1. The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery — David G. Benner
I picked this up from the bookstore at St. Francis Springs Prayer Center. Many of us have been taught to deflect any talk of loving ourselves, yet Scripture calls us to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Benner offers a gentle, wise reflection on how healthy self-love can be part of faithful discipleship rather than a slide into selfishness.
If you’re longing for deeper wholeness or clarity about who God created you to be, this is a great place to start.

2. Easter: The Season of the Resurrection of Jesus — Wesley Hill
It took me a while to realize that Easter is not just a day—it’s an entire season. At Ardmore, we’ve been trying to live into that truth, and Hill’s short book offered beautiful guidance. He traces how the season developed historically and offers practical ways to live as resurrection people all year long.
This would be a wonderful devotional companion for the Easter season.

3. Our Unforming: De-Westernizing Spiritual Formation — Cindy S. Lee
Lee reminds us that the Church is a global body. Too often our discipleship models assume “up and to the right” progress—an assumption shaped by Western culture more than Scripture. She invites us to learn from Christian practices around the world that broaden and enrich our formation.
If you’re curious about what spiritual growth looks like beyond familiar patterns, this book will stretch and bless you.

4. What’s a Christian Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption — Glenn H. Packiam
This is the book that inspired our fall series on the Nicene Creed. Packiam shows how the ancient creeds serve as anchors in confusing times, helping us remember who we are and what we believe.
Those wanting a thoughtful, accessible exploration of the Creed will find this book grounding.

5. Living into Community: Cultivating Practices that Sustain Us — Christine Pohl
Christian community doesn’t happen automatically—it requires intention. Pohl outlines practices like gratitude, promise-keeping, and hospitality as the foundations of healthy, enduring community.
I’d highly recommend this for any Sunday Bible Study or small group wanting to deepen their life together.

6. Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy — Jonathan Rauch
I first heard about this book on a podcast, and I’m glad I followed up. Though Rauch is an atheist, he writes compellingly about why a healthy expression of Christianity is vital for society. He argues that some of our political dysfunction stems from the church trading deep discipleship for shallow entertainment and easy answers.
This is a challenging but important read for anyone reflecting on faith and public life.

7. Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place in the Digital Age — Felicia Wu Song
Many of us feel the pull of our phones and devices. This book goes beyond warnings about attention spans and instead asks a deeper question: What does our tech engagement do to our souls? Song offers spiritual practices to help us live more intentionally in a digital world.
If you’re feeling scattered or overwhelmed, this book offers wise and practical guidance.

8. The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism — Jemar Tisby
This is not an easy read, but it is a necessary one. Tisby traces how American evangelicalism became entangled with racism and how much of that history has been whitewashed. He argues persuasively that honest reckoning is essential if we hope to move toward a more faithful future.
This is a powerful resource for anyone seeking truth, repentance, and healing.

9. Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision — Randy S. Woodley
This was my favorite faith book of the year. Woodley, a Cherokee theologian, weaves together the biblical vision of shalom with the Indigenous “harmony way,” offering a hopeful picture of flourishing that includes all creation.
If you want to glimpse God’s mission in a fresh, expansive way, this book is a gift.

10. The Bible, Disability, and the Church: A New Vision of the People of God — Amos Yong
I wrote about this book earlier because it made such an impact on me. Yong reflects on Scripture through the lens of his experience with his brother, who has Down Syndrome, and challenges our assumptions about disability and healing. He suggests that perhaps it is our “normate” perspectives that most need redemption.
This book will expand your understanding of the image of God and of Christian community.