Here at Christianbook.com we see a lot of books cross our desks, so we thought we’d round-up a few of our favorites perfect for those in ministry. Get ready to rest, reflect, and restore the rhythm of your ministry with these four summer reads!

An Unhurried Leader: The Lasting Fruit of Daily Influence by Alan Fadling

In the midst of the many different things we do, we are often tempted to grab control of situations in hopes of making good things happen. However, Alan Fadling proposes an alternative response in An Unhurried Leader, by unpacking what it means for leaders to live an unhurried life at the pace of Jesus—the pace of grace. Through biblical illustrations, personal examples, and on-the-ground leadership wisdom, Fadling directs his readers towards a new vision of kingdom leadership. A leadership model that is less hurried and hectic and more fruitful and joyful, opening the door to an abundant and transformed way of life.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul by Lance Witt

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

Rhythms of Grace: Discover God’s Tempo for Your Life by Kerri V. Weems

Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down by Kirk Byron Jones

Building Below the Waterline by Gordon MacDonald

Expository Exultation: Christian Preaching As Worship by John Piper

What is the true purpose of a sermon? Building on the foundation established in his two previous works, A Peculiar Glory and Reading the Bible Supernaturally, John Piper, in Expository Exultation, makes the claim that it is more than just an explanation of the biblical text. Revealing insights from over forty years of experience in preaching and teaching, Piper shows preachers how and what to communicate from God’s Word, in a way that takes seriously the God-appointed task of advancing His message by expository exaltation—bringing glory to God from the pulpit.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

A Peculiar Glory by John Piper

Reading the Bible Supernaturally by John Piper

Preaching as Reminding by Jeffrey D. Arthurs

Biblical Preaching by Haddon W. Robinson

Between Two Worlds by John Stott

Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World by A.J. Swoboda

The frenetic, achievement-oriented, productivity-driven world we “live” in can often lead to the destruction of our souls, bodies, relationships, society, and the rest of God’s creation. However, A.J. Swoboda, in Subversive Sabbath, argues that our lives can be more enriched and joyous when we establish a Sabbath rhythm that determines how we handle time, work, health, relationships, creation, worship, and the demands of overall discipleship. Combining creative storytelling, pastoral sensitivity, practical insight, and relevant academic research, Swoboda offers a unique invitation to personal Sabbath-keeping that ultimately leads to fuller and more joyful lives.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado

Rhythms of Rest: Finding the Spirit of Sabbath in a Busy World by Shelly Miller

The Rest of God: Restoring Your Soul by Restoring Sabbath by Mark Buchanan

Soul Rest: Reclaim Your Life, Return to Sabbath by Curtis Zackery

The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands by Lysa TerKeurst

Eschatological Discipleship by Trevin K. Wax

Christian eschatology forms a basic but necessary component of discipleship. Yet, eschatology is often thought to refer only to “end times” doctrines. However, eschatology in its broader sense encompasses the Christian view of time and the future of the world, informing both one’s evangelism and ecclesiology. Trevin K. Wax, in Eschatological Discipleship, therefore argues that failing to relate the eschatological dimension to discipleship leaves one with an incomplete worldview, imbalanced discipleship, and eventually, a tragic inability to model the Christian way of life. Wax provides discipleship pastors and spiritual life leaders with a clear, understandable connection between culture and history with that of eschatology and the mission of the church.

Already read this? Why not try one of these related titles… 

The Shape of Faith to Come by Brad Waggoner

Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches That Send by J.D. Greear

Eternity Is Now in Session by John Ortberg

Kingdom Disciples: Heaven’s Representatives on Earth by Tony Evans

Kingdom Learning by David Heywood

For more books to help build your Pastor’s Library, click here!

The post We Pick: Summer Books for Pastors appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Summer… for some people this season is indicative of a break from school for kids and weekend getaways. For those in the church, summer can often be an odd time of year. Church attendance can be sparse while events and programs within the church can be few and far between. Often ministry leaders will view the summer as a time to recast vision or fill the quiet with busyness – because we all know busyness in ministry is familiar!

But why not slow down? Why not fall into the rhythm of summer within your own life? Why not claim this season of warmth and rest for personal soul care and spiritual formation?

As the academic and church & pastoral editor, many books cross my desk. Some classic, some new. So, pastors and ministry leaders, if I could pick just four books to recommend to you this summer, I would suggest the following.

Get ready to slow down, savor, and be enriched with these summer pastoral picks!

As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene H. Peterson

Draw closer to Christ and discover not only how to be a pastor, but also how to be a human being through the compelling life and words of a remarkable man. In this never-before-published collection of work, fellow pilgrim Eugene Peterson illuminates the world of Scripture. He guides readers alongside Moses, Isaiah, Solomon, Peter, Paul, John, and other flawed but faithful God-followers in order to discover how to live out the good news of the Word made flesh.

Combining strikingly beautiful prose and deeply grounded insights, Peterson develops a coherent and connected biblical imagination that invites readers into a richer, truer, and more vibrant spirituality in the Christ way.

Becoming Curious: A Spiritual Practice of Asking Questions by Casey Tygrett

Pastor and spiritual director Casey Tygrett winsomely and humbly invites us to let go of our own expectations, plans, or desires in order to see the world with childlike wonder. Full of profound wisdom and contagious passion, Becoming Curious illuminates the essential spiritual discipline of asking questions. Tygrett demonstrates through Scripture and story how a little curiosity opens up new ways of knowing God and knowing ourselves well.

Pastoral Theology: Theological Foundations for Who a Pastor Is and What He Does by Daniel L. Akin and R. Scott Pace

In this indispensable volume on pastoral ministry and theology, Daniel Akin and R. Scott Pace construct a theological framework for pastoral ministry that is is biblically derived, historically informed, doctrinally sound, missionally engaged, and contextually relevant. Desiring to provide stable and nourishing theological foundations for pastoral life and ministry, Akin and Pace formulate a theological understanding of the pastorate that will equip aspiring pastors to discern and pursue their calling, challenge younger pastors to build on ministerial truth instead of ministerial trends, and inspire seasoned pastors to be reinvigorated in their passion for Christ and his church.

The Decalogue: Living as the People of God by David L. Baker

Reconsider the foundational place of the Decalogue in Christian personal and public ethics with David L. Baker’s rare and invaluable reflection on the centerpiece of Mount Sinai – The Decalogue. Baker comprehensively surveys the field of biblical scholarship, while still retaining a light and accessible touch that bridges the gap between the scholar and lay reader. In this focused commentary on the Ten Commandments, Baker sets each commandment within its ancient Near Eastern context. He explores and explains the biblical-theological meaning found through their canonical context, and reflects on the relevance and impact of each commandment in light of our contemporary setting.

Looking for more great pastoral reads this summer? Click here!

-By Catherine Fields, Academic and Church & Pastoral Editor at Christianbook.com

The post Essential Summer Reads for Pastors appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.