Summer’s here! That means lots of spontaneous activity, rather than the regular weekly routines we settle into during the fall and winter months. With all the “free” time we have to “do as we please” during the summer, there is often room for a few new books to add to our reading lists. Here are several “top picks” to add to your summer reading list from the staff. Relax, find your favorite chair in the sun, and enjoy!!

Suggestions from Pastor Dick:

When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor and Yourself, by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert. “Have you ever wondered if what we’re doing is really helping? (This book)…guides you toward a true understanding of poverty and a plan to make a difference.

Not a Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus, by Kyle Idleman. “Are you a fan or a follower?…Jesus was never interested in having admirers. It’s not fans he is looking for.”

Comforts From The Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick. “A month’s worth of celebrations…about Jesus Christ…celebrating the gospel.”

Suggestions from Pastor Curt:

Delighting in the Trinity, by Tim Chester. This helped me understand the Trinity and rejoice in it more than any book I’ve read. It’s not extremely hard to read either, like some theology books.

Marks of the Messenger: Knowing, Living, and Speaking the Gospel, by Mack Stiles. It is about evangelism- why we do it, how to do it, how not to do it. Solid all around and a great encouragement! (This book is available for check-out in the church library)

Suggestions from Pastor Dan:

What Happens After I Die, by Michael Allen Rogers

Reaching Muslims, by Nick Chatrath

Suggestions from Pastor Matt:

Desiring God, by John Piper. A classic book on Christian living. (This book is available for check-out in the church library)

The Weight of Glory, by C.S. Lewis. A book of essays on what we were made for. (This book is available for check-out in the church library)

The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan. A classic spiritual allegory of the Christian life. (This book is available for check-out in the church library)

A Call to Spiritual Reformation, by D.A. Carson. A book about prayer as modeled by Paul. (This book is available for check-out in the church library)

A Display of God’s Glory, by Mark Dever. A great overview of what the church is and how we are to interact with one another.

Suggestions from Pastor Josh:

God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible, by Vaughan Roberts

Church Membership: How the World Knows Who Represents Jesus, by Jonathan Leeman

[This article was originally posted on the First Free women's blog, Sister Sojourners. Look for future posts here as we have consolidated multiple blogs into one for easier access.]