My Top Eight Books of 2023
I love reading! This year my overall reading slowed down compared to previous years, but it was full of many great books and even more learning. I have always loved seeing other people’s reading list at the end of the year, so I thought I would join in. Out of all the books I read this year here are my eight favorite from this year!
“Simply Christian” by N.T. Wright. A deep and inspiring read for anyone wanting to deepen their faith or anyone interested in Christianity. Wright’s approach to expressing his faith is rich with thought, scripture and philosophy. Simply Christian will remind you of C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity or A.W. Tozer’s Pursuit of God.
“Harvard Business Review on Leadership” is a compilation of great leadership and management principles that translate to business, church and nonprofit. It is a quick crash course on executive level leadership for any organization.
“The One Truth” by Jon Gordon is full of biblical principles, research, and psychology of how are mindset affects our attitudes, behavior, and life. Jon is the premier voice in positive leadership and mindsets for leadership, athletics, and personal motivation. Whenever you see a book written by Jon Gordon buy it, read it, and share it.
“Compassion & Conviction” by Giboney, Wear, Butler is a must read for every pastor, Christian, and leader. I almost wrote this book off when I realized the authors were part of President Obama’s campaign and organizations because I thought it would be biased but glad I didn’t it. This book is the most balanced and biblical view of how Christians can be politically active and maintain their Christian witness and mission. This book will challenge you and inspire you.
“The Meaning of the Millennium, Four Views” is a compilation of essays from four different viewpoints on the millennium reign of Christ referred to in Revelation 20. Most Christians, even pastors, don’t have an understanding of the end times and eschatology. They mostly just parrot what their pastor or denomination’s stance not realizing the millennium has many biblical viewpoints and is an open-handed issue. This book allows you to see the orthodox perspectives and develop your own understanding.
“Deliverance” by Jon Thompson is the best book I have ever read on deliverance. He builds the most robust theological case on the supernatural, demon possession/oppression, and deliverance I have ever read. Jon writes from a theologians perspective with a pastor’s heart and experience with the supernatural. He is unbiased coming from a cessationist background to sharing experiences with spiritual deliverance and spiritual gifts.
“Post-Charismatic” by Rob McAlpine was a very healing book for me. As a Spirit-filled believer I many times feel like an outcast in Pentecostal/charismatic circles. This book felt like my personal prayer journal capturing my thoughts and concerns for the charismatic movement. Rob has a hunger and respect for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit but a healthy concern for the tremendous amount of hype, manipulation, and selfishness that follows many charismatic churches and movements. This book is a great read for anyone who is Spirit-filled but has concerns with the charismatic movement or you feel like a theological outsider.
“Metanoia” by Alan Hirsch is study on the Greek word for repentance. It is a powerful study in how people, churches, and communities change by changing the way they think. From a church leadership perspective it is challenging to think of the long term change and growth of a church, not as an organization, but as an organism and community.