What Your Pastors Are Reading

Sandy McConnel

Mere Christianity
by C.S. Lewis

This book is a classic apology (defense) of the Christian faith. Originally given as series of radio lectures on the BBC during World War II addressing the central issues of Christianity, more than half a century later these talks continue to retain their poignancy. This book was transformational in my Christian journey towards a call to seminary and remains for me an all-time favorite.

John Neely

The Sounds of our Offerings –Achieving Excellence in Church Music
by CharlotteKroeker

Sitting at the organ bench, with my fingers and feet poised over the keys to begin the prelude, I marvel at how worship begins with that first note, alive and new, every Sunday. This book provides a valuable resource for understanding the vital role of music in the experience of worship and the contribution music brings to "alive" congregations, like ours. This book is published by the Alban Institute in cooperation with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

Nancy Hodgkins

Help Thanks Wow; The Three Essential Prayers
by Anne Lamott.

This brief, but wonderfully insightful and honest book focuses on three simple prayers essential to coming through tough times, difficult days, and the hardships of daily life. It’s a great read and offers an easy way to simplify what I know prayer to be all about.



John Shonle

The Case for God
by Karen Armstrong

This is one of the best books about God that I’ve read in years.  It’s not a polemic- as the title might suggest- but rather a presentation of the diverse ways people have experienced and thought about God.

Laurie Davis

Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life
by Richard Rohr

Maybe it’s because I just turned 56, but I highly recommend Franciscan Father Rohr’s most recent, insightful and readable book at whatever stage of life you may be.  Here’s some good news:  “we grow spiritually much more by doing it wrong than doing it right.”  He starts with this counterintuitive truth, and shows how life-giving the second half of our spiritual lives can be, if we allow ourselves to ever get there.