Best books of 2023

The following are the best books I have read in 2023. Some may have been published, or in some cases republished in 2023, most however are older titles.

1. Christianity and Liberalism Machen’s interaction with the liberalism of his day serves as a mirror to the current contemporary problems found in so-called progressive Christianity.
2. The Blazing World by Jonathan Healey: As someone whose church history interests are focused on the Puritans, Healey’s work is a helpful history on the political and social upheavals that shaped early Modern England. It’s both engaging and informative.
3. Justification by Thomas Schreiner: A concise but thorough treatment of the issue of justification that addresses it from both the view of biblical theology and systematic theology.
4. Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 1859-2009 by Gregory Wills: The definitive history of SBTS. Moreover, in many ways this book serves as a history of the theological developments that have shaped Southern Baptists. I am in eager anticipation for Dr. Will’s forthcoming history of the Southern Baptist Convention.
5. Child of Light Walking in Darkness by Thomas Goodwin: Goodwin’s work is wonderful treatment of spiritual depression and desertion.
6. Finding Assurance with Thomas Goodwin by Andrew Ballitch: A helpful treatment on an important topic in Puritan studies.

Before We Forget : A Review

Before We Forget edited by Nathan Millican and Jonathon Woodyard

In Before We Forget 16 pastors provide wisdom and insight on different aspects of life and pastoral ministry. In one chapter one pastor who is earlier on in their ministry experience will write a chapter on a particular topic with the chapter after being written on the same issue by a more experienced pastors.

This book draws from a wide-range of pastors which is both a strength and weakness. I feel this book would have been more cohesive and beneficial had it stood on the merits of the more seasoned contributors, as pastor in my 8th year of ministry I would be hesitant at this stage to think I had enough experience to write chapter of advice for a new pastor. Young pastors need the wisdom books like this, but they need it from men who have endured the trials of pastoral ministry and have finished well. I think the two most important contributions in this book are those by Bryan Croft and David Livingston addressing the issues of character and sexual purity respectively.

This book would have been much more focused and beneficial if it had only included the reflections of those more seasoned in ministry.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

100 Days to a Healthier Church: A Review

Over my years in ministry Karls Vaters has been a trusted guide in church ministry through his various writings. The last title I had read by him Small Church Essentials was a helpful corrective toward the attitude that bigger is better in regards to church size. In this book Vaters continues his emphasis on church healthiness by addressing how to implement health-producing change.

The first section of the church provides guidance in understanding the current health of the church. The following sections address how to assess the needs of the church and leads the church in a process of addressing issues in the church that might be hindering church health. One of the great things about this book is that it deals with the generalities in such a way this book will be helpful in a wide range of scenarious.

I’ve been reading this book and look forward to being able to implement what I have learned in the life of my church.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

The Story Retold: A Review

G.K. Beale and Benajmin Gladd have come together to provide a truly commendable New Testament survey that will prove to be a valuable resource to students and pastors.

The first two chapters of this book provide an overview of the greater storyline of the Bible as it terminates in Christ and his kingdom and the interconnected relationship of the Old and New Testaments. Both chapters are helpful summaries of Beale’s overall understanding of biblical theology. In the following chapters the books of the New Testament are addressed with each chapter addressing basic issues of date, authorship, purpose, and an outline. Every chapter covers the main biblical-theological themes covered in each book of the New Testament as we as a helpful summary of the book.

Of all the New Testament surveys in my library this one will be one I go to more often than others given the careful attention given to the main theological themes of the various books of the New Testament.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Say It! : A Review

Say It! edited by Eric C. Redmond

As a preacher I read many books on preaching out of a desire to constantly learn and grow. This title collection of sermons by some leading African American expository preachers has proven to be a rich blessing to me.

The first section of the book addresses the issues of hermeneutics with an eye to how context shapes application in the context of expository preaching. The second section five exemplary sermons highlighting preaching from the Old Testament in African American circles. The third section provides three sermons one from the gospels, one from the epistles, and one from Revelation providing readers a fair sampling of preaching from different genres in the African American tradition. In the last chapter Eric Redmond addresses the importance of preaching through books of the Bible as well as how to deal with and anticipate objections.

I think this book is helpful for pastors for several reasons. First and foremost is that oftentimes pastors fall into the trap of only listening and reading those in their own theological, denominational, or cultural tribe which can lead to myopic view of the kingdom. As pastors we should be willing and able to learn from those who love Christ and are faithful in the ministry regardless of whether they are from the same denominational or cultural background. Secondly in the circles I have been in stereotypes of African American preaching seem to become ingrained assumptions which this book helpfully dispels. Lastly Charlie Dates sermon on Jonah in the Old Testament section would be worth the price of the book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

 

From & Before God: A review

From & Before God by Sugel Michelén

 

In this title Sugel Michelén provides a Bible based and God-centered introduction to expository preaching. This title would be beneficial for both those starting out in preaching and those with more experience.

In fourteen chapters divided into three section the author provides a theological foundation for expository preaching, the bare-bones understanding of what defines expository preaching, and practical guidance to progress in the ministry of expository preaching. I the first three chapters which provide the theological foundation for this work Sugel addresses the authoritative and inspired nature of the Bible and the Bible’s own imperatives which stress the importance of preaching the Word.  In the second section he fleshed out an understanding of preaching that is true to the text of Scripture and is rooted in the gospel message. I the final section he explores the practical steps of planning, preparing, and preaching expository sermons.

I personally think the final chapter is the most significant chapter in the book and in and of itself makes this book worth getting. Too often in preaching we can forget God in that not only are we preaching the message God has given but we need to remember He is the ultimate audience. God’s estimation and approval of our preaching should and must take priority over trying to get people to like us through our ministry of preaching.

Pastors and preachers do yourselves a favor and get this book.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Leveling the Church: A Review

Leveling Church by Micah Fries and Jeremy Maxfield

One of the greatest challenges in ministry is figuring out how to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Many pastors are often hesitant to delegate and raise up future leaders, which is the biblical model for church leadership as evidenced by both the ministry of Christ and the ministry of Paul the apostle. In this book Micah Fries and Jeremy Maxfield provide a helpful guide for pastors in this challenging task of equipping other leaders for the work of ministry.

The first six chapters address different ways of approaching ministry that often hinder pastors from raising up other leaders. The authors begin by demonstrating that biblical leadership is all about equipping others and involving them in the work of ministry. The authors proceed to address defective models of ministry and ministry goals that serve as roadblocks for raising up leaders. In the  the following four chapters the authors explore biblical examples of leadership in regards to raising up and equipping leaders. The leaders examined are Jesus, Moses, Paul, and Timothy. In the final chapter the authors settles in on the challenge of whether pastors and ministry leaders will engage in maintenance ministry or multiplication through raising up and equipping more leaders.

This is a great resource for all pastors, especially those hesitant to equip and involve others in the ministry of the local church.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

When Church Conflict Happens : A Review

When Conflict Happens by Michael Hare

One constant in church ministry is the issue of conflict a second conflict is that many pastors and ministry leaders find themselves ill-prepared to handle conflict in a healthy manner that brings glory to Christ. When Conflict Happens is a great resource in how conflict can be handled in a manner that is both transformational and beneficial.

In the first section of the book Hare addresses problematic approaches to conflict that view conflict negatively and fail to use conflict as an opportunity for growth. In the second section Hare walks through the various aspects and principles needed to have a positive and constructive conflict. In the third section Hare works through the nuts and bolts of establishing a peacemaking ministry within the conflict of the local church.

If you’re the type of leader that sees conflict as always negative this book provides a healthy corrective and guide for redeeming church conflict. I would recommend this book to anyone who has any involvement in church life.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

 

Don’t Lose Heart: A Review

Don’t Lose Heart by Jason Meyer

Life is filled with discouragements and disappointments both of which can be internal or external. In his latest book Jason Meyer demonstrates how we as believers are to bring the truth of the gospel to bear on the discouragements of life.

In six short manageable chapters explores how believers are to respond when they feel overwhelmed, defeated, or worthless as well as how the gospel shapes how we live in regards to our past, present, and future. If you’re suffering from discouragement this book is filled with rich biblical truth that will encourage you with the gospel.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Narrative Apologetics: A Review

Narrative Apologetics by Alistair McGrath

Since my college years I have had a deep interest in the field of apologetics and have read a wide range of authors from a a wide range of positions and in all my reading there have been few like Narrative Apologetics by Alistair McGrath. In this work McGrath, drawing from the works and examples of Christian writers such as C.S. Lewis, Marilynne Robinson, and J.R.R. Tolkien, explores the apologetic potential of stories.

Overall I think this book is a valuable contribution and will prove helpful to both pastors and other Christians. I will say I am a little surprised at the absence of any reference to John Bunyan as his works seem to be one the best examples of using narrative to explore and explain biblical truth and its relevance to life.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of the book from the publisher for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.