There are plenty of books out there on ministry, on the day to day of Christian life, on how to live for the glory of Jesus and works on the lives of people of the past, here are just a few that have come across my desk lately. My two favourites from this list are ‘Beautiful Feet’ and ‘Following Jesus in an age of quitters’. However, most of them are worth reading and I’m sure there will be something of interest to you in each book mentioned below. I’ve purposefully kept the reviews shorter to give you just a feel for the books.
Beautiful Feet: Ministers, Ministry, and Keeping the Faith edited by Jonathan Middleton
This book is a selection of essays in honour of Jeremy Middleton, a well-known name in Scotland. This book is split into 3 parts. The first focuses on Jeremy’s life and ministry, the impact he has had on his family, friends and the people he has had pastoral oversight of. Part 2 speaks about ministry in the time and day that we live in with all the cultural complexities, the joys and the sorrows. Part 3 (and part 2, to an extent) contains essays that speak to a number of theological points, biblical principles and pastoral issues written by fellow ministers.
Personally, I found this book very helpful. I like how each essay has its own different flavour because of the different authors. In addition to that I really like how each chapter is borne out of real ministry experience and the need for a living and vibrant faith to continue throughout the years in ministry.
I would say that this book will be of particular interest for people in ministry, you don’t have to be serving in Scotland to understand the book, but there is naturally a particular focus on the church in Scotland. You can get a copy here.
The Tinker’s Progress by Jacob Tanner
If you’ve been in Christian circles for any length of time then you’ll have come across Pilgrim’s Progress, a timeless classic written by John Bunyan in the 1600s. Whilst many people know about Pilgrim’s Progress, not many Christians know more about the writer himself. I like that this biography doesn’t just focus on the events in Bunyan’s life, but looks more widely at the society in which he lived, which is needed to get a full picture of the man and how he ministered. Bunyan was much more than just the writer of Pilgrim’s Progress, this book outlines his early (pre-conversion) life, his life in ministry, his suffering for the sake of the gospel, his preaching and more.
This book is short for an autobiography (192 pages), which is good because it can whet your appetite to go and find larger works if you want, it’s to the point and it’s written well. This would be a really good starter into the life on Bunyan. Get your copy here.
Following Jesus in an age of quitter by John Gillespie
Jonathan Edwards is known as one of the giants for many reformed Christians. Many Christians today can trace some of their spiritual growth and encouragement back to the works of Edwards, not only his sermons and his theological writings, but also his resolutions.
in 1722, at the age of 18, Edwards wrote down 70 resolutions that he wanted to live his life by, for the glory of God. This book takes the resolutions and expounds them, puts Scripture to them and helps the reader see the practical implications of them for their life. I think this could be a helpful book for a group to work through together, to read, to discuss and to put it all into practice. This book could also be used as a daily devotional to challenge you each day to live for Christ. Get your copy here.
David Livingstone: Missionary, Explorer, Abolitionist by Vance Christie
Most people known the name Livingstone, a Scottish missionary doctor and explorer. It’s a big book, over 750 pages. It’s good because it doesn’t skirt over Livingstone’s flaws, but it presents an accurate picture of his life and work. Personally, I struggled with this book. In my opinion it’s too long and I think a much shorter, condensed version would suit readers more. It is an in-depth look at Livingstone’s life, so I think you’d need to have some interest in his life before picking up this big volume. I found it interesting, but I probably won’t return to it again.
Jonathan Edwards and the Christian Pilgrim by Deborah Howard
Death comes to us all but as Christians we can approach death in a different way than the rest of the world. Jonathan Edwards gave a sermon on the Christian pilgrim’s journey towards heaven, Deborah Howard has taken that sermon and weaved throughout it her own experience as a hospice nurse. The result is a book that will encourage you, point you to Jesus and fill you with confidence as you’re reminded that your life and time is all in the Lord’s hands as you journey towards your eternal home. Get your copy here.
*** I received a copy of these books from the publisher in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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