25+ Book Recommendations to Start (or Increase) Your Library

I've had two requests for book recommendations this past week and I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to get back with those young ladies. Also, I haven't even had a second to think about writing and posting a blog. So, this is me killing three birds with one blog post.

I personally think every Christian (especially those in ministry) should be well-read and should have a library. Now...whether you'd rather have one on a device such as a kindle or an iPad, or if you're like me and you like to hold a physical book in your hands, it matters not. What matters is that you are expanding your understanding and knowledge base by reading. And I'm not talking about fiction or reading for entertainment purposes. There's nothing wrong with doing that but I'm specifically speaking of reading to learn and grow as a person, a Christian, a minister, etc. 

"But I don't have time to read...."
Even doing something so small as to take 15-20 minutes at the end of the day to read before bed will put you so far ahead of the game later on down the road. So turn off the Netflix, take a break from scrolling, and take some time to read. You may discover that you like it. :)


Bibles/Bible Study Materials:

1. A good study Bible. Every Christian needs a good study Bible. If you don't own one, this should be your first priority. (I recommend Local Church Bible Publishers in Lansing, MI. They sell good, quality study Bibles for the cost of production. They're somewhat expensive but way less expensive than your local bookstore. My husband and I both own study Bibles from them and we love them...and no, I don't get a kick-back from this. They're just that awesome.)

2. Some Bible study reference materials...such as a good Bible Dictionary, a Halley's Bible Handbook, a concordance (such as Strong's), a commentary or commentary set (such as the Biblical Illustrater, Unger's, Matthew Henry, etc.). There are all sorts of apps you can use as well. A few of my favorites are Bible Gateway (good for looking up passages using keywords, also has great audio Bible), Touch Bible and Blue Letter Bible (good for word studies in the original languages), and Reading Plan (good for tracking your daily reading).

Devotional Reads/Christian Living:

3. The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges. I try to revisit this one periodically. It's incredibly challenging and insightful.

4 & 5. When Ye Pray and When Ye Fast by Joy Haney. These are two small books by an awesome apostolic author that will motivate and challenge you to draw closer to the Lord through prayer and fasting.

6. My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This is a daily devotional that I have personally benefited from.

7. The Weapon of Prayer by E.M. Bounds. This book makes me want to pray and I think it will make you want to pray too!

8. Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill. Also will make you want to pray. Incredibly convicting.

9. Be Real: Commentary on 1 John by Warren Weirsbe. 1 John is possibly my favorite book of the Bible (it changes from week to week) and this book takes a devotional approach to it.

Ministry/Leadership:

10. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. Simultaneously comforting and convicting...an absolute must read for anyone even considering a life of ministry. If you've ever been hurt or betrayed by someone in a position of authority, this book will especially speak to you, I believe. (Side note - I have also heard good things about another of his books "Prisoner in the Third Cell" but I cannot say too much about it because I haven't read it.)

11. The Heart of the Artist by Rory Noland. This was one of my textbooks at Indiana Bible College and I have reread it and recommended it to others many times since. It's directed toward worship leaders and those who minister through the arts but I believe any minister in any capacity could seriously benefit from this book.

12. EntreLeadership by Dave Ramsey. I recommend anything by Dave Ramsey. His money stuff is great and so is his leadership stuff. This book focuses on business leadership but there are some good, solid, Biblical principals that he's built his business on that are beneficial to leaders of any field or focus.

Psychology/Relationships:

13. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray. This book has been around for a while. It takes a look at the fundamental differences in the way men and women think and how it affects their relationships with each other. It will help you in the dating/marriage sphere for sure!

14. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, to Take Control of Your Life by Henry Cloud and John Townsend. The book delivers all that the title promises.

15. Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. Remember earlier when I said I've been busy? Yeah, I've been busy reading this book. I devoured it within a 24 hour period! This is a beautiful book about dealing properly with rejection, insecurity, and past hurts. I'll be raving about this one for months and years to come!

16. His Needs, Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage by Willard F. Harley, Jr. Who doesn't want an affair-proof marriage?! This is a great book for engaged or married couples to read. It's in my top three marriage books.

17. For Women Only (and it's companion book For Men Only) by Shaunti Feldhan. These books are also targeted toward engaged and married couples. They will help you understand your spouse a little bit better and deepen your relationship with them.

18. Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by David Keirsey and Marilyn Bates. This little book will help you understand yourself a little better and help you understand the other people in your life.

Apologetics/Christian Defense:

19. The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell. This was another one of my textbooks at IBC. It's a large book with tiny print but it's easy to read and gives so much great information regarding archeological, scientific and historical evidence that backs Biblical claims.

20. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. Actually, anything by C.S. Lewis...but this book is one of my favorites. Lewis was a former atheist turned Christian and apologist.

21. Any of the Answers books from Answers in Genesis by Ken Ham. These books scientifically refute evolution and provide the reader with substantial scientific evidence to back the Biblical account of Creation and Noah's Flood.

22. The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. Lee Strobel is a journalist who set out to disprove the claims of Christianity and the Bible but ended up converting to Christianity once he got a look at the evidence. Good. Stuff.

23. How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski. Self explanatory!

Finance:

24. Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. If you have no plan for your money, you need to get one and this book is a great place to start! Dave bases his money management principals off of scripture and shows that God's way is the best way to handle everything-including money.

25. The Legacy Journey by Dave Ramsey. Once you have your financial plan rolling this is another great book about managing wealth in godly ways.


It was really hard to pick only 25 books. There are so many more but these at least will get you started! Most of these you can find used online for relatively cheap. If you have a used bookstore in your area, take advantage of that! I don't have one, sadly. (Thank God for Amazon Prime!)


Happy reading!