I have to tell you that posts like this one feel a little arrogant for me. I just need to get over that stumbling stone. I get asked almost weekly about what I am reading. I am happy to share it with you and hope that it proves helpful.
My summer reading does change a little bit. I have a short (3 Sundays) break from preaching in July. Also, the pace of our ministry calendar slows a bit due to travel schedules of the families here in the suburban sprawl. This means I will often do more reading and have the opportunity to read more widely (in genre) than other times of the year.
A new release that I’m looking forward to reading
Some of these I am already deep into and others I have not started yet (at the time of this writing) but here goes…..
- Echoes of Eden: Reflections on Christianity, Literature, and the Arts. This was just released this year and the author, Jerram Barrs, is a Francis Schaeffer scholar. I LOVE the intersection of creativity and biblical spirituality.
- Paul’s Missionary Methods: In His Time and Ours. If I have a niche in the academic world it would be missiology. It is a passion and subject area that I have enjoyed teaching to the seminary students at Fuller Graduate School. I am quick to grab anything that fits within this subject area. As of today I am halfway through and have thoroughly enjoyed the book.
- Castaway Kid: One Man’s Search for Hope and Home. Mitchell was raised in an American orphanage. This is his story of redemption through his own eyes as an orphan.
- Justification by Grace through Faith: Finding Freedom from Legalism, Lawlessness, Pride, and Despair. This is a recent release. I have read Vickers in the past and heard him present papers on pauline issues and really enjoy him.
- In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto. Obviously this is one of my ‘fun reads.’ I’ve always been intrigued by nutrition, health, and fitness and this is scratching that itch.
- Francona: The Red Sox Years. I’m a baseball fan. What can I say? To be honest, I’ve been consuming this one as an audio book.
- 1776. I really enjoy reading well written history and this book has received great reviews. David McCullough has an incredible ability to bring the facts of history to life through epic storytelling.
There will, no doubt, be others that catch my eye and get consumed this summer. I really enjoy reading. These are the titles that have already found their way to my reading device and are next in line.
Question: What is one book you are reading now or planning to read this summer? I would love to know.
Matt Powell serves as teaching pastor at Crossings Community Church, a body of believers whose mission is to engage, equip, and empower homes for gospel transformation in Katy, TX.