Recommended Books

Our favorite book is obviously the Bible, but we know that other books can help us understand the Bible and our Christian faith even better. Reading is the starting point for learning!

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Scripture Study

How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
- The Bible is a book like no other, meant to be accessible and read by anyone. This book contains a few essential insights in comprehending the Bible and it will remove some common misconceptions you may have dealing with the interpretation of Scripture.

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
- The Bible is a compilation of books written thousands of years ago in a culture halfway across the world. This book is a great eye opener in better understanding how to read Scripture as it was originally written.

The Epic of Eden by Sandra L. Richter
- Have you ever tried to read the Old Testament and been confused? This book categorically walks through the first half of the Bible and reveals the history and themes related to the grand story of the Bible.

Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin
- Do you have questions about Christianity? This book walks through 12 tough questions facing Christianity today, and shows that faith in Jesus is not a “relic from the past,” but is actually our “best hope for the future.”

Skeletons in God’s Closet by Joshua Ryan Butler
- There are some topics within the Bible that are hard for us to understand and reason with, especially within our present time and culture. This book tackles some of those: Hell, Judgment, and Holy War.

Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright
- The “end times” can be a confusing topic, with lots of differing opinions on what is to come and how we as Christians should respond. This book reveals that at the end of it all, it is all about hope, for “what we believe about life after death directly affects what we believe about life before death.”

Personal Devotions

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- Formed from a collection of radio talks, this book outlines the entirety of Christianity through Lewis’ typical artful and allegorical style. A fun read that will help you find language to describe your faith!

The Divine Mentor by Wayne Cordeiro
- This book is all about moving our faith walk from the realm of mundane routine to intimate relationships. If you are just starting your walk with Christ or are desiring a revamp, this book is for you!

Secrets of the Secret Place by Bob Sorge
- Have you ever desired greater depth or momentum from your quiet time with Jesus? This book is an “unparalleled resource for fueling your devotional prayer life.”

Pray First by Chris Hodges
- Have you ever had questions about or struggles with prayer? This book will walk through the Biblical perspective of prayer and some amazing applications you can bring into your prayer time.

How to Worship a King by Zach Neese
- Worship is a gateway into so many aspects of our relationship with the Lord, and it is what He deserves as our King! Read this book if you want to learn more about what the Bible says about worship and how to apply it to your own worship.

Christian Living

The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks
- This book is like no other! Diving into topics of brain science and our handling of shame, it contains a unique description and perspective on what Christian community should really be like. Great read!

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
- Though we often may ignore it, our emotional health plays a huge role in our spiritual growth and relationship with Jesus. This book will challenge you as it argues how “you can’t be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature.”

Why Emotions Matter by Tristen and Jonathan Collins
- Whether you think your emotions are overbearing or nonexistent, this book will show you God’s purpose for creating our emotions. “Your emotions have purpose, and they’re worth handling with curiosity, respect, and wisdom.”

The Voice of the Heart by Chip Dodd
- Another great book on emotional well-being, this book walks through the eight main emotions all for the purpose “to know our hearts so that we better know ourselves.”

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio
- “It’s time to win the battle of your mind…” “Discover how to break free from the chains of negative thinking and experience true freedom from unhealthy thoughts and emotions.”

Everyday Adventure by Stephen Glasser
- “Adventure is closer than you think!” Filled with personal stories and lessons from over a decade, this is Pastor Stehphen’s take on “how to live your ordinary life to the fullest.”

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- “Busy” is a word we too often use to describe our lives. This book will challenge you in how you view and live out the Biblical idea of rest, simplicity, and Sabbath.

Live No Lies by John Mark Comer
- Everyday, there is a battle within ourselves, a war between truth and lies. This book will teach you how to “recognize and resist the three enemies that sabotage your peace.”

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
- The culmination of the above two books, this is Pastor JMC’s latest book on spiritual formation. Easy to read and filled with truth for day-to-day life while following Jesus!

Key to Everything by Matt Keller
- Spoiler alert: the key to everything is teachability! Read this book if you want to learn about the importance of teachability and how to grow in it in your everyday life.

Unwanted by Jay Stringer
- Without question, sexual brokenness and addiction is one of the greatest afflictions that sin has marked on our hearts. This book walks through these difficult conversations of unwanted sexual behaviors with grace and understanding for the purpose of bringing healing.

Rethinking Sexuality by Juli Slatterly
- Another phenomenal resource combating sexual misconceptions, “this book equips you to see how sexuality is rooted in the broader context of God's heart and His work for us on earth,” and offers a new perspective of how oftentimes sexual brokenness is more closely linked to spiritual brokenness than we think.

Trans-Formation by Linda Seiler
- Sexuality and gender identity are controversial topics in our culture today, but what does the Bible say about it? Pulling from an in-depth knowledge of Scripture as well as her own personal testimony with gender identity, Linda lays out how Christians should respond to the LGBTQ+ movement.

The Sacred Search by Gary Thomas
- If you ever want to have a thriving dating relationship and be married someday, this book is a must read! This book will challenge your outlook of Biblical marriage and dating, asking the question, “What if we focused on why to get married more than on who to marry?”

Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stewart
- There is purpose in every relational stage and season! This book walks through navigating each one and how to thrive by “embracing the intentions and truths God has established for each one.”

Discipleship/Leadership

Small Group University by Brad Lewis
- Written by the legendary Brad Lewis himself, this book is a simple to follow, comprehensive description of how to lead a small group Bible study. (Contact your Campus Director to find a copy)

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Dr. Robert E. Coleman
- Evangelism is the means by how God’s Kingdom will be brought to this earth. This little book takes a look at Jesus’ evangelism strategy and how we can follow His example.

Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter III
- St. Patrick brought the Gospel message to Ireland by means of intentional discipleship and sharing his life with them. Read this book if you want to learn about Patrick’s ministry and to be challenged to share your life more with those around you.

The Way of The Shepherd by Kevin Leman and William Pentak
- This little book is all about the art of leadership and managing people. Read through this fiction story and learn how to be a better leader by learning from the way of the ancient shepherd!

Unsaved Christian by Dean Inserra
- Sometimes it seems that authentic Christians are hard to come by: too many people are stuck claiming that they believe in Jesus, but not showing it. This book will equip you to “confront cultural Christianity with honesty, compassion, and grace.”

Together in Ministry by Rob Dixon
- Men and women working side by side in ministry settings is still a topic of debate today among church and leadership organizations. This book argues for and reveals how “women and men are designed to work together in fulfilling God's mission on earth.”

Habitudes by Dr. Tim Moore with Dr Harvey Herman
- This book is filled with leadership principles that can help form good habits and attitudes. Go through it alone or with a friend! (Check out the specific “Chi Alpha Edition!”)

Missions

Missionary God, Missionary Bible by Dick Brogden
- “A one-year, missions-centered, chronological reading of the Bible.” This Bible reading plan will take you deeper into God’s Word and fire up your heart for seeing the world reached for Jesus!

The 3D Gospel by Jayson Georges
- This fantastic little book explains how the Gospel transcends and reaches all cultures around the world. Read this book if you want your worldview to be expanded!