12 Jul Morgan’s Summer Reading List

It’s back (again).

My annual summer reading list (for those who care about such things), this time for 2024, has taken shape. I often get asked what I read, so here it is (sorry to disappoint if you don’t like these; better luck next year!).

In all seriousness, and to paraphrase my mother, a lifelong reading teacher and educator, please read something. And by something, I do not mean the news or social media.

Specifically, read a book.

Reading books requires you to maintain a level of thought beyond three-minute news stories or 30-second reels, and sharpens the brain. All that being said, it would be nice if you picked up one or more of these titles and went for it! Light reading these may not be, but you just might be glad you said yes!

All right…here goes, in somewhat of an order:

10.) Friendship Can Save The World by Carrie and Morgan Stephens.

I know. Shameless plug. But this book does capture a lot of Mosaic’s story and culture. It will help you flourish here (and please notice I put it “last” on the list).

9.) A Public Faith by Miroslav Volf

Many people ask, how can, and why should, the church be involved in the public square? Enter Miroslav Volf.  Volf is a Croatian Theologian at Yale, and a genius. He talks about the prophetic nature of all Abrahamic faiths, with a focus on why the specifically Christian concept of public faith can aim us at creating the kind of world we really all want.

8.) The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregoire

I realize books on marriage and sex can be tricky. This one’s great and refreshing…it does a great job of not just deconstructing bad theology, but reconstructing good theology with grace and practical application. Plus, any book that quotes Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and WKRP in Cincinnati is talking right to me (some of you may need to look that last one up and hear that great theme song right here).

7.) The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

A disciple of Pete Scazzero (The Emotionally Healthy series author), Rich does a great job of pushing the conversation around spiritual formation and holy habits forward, with a searing chapter on the necessity of practicing racial reconciliation in a divided world.

6.) The Three Levels of Leadership by James Scouller

A deep leadership cut from British author and leadership guru, Scouller’s book has been one whose concepts I have used with our staff team over the last few months. He is not a Christian, but the book carries deep Christian influence, especially on the concept of servant leadership.

5.) The Gospel of Matthew by R.T. France

An easy, thousand-page-plus page-turner (not really), France’s is my favorite commentary on “the church’s gospel.” It has stood the test of time.

4.) The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

As always, I have a bias towards non-fiction, but this one really is a page turner. A short novel on the meaning of work and life’s struggles, I read it in one sitting. With unforgettable characters and imagery, you’ll be glad you read it, even while it leaves you wanting more.

3.) Run with the Horses by Eugene Peterson

A contemporary classic on the life of Jeremiah from the master of modern Christian prose. Read for devotional content, slowly.

2.) Ministry in the Image of God by Steve Seamands

Almost every great Christian doctrine flows from either Incarnation or Trinity; this one focuses on the Trinity and its importance in how we minister. Dr. Seamands was a student at Asbury College back during the initial revival in the 1970s and went on to be a professor there at the seminary across the street for decades. He guest lectured for a class I took at the seminary, then took us over to Hughes Chapel to tell us the story of the revival, laid hands on us and prayed for us. A fine book and even finer man.

1.) Practicing Christian Doctrine by Beth Felker Jones

I know, I know. A book on doctrine at number one? Yes. If I could get every Christian to read this book, the church of Jesus would be massively upgraded. This protects against error, will guard against false teaching; will strengthen against heresies and idolatries of all kinds, all while giving a gentle introduction to church history along the way. It sounds strange, but I couldn’t put this book on doctrine down.

Do yourself a favor and read this one!

Good luck, and thanks for reading.

Morgan