Recommendations from our Shelf

Written by Erika Castiglione

If you come into the church from the back parking lot and turn left, you’ll see the Waypoint “library” (a couple of bookshelves with a clipboard to keep up with what is checked out). Periodically, the staff will add to our collection with books that have been helpful or encouraging to us, and I enjoy sharing those recommendations from time to time. As you consider your summer reading, you might want to check one of the following.

The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith by Timothy Keller

Last month I read Colin Hansen’s recently released biography on Tim Keller, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation (also on our shelf) and I found it to be interesting for those already familiar with Keller’s writing and ministry, but if you are new to his teaching or if you haven’t read any of his books, The Prodigal God is a great place to start. Using the familiar parable of the prodigal son, Keller makes insightful observations about the wayward son, the elder brother, the gracious father, and the gospel itself. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy (which is only 49 pages long), is also a great entry point into Keller’s writing and one of the best books I’ve ever read on identity in Christ.

All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth Moore

So far, All My Knotted-Up Life is my favorite book of 2023. Moore’s writing is wise, poignant, gracious, and at times, hilarious. I went through my first Beth Moore Bible study almost twenty-five years ago and God used it in my life as I was growing in my love of scripture, so it was a joy to get a glimpse of both the trials and the encounters with God that shaped Moore, as well as God’s faithfulness that continues to guide her.

Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People

Michael Frost

I loved the tone, the heart, and the simplicity of this book that focuses on being an evangelistic believer by blessing others through meals and friendship, listening to the Spirit, learning more about Christ, and being ready to share the hope that we have.

If you’d like to see some previous bookshelf recommendations, you can look here. If you read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!