Favorite Books of 2010

1. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy - Eric Metexas. Metexas writes a magisterial treatment on the fascinating life of Deitrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeefer was a pastor theologian who was involved in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Bonhoeffer was eventually martyred for his faith. His story will inspire you towards a courageous faith.

2. Generous Justice - Tim Keller. Tim Keller is one the most provocative Christian leaders in the Evangelical Church. he combines cultural savvy with gospel centrality. In this book, Keller demonstrates that one of the main themes running throughout the scriptures is God's commitment to cause of justice in the world and how the local church can respond. Read it and then go read the rest of Keller's great books!

3. What Good is God - Philip Yancey. In this, another well written book from the pen of Phil Yancey, the full scope of Yancey's travels paint a journalist's vivid portrait of global Christianity and major influences in Yancey's life.

4. Mere Churchianity - Michael Spencer. Michael Spencer was better known as the IMonk before his untimely death this past year. this is a thought provoking book especially for those who have become disillusioned with the church. Spencer will make you squirm uncomfortably as you read but he will also challenge you to envision church the way God intended.

5. Radical - David Platt. David Platt is a young pastor with a passion for the global cause of Christ. The influence of John Piper is obvious as Platt challenges his readers to take the radical teachings of Christ seriously.

6. Rescuing Ambition - Dave Harvey. Dave Harvey addresses the important issue of ambition from a biblical perspective. Highly recommended to anyone who desires to make a difference for God without taking any of His glory for themselves.

7. Think - John Piper. We have all heard that we use only a small portion of our brain. In Piper's newest work, he examines how to think rigorously in order to magnify God. In typical Piper form he teaches us that we do not have to chose between the life of the mind and a passionate love of God.

8. Deep Church - Jim Belcher. Actually published in 2009 I had to include it in this year's list. This is one of my favorites books on the church. Belcher takes the positive aspects from the emerging church proponents and the positive aspects of the traditional model and gives us the best of both worlds. This is a great read!

9. Practicing Resurrection - Eugene Peterson. This is the last volume in Peterson's five volume spiritual theology series. I recommend you read the entire series with a a good cup of coffee and a pen to underline some amazing quotes.

10. Church Planter - The Man, the Message, the Mission - Darrin Patrick. Though the title suggests this book is for church planters, it applies to anyone who is involved in ministry. be prepared to be challenged! Patrick is a guy's guy who is a pretty decent writer. the value in this book is found in the strong biblical and Christ-centered content.