Recommended Books
Our Top 5
The Holy Bible. This is so foundational to our church, it almost goes without saying. We strongly suggest that you read it to learn the teachings of Christianity and inspire your every day. Let us suggest the English Standard Version translation.
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. A creative expositional explanation on the story of the prodigal sons (plural) and their father from Luke 15. This book and its message are having an eye-opening impact on many.
Engaging God’s World: A Christian Vision of Faith, Learning & Living by Cornelius Plantinga.
Living Your Strengths: Discover Your God-Given Talents and Inspire Your Community by Albert L. Winseman, Donald O. Clifton, and Curt Liesveld. This is the most popular book we pass out. It is very helpful for understanding your unique and divine design.
The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones. A great resource for little ones… and in fact… the whole family!
Enjoy Christ
Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist by John Piper. This thought-provoking book has affected so many that it has become a modern-day classic.
The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes by Robert McGee.
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming by Henri J. M. Nouwen. Although we usually recommend Tim Keller's book first (see above), this book is a good choice to aid in your own personal application of Luke 15. Nouwen's skillful integration of Rembrant’s painting and peronal reflection has left a profound impact on many.
Abba's Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging by Brennan Manning.
Total Forgiveness by R.T. Kendall.
Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. Discusses how different people draw close to God in different ways. There’s an accompanying online test that was created by North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. Click here to take their assessment.
Love His Friends
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. This is written by the famous German theologian that was executed by the Nazis. This is one of the foundational classics to understanding and living out true Christian community.
Choosing Rest: Cultivating a Sunday Heart in a Monday World by Sally Breedlove. Many women at Redeemer have read this… twice.
Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World by Richard J. Foster. If you just want your life to be a lot simpler, this is great.
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas.
Getting Ready for a Lifetime of Love: Six Steps to Prepare for a Great Marriage by Michael Smith. A great workbook for engaged couples.
Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. This presents a refreshing message that will help you empower your kids to live for Christ.
Engage the World
The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin Raphael McManus. An especially inspiring read for men.
Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper.
Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman. A classic!
A Public Faith: Bringing Personal Faith to Public Issues by Charles Drew. A challenging read on how we should think and act bibilically in the social and political issues of our day.
Church
The 100 Most Important Events in Christian History by A. Kenneth Curtis, J. Stephen Lang & Randy Petersen. A great church history primer and especially helpful if you have a short attention span or tight schedule.
A History of Christianity in the United States & Canada by Mark A. Noll.
Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal by Richard Lovelace. Excellent study of the major American awakenings & the lessons that we can learn from them today.
The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st-Century Church by Michael Frost & Alan Hirsch. Influential read for Jim Fickley & John Fooshee as they were drafting some of the foundational documents for Redeemer.
Deep Church: A Third Way beyond Emerging and Traditional by Jim Belcher. Belcher does an excellent job at showing us how the Gospel can transform believers, their churches and unify evangelical factions.
Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer. Of all the books out there that we’ve read, this continues to be the best. His site (www.newchurches.com) is also helpful.
Theology
The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer. Discusses the attributes of God.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller. This is Keller at his best!
Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions by Mark Driscoll and Gary Breshears.
The Cross & Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation by Bruce Demarest.
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. If you're intimidated by the length and depth of this work, try the short, easy-to-read summary entitled Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know by Wayne Grudem and Elliot Grudem.
Most any book published by Re:Lit. Click here to go there.