By John Own

The Glory of Christ

“The wisdom and love of God are in themselves infinitely glorious, infinitely amiable; nothing can be added to them, there can be no increase of their essential glory. Howbeit, as they are eternally resident in the divine nature, and absolutely the same with it, we cannot so comprehend them as to have an endearing, satiating view of their glory, but as they are exerted in the work of the redemption and salvation of the church, as they are expressed, communicating their blessed effects to the souls of them that do believe, which is done only in Christ; so the beams of their glory shine to us with unspeakable refreshment and joy.” 

Owen has helped me reflect deeply on the Glory of Christ and see the “unspeakable refreshment and joy” that comes from doing so often. 

By Timothy Witmer

The Shepherd Leader

This book by Timothy Witmer provides a biblical and theological foundations for eldership while focusing on the ultimate call to shepherd the flock among them. It helped to provide me with a firm conviction in the call of a plurality of elders being called to faithfully lead and guide the church.

the autobiography of

george muller

There are few men like George Muller that have so deeply impacted my walk with Christ. There is no way to peer into his deep trust in the sovereignty of God and firm belief in the power of prayer, and walk away unchanged. Time and time again, I pick up this book to remind my heart to press into to all that God has for me through prayer. 

by d. a. Carson

The Cross and Christian Ministry

Carson walks through portions of 1 Corinthians to show the reality of the cross and how it should shape and influence preaching and all of ministry. By highlighting the centrality of the cross, Carson helped to establish the cross as the focal point of every aspect of every ministry I have had the joy of being involved in. 

by John piper

god is the gospel

I have been heavily influenced by Piper’s ministry at https://www.desiringgod.org but, if I had to choose one book, it would be this one. Piper helps us to see that the greatest good of the gospel is God Himself and challenges me over and over again to ensure that the desire of my heart is for Christ Himself.    

by Bob Kauflin

Worship Matters

I would say that I have been more influenced and impacted by Kauflin’s writings at https://worshipmatters.com and work with https://sovereigngracemusic.org but “Worship Matters” was the launching point for me. Kauflin has helped me see that worship leading is ultimately a pastoral endeavor and should be approached in the same way I approach any pastoral ministry, with a heart to shepherd God’s people. 

by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The All-sufficient God

Isaiah 40 has been one of the most impactful portions of scripture in my life, and I am not sure I could suggest a better handling of the truths contained in it than this collection of sermons my Lloyd-Jones. One thing I am constantly reminded of is my need to be reminded that God is all-sufficient and all-satisfying, and Lloyd-Jones helps to point to God’s own description of himself in order to seal those truths into my heart.    

A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

The Valley of vision

I think every believer should have this book on their shelves. The Valley of Vision has been used over the years to shape my prayers, redirect my ambition, break my heart of my sin, and even provide ways for me to pray for those God has trusted to me as an under shepherd.