A member who is on medical leave asked me recently to suggest some books to read to pass the daytime hours (when TV consists of news, talk shows, soap operas, or bad re-runs).  I thought I would answer his question and share 12 books that I have found that have helped me grow in faith and how to live that faith out in a positive way.

1. The Call by Os Guinness – A great book for understanding that we are all called and how to fulfill our calling to serve Christ.
2. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster – The best and most approachable book on spiritual disciplines.
3. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis – A classic that still speaks to the essentials of faith.
4. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell – Cutting edge and gets you thinking.  Will get you mad and make you think.
5. The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancey – A great book about recapturing the biblical Jesus.
6. Why I’m Not a Calvinist by Walls and Dongell – Written by two of my seminary professors.  A great philosophical answer to the prevailing Calvinist theology of the day.
7. The Universe Next Door by Sire – Perfect for understanding the root differences between Christianity and other religions/philosophies.
8. Jim and Casper go to Church by Henderson & Casper – A telling book of a journalist and and atheist who visit various churches.  Challenges us to ask if we are really reaching those we are called to reach.
9. Lessons from a Sheepdog by Keller – Another classic that gives a shepherd’s insight into the Psalms.
10. Wild at Heart by John Eldridge – Perfect for reviving the heart of a man for Christ.
11. Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Parrott & Parrott – A great pre-marital resource, but also a good tune-up resource to see how you are living in relationship with your spouse.
12. Hearing God by Dallas Willard – A great book on understanding God’s will.  Will transform your understanding of what God’s will is and how to seek it.