I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
I like Enger's crisp writing style and his Northern Minnesota vibe. This novel was dystopian, but still oozed with hope. I recently learned the Enger brothers (both Minnesotans) have ben co-writing mystery novels, so they're on my list for this year.
Shadows Over Pine Hollow by RC Nash
RC's a friend I made this past year. He is an expert in church revitalization. He wrote 12 ministry books in 2026 and finished his first novel. I enjoyed reading the novel--it has mystery, romance, and a hopeful picture of a church revitalizing. I look forward to reading his next novel.
Back of Beyond by CJ Box (Book 1 in the Highway Series)
The Bitterroots by CJ Box (Book 5 in the Highway Series)
In Plain Sight by CJ BOX (#6 in the Joe Pickett Series)
I've been reading Joe Pickett Novels for a while, so I thought I would try a different CJ Box Series. Same great Montana background storytelling, different characters. These two books came together--a mass marketing version--had I known I was reading the first and the last in the series I might have sought out the others. But they read well, so I just kept going. The Disney plus TV series "Big Sky" is also based on these books. The TV series is grittier than the Pickett novels.
The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell
As a result of my time with our church consultant, I decided to read this book on leadership. Maxwell's stories of great leaders are inspiring. His encouragement that everyone can develop their leadership ability is convincing. Some chapters are more convincing to me that others. While I think we can all learn something from 'great leaders,' I'm not sure that Maxwell's definition of success matches that which Christians are called to. Just reading now this critique on how the Irrefutable Laws are.... refutable, at least the law of the lid.
Spurgeon's Sorrows by Zack Eswine
This small helpful book looks at how Spurgeon dealt with his depression. I was certainly experiencing some Circumstantial Depression this year (starting with Seasonal Affective Disorder, I think) and found this to be a gentle book--reminding me that there is hope even if one can't eliminate feelings. Spurgeon was ahead of his time for not calling physiological and psychological depression sinful. His efforts to pursue joy and fight depression are inspiring. I will probably keep this book near by. It is well written.
Where Have All The Church Members Gone ( by Thom Rainer
A recommended resource by our church consultant. It basically points out that most church members have no idea what is expected of them and that church leaders need to hold better orientations for new members and communicate, communicate, communicate with members.
Teaching to Change Lives by Howard Hendricks
For a Seminary Class on Teaching. A classic.
Preaching for God's Glory by Alistair Begg
Recommended by Jeff McCourt, a fellow preaching pastor. A short book. Focusing. Think yourself dry. Read yourself full. Write yourself clear. Pray yourself hot. Be Yourself, don't preach yourself.
Martin Luther: The Man Who Rediscovered God and Changed the World by Eric Metaxas
After taking a class on Interpretation, I decided to read this very accessible biography of the Protestant Reformer. Some day I'll finish the more classic Here I Stand : A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton.
The Pastor by Eugene Peterson
I think I actually read this at the tail end of 2024, but I'll list it because it was an interesting read. Peterson takes an anti-CEO approach to pastoring. He took a month off every summer to re-calibrate in Montana with family. He had close relationships with a Company of Pastors in the town where he served. I wish I could say our area churches had a clue how to get a long with each other.
