A few years ago we shared a summer book list that was a compilation of recommendations from our ministry partners and friends. Since summer is the perfect time to dive into a new book, we thought we would revisit that idea with an updated list for you from our own team members this year. Here are some of the things we will be reading this summer.
Whether you are an avid reader or just looking for a vacation poolside read, these are sure to inspire and entertain you:
- Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber
“As we continue to live in a hurting world, ministering to broken people, we need a robust vision for our response. Garber offers just that by encouraging us to be ‘implicated’ and participate faithfully in the Missio Dei. This is a book I go back to again and again.” – Brian Jensen, Executive Search Consultant - Illuminate by Nancy Duarte
“Illuminate changed the way that I prepared sermons. I heard Nancy Duarte speak at a Catalyst Conference about her research and book, went and bought it and read it on the flight home. Game changer. ” – Eric Albert, Executive Search Consultant - The Chosen by Chaim Potok
- Find Your People by Jennie Allen
“I am currently reading this book weekly with a small group and it has been life-changing in the way I view and value Godly community. Highly recommend!” – Christa Reinhardt, Senior Marketing Coordinator - Boundaries for Leaders by Henry Cloud
- I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet by Shauna Niequist
- Everybody Always by Bob Goff
“This book isn’t new to the scene, but every year it becomes more and more relevant. This is one of my favorite books when it comes to loving people well – especially those that feel difficult to love. Whether we are the same or different, we all have value and we all deserve love. Jesus never intended for us to love when we feel like it or to love when it’s easy or convenient. Instead, He said, “Go and love everybody always.” – Kristin Fry, Executive Search Consultant - Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron
- Phantastes by George MacDonald
“3 Reasons I recommend this book: It will be unlike anything else on your summer book list, It is beautiful, mysterious, and will spark your imagination, and lastly, this book was transformative in the life of C.S. Lewis. He found incredible joy and inspiration in its pages. If you are a fan of C.S. Lewis, how could you not want to read it?” – Hannah Gawlik, Senior Executive Search Recruiter - The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis
- The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas
“Rich lays out some very practical ways we can experience deep transformation in our spiritual lives. He offers a blend of practical advice with pastoral care, and a calling to more depth in our walk with God. No matter where you are in your faith, this book will both challenge and encourage you!” – Joshua Houston, Senior Executive Search Recruiter - How The Mighty Fall by Jim Collins
- Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
“This is such a great read! Warren walks through how we live an average day and looks at it through the lens of liturgy. She does a beautiful job showing how we can encounter God in all the things we consider “ordinary” and how parts of corporate worship and our lives together as the church can be connected to each of our lives on a daily basis. She’s such a great writer with such a profound message. Hands down my favorite book!” – Sarah Meggers, Executive Search Recruiter - The Storm Before The Calm by George Friedman
- The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards
“How do you respond when God does not meet your expectations? This is a great book that makes you think about where your expectations come from and how to reconcile them when things do not go the way you wanted or anticipated.” – Mikella Hammonds, Operations Manager for Client Relations - Personality Plus by Florence Littauer
- Hope in the Dark by Craig Groeschel
“This book presents the question of “Can God be good when life is not?” It is centered around the book of Habakkuk and talks about what it means both to wrestle and embrace.” – Mikella Hammonds, Operations Manager for Client Relations - Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss
- A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul E. Miller
“A Praying Life- As the world gets back to normal, the more distractions there are to pull us away from our relationship with the one who wants to know us the most. Paul Miller is refreshingly honest and encouraging as he reframes the view of prayer in our daily lives.” – Sarah Knowles, Executive Search Recruiter - Across the Street and Around the World by Jeannie Marie
- The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer
- A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
“While the whole series is amazing, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader will always be the C.S. Lewis book that speaks to my heart. What is better than adventuring ever forward in good company to find the place where the Lion dwells?” – Sarah Knowles, Executive Search Recruiter - Texas by James A. Michener
- The Enemies of Excellence by Greg Salciccioli
We hope this list is helpful as you choose a book this summer for the pool, plane, or park!
