Wars, JD Hunter
The Gathering Storm, R. Albert Mohler
We Cannot Be Silent, R. Albert Mohler
Culture Shift, R. Albert Mohler
Onward, Russell Moore
Christ and Culture, Reinhold Niebuhr
Christ and Culture Revisited, DA Carson
The Gagging of God, DA Carson
The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, Carl Truman
See also his condensed version “Strange New World”
Five Lies of Our Anti-Christian Age, Rosaria Butterfield
LGBTQ
The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Converts, Rosaria Butterfield
Openness Unhindered, Rosaria Butterfield
God and the Transgender Debate, Andrew T. Walker
When Harry Became Sally, Ryan Anderson
Is God Anti-Gay? Sam Allberry
What does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? Kevin DeYoung
Transforming Homosexuality, Denny Burk and Heath Lambert
The Bible and Homosexual Practice, Robert Gagnon
Philosophy
Works, Nancy Peracy
Works, Francis Schaeffer
A History of Western Thought and Philosophy, John Frame
The Life of the Mind,
How Not to Be Secular, Reading Charles Taylor, James KA Smith
Fool's Talk, Os Guinness
Politics
The Naked Public Square, Richard Neuhaus
Politics, Wayne Grudem
One Nation Under God, Bruce Ashford and Chris Pappalardo
How the Nations Rage, Jonathan Leeman
God and Politics, Mark Dever
Losing our Religion, Russell Moore
Biography
A Burning in My Bones, Win Collier
The Pastor, Eugene Peterson
America’s Pastor, Grant Wacker
A Prophet with Honor, William Martin
Just as I Am, Billy Graham
Jonathan Edwards, George Marsden
Francis Schaffer, Colin Duriez
Shadow of the Almighty, Elizabeth Elliot
The Journals of Jim Elliot, Elizabeth Elliot
Becoming Elizabeth Elliot, Vaughn
Karl Barth, Christiane Tietz
Martin Luther, Eric Metaxas
Bonhoeffer, Metaxas
The Golden Shore, Courtney Anderson
Timothy Keller, Collin Hanson
Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor, DA Carson
Christian Holy Days/Holidays
Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus, Nancy Guthrie, ed. (Christmas)
Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, Nancy Guthrie, ed. (Easter)
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy, John Piper
Come Let Us Adore Him, Paul Tripp
The First Days of Jesus, Andreas Kostenberger
The Final Days of Jesus, Andreas Kostenberger
God in the Manger, Dietrich Bonhoeffer
**Karl Barth was one of the most influential theological minds of the 20th century, and continues to have an effect on the Church today through his voluminous writings. And while Barth's over all work is incredible, the reader should note that Barth departs from faithful Christian orthodoxy on a several key points, one major point being the doctrine of inspiration. Barth should be by serious theological students.
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