My Favorite Books? I Am Glad You Asked.

Posted by Jack Warren, Executive Pastor, on Jan 20, 2021

My Favorite Books? I Am Glad You Asked.

Periodically, someone will ask what books have shaped my thinking and impacted me greatly. Books have unlocked key concepts for me in some of the hardest times of my life.

Here are the top six books that God has used to get me “unstuck” during those hard times.

  1. The Bible
    This one sounds like a good Christian response to a typical churchy question, but this book has truly opened my mind to things beyond what we can currently see.

    It has shaped my identity, my values, my understanding of who God is, and my understanding of His relentless pursuit of us. It is life-giving, and it has withstood the test of time, persecution, attempted extermination, textual critics, and more. It is unbelievable and yet credible.

  2. What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey
    I grew up in the South and went to church a few times a week. I memorized verses, went to Christian camps, went on mission trips, and did many other church activities. No one never said that we had to earn God’s favor, but it sure felt like that. If I slacked off on Christian duties, I thought God was very displeased with me, and I felt great shame as a result.

    After attending seminary and doing a few years of vocational ministry, I read this book and it changed both my understanding of how God saw me and also my understanding of how I needed to see others. Instead of being motivated by shame and judging others by their merits, I learned to do my best out of a response to God’s love and hopefully, to extend the same grace to others.

    The reality is, we are all undeserving and in need of grace, and God pours it out.

  3. The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen
    In my early forties, I hit a wall. I found myself in a counselor’s office, barely able to function. I had gotten away from my understanding of grace and was depending on my gifts, skills, insight, and more to control my world. Once I realized I couldn’t control things any longer, I cracked.

    One of the books I read in that season was The Return of The Prodigal Son. I grew up always hearing about how we are like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable. But what struck me most from this book was Nouwen’s insight that, in reality, I was more like the prodigal’s older brother.

    I realized that I felt as though God owed me for being a good son. I also found that I was quite judgmental of those who looked or acted like the prodigal son. And I rediscovered that there was even grace for me, the judgmental older brother.

  4. Boundaries by John Townsend and Henry Cloud
    I read this book in seminary, but I must have done so because it was on the required reading list. I did not take the time to absorb it until I found myself living a boundaryless, co-dependent life that was killing me.

    Through helpful teaching from Townsend and Cloud and through carefully reading and writing chapter summaries of this book, I started changing interactions with family members and with people I served through my job. This was life-changing. It has helped me realize that boundaries aren’t ungodly and selfish, but rather helpful, protective, and life-giving.

  5. People Fuel by John Townsend
    This has been “my book” for the last couple of years. In it, John Townsend gives a clear picture of what a healthy person looks like. He talks about navigating seven different types of relationships; he also helps us understand that we have various needs that can only be met through other people.

    I used to hate having needs and tried to live in denial of them. I also hated to share those needs with others. Once I understood the four quadrants of needs and started addressing them with comrades, I found myself more energized and more free from various stress points in my life.

    I recommend this book every week to different people.

  6. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
    My job often calls me to create teams and help teams to function at a higher level. After hearing Patrick Lencioni talk about teams, I bought his book, read it, and then bought several copies and distributed them to staff leaders. I now use this as a primary textbook for onboarding new staff. I have found his five concepts to be spot-on and extremely helpful for every team.

    The beauty of a Patrick Lencioni book is that it usually includes a one-page summary. He makes complex ideas simple, and I love simple.

    I have friends whose lists of impactful books are much longer than mine—more like a “Top 100” than a top six—due to their ability to read and digest books so quickly. I, on the other hand, am a bit stubborn and get drawn to books out of need and sometimes out of desperation. Whatever your reading pace, I highly recommend the above six books. They have truly been transformative and life-giving to me.

Share This:

Recent Stories

Swipe to Discover more

Halloween: A Time to Be a Good Neighbor

Oct 18, 2024

Halloween can be a perfect opportunity to be a good neighbor to those who live around us. Check out four fun and easy ideas right here:


How Domestic Violence Impacts Our Community

Oct 14, 2024

Domestic violence is a real, ongoing, but often hidden issue. We need to be aware of its impact on our community and give a voice to the survivors.


Speaking from the Heart: A Family Mission Trip to Casa Hogar Orphanage

Oct 08, 2024

What size impact can a young family have on a short mission trip to a Mexican orphanage when they don't speak the language? A big one, speaking from the heart.


Fasting: The Worst, Best Thing

Sep 25, 2024

If fasting is hard, why do we do it at all? Read more about this challenging—yet rewarding—spiritual discipline, here.


5 Facts To Know About National Hispanic Heritage Month

Sep 15, 2024

It's National Hispanic History Month! Look here for five interesting facts to know about this popular celebration.


College 101: Key Tips To Survive Your First Year

Aug 19, 2024

The first year of college is exciting, but it can also be scary. Here are tips on surviving your first year and dealing with anxiety and stress in college.


The Priess "Cave": A Hangout for Just Guys

Aug 15, 2024

Chase Oaker Steve Priess has a dedicated space for just the guys to enjoy food, watch sports, and hang out. Learn more about his unique "Man-Cave-as-ministry" here.


4 Questions To Help You Say Goodbye to Summer

Aug 12, 2024

Fall is almost here. But before saying "goodbye" to summer, take some time to reflect on the last few months using these 4 simple questions.


10 Questions You Might Be Asking About Joining a Group

Aug 08, 2024

New to groups, or not sure if they're right for you? We get it! Check out answers to 10 common questions you might be asking about joining a group, here.


How Do I Make Friends as an Adult?

Aug 06, 2024

It's not just a question for kids: adults also want to know how to find and nurture quality friendships. Find some helpful tips for building connections, here.