Summer Reading Guide 2025
Summer might not slow things down in ministry, but it does bring a different kind of rhythm. Maybe your schedule includes a student missions trip, Vacation Bible School, or simply catching up on all the things that didn’t get done in the spring. Still, we hope you’ll find a few unhurried hours to rest, reflect, and maybe even read something that both refreshes your soul and sharpens your ministry.
Our annual Summer Reading Guide is here to help. Whether you’re reading poolside, in the church office between Sunday prep and staff meetings, or during a few quiet moments after the kids go to bed, these book picks are meant to be both thoughtful and practical.
This year’s guide was curated by some of our cohort facilitators. These leaders don’t just love good books—they care deeply about creating safe, caring spaces where ministry leaders can connect, grow, and thrive. That’s what our cohorts are all about: gathering leaders who serve in similar roles and fostering the kind of community that supports health and longevity in ministry. If you’re not already part of a cohort, we’d love to help you find one.
Like always, we know recommendations can be tricky because all of us, even within the EFCA, don’t agree on everything outside of our statement of faith. Our Summer Reading Guide selections reflect each individual’s tastes and preferences. We encourage everyone to use discernment anytime they pick something up – holding all literature, no matter what the writing or occasion – up against the truth of God’s Word.
And if you find yourself wanting more recommendations, you can revisit previous guides: 2022 | 2023 | 2024.
Happy Reading!
Redemptive Leadership: Unleashing Your Greatest Influence by Dr. Harv Powers
Written by renowned Christian psychologist, Harv Powers, this book is an extremely beneficial resource for pastors and ministry leaders dealing with crisis, brokenness, weaknesses, and the struggles of incompetence. Dr. Powers walks you through the biblical model of redemptive leadership by seeing how God‘s sovereign glory and purpose is accomplished through the restorative and healing work of the gospel.
Doug Thuen, Lead Pastor of Sparta Church
The Case For Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence For Jesus by Lee Strobel
Okay, I know this book has been around for QUITE a while, but despite my propensity for reading biographies, watching documentaries, and generally trying to learn everything I can about whatever subject is currently of interest to me, I had never actually read this one. I think there was a part of me that felt like faith should be able to stand on its own based on scripture and our own personal relationship with God, and that perhaps using historical and archaeological evidence to bolster our faith maybe somehow cheapened the whole idea of faith as the “evidence of things unseen,” (an idea Strobel talks about early in the book). But as a close family member has shared some of their own struggles with faith, and as I have more intentionally attempted to have more faith-based conversations with non-believers in my life, I thought that having some historical evidence to back up the claims of scripture might actually be helpful… after all, how do you use a book that someone doesn’t believe is true to prove to them that the ideas presented in said book are true? I’ve really enjoyed this read, and as most of Strobel’s interviewees state, it’s served only to strengthen and deepen my faith in Christ. If you’re one of the 5 people in the world who still haven’t read it, I suggest checking it out!
I enjoy cooking, and I absolutely LOVE cooking outdoors, especially once the weather turns nice. It is one of the things that truly renews my mind and spirit. Michael is one of my favorite celebrity chefs, and he just released a cookbook that teaches how to cook literally anything outdoors, including things you would never even think of cooking outside! This one’s going to be by my side non-stop this summer!
Ryan Bailey, Minister of Worship at Mountain View Community Church
Freedom Starts Today: Overcoming Struggles and Addictions One Day at a Time by John Elmore
This isn’t a book to just sit down and read through, it’s meant to serve as a 90-day devotional. Addiction has become a dirty word that many, if not most, Christians quickly would say they don’t have any. However, we likely still have hurts, fears, sin, or idols that we hide away and struggle with on our own. Through stories of many of his own experiences, John Elmore exhorts readers to step into the light and offers very practical guidance on how to break down walls of shame and hurt. Not only has the book been impactful personally, but it has also become my number one go-to resource in pastoral counseling settings.
Jeff Travis, Connections Pastor at Lancaster EFC
Rest & War: Rhythms of a Well Fought Life by Ben Stuart
“We haven’t been set free from the fight. We have been set free for the fight.” In this field guide to faith, Pastor Ben Stuart does an exquisite job explaining spiritual truths. His wit and wisdom will improve your understanding of the Christian life and challenge you to view it differently. Sound theology and parabolic storytelling bring his words to life. Pick this book up and learn to “struggle well.” You will find answers to questions you didn’t even know you had!
Megan Kimmel, Communications Director at Grace Free Church
Forming Faith: Discipling The Next Generation in a Post-Christian Culture by Matt Markins, Mike Handler, and Sam Luce
We are all well aware that we live in a culture that makes discipling the next generation of the church much more challenging than it was in the past. Between cultural shifts, the rise of the smartphone and social media, and the influence others have in the lives of our kids, leading them to Jesus feels nearly impossible. Add to this that the parents in our churches are overwhelmed by school, sports, extracurriculars, and the societal expectations that are heaped onto parents today. Forming Faith uses Scripture and research to lay out the reasons that what we’ve been doing for decades doesn’t work and how we can forge a new path moving forward. A path that will allow parents to take control of their kids’ discipleship as we work to encourage and support them. A must-read!
Josh Cervone, Pastor of Family Ministries at Beacon EFC
Necessary Endings: by Dr. Henry Cloud
I have been tremendously helped by Dr. Cloud’s insights on the necessity of letting go of one season to move to the next. His wisdom is particularly poignant regarding the fears and false ideas that keep us stuck interpersonally and organizationally. This is a book full of practical wisdom for people with a shepherd’s heart who have to lead organizations and make tough calls. If you pick it up, I hope you find it as helpful as I have!
Trent Thompson, Senior Pastor of West Shore Free Church
The Sacred Acre: The Ed Thomas Story by Mark Tabb
This is an incredible story of a man who loved God and led a community as the football coach in a very small town in Iowa. At one time, he had four of his students in the NFL. God used him to restore his city after it was devastated by a tornado.
The Supper Of The Lamb: A Culinary Reflection by Robert Farrar Capon
This is a combination of a cookbook and a devotional. Capon talks about the joy of the Lord as he talks about his love for cooking.
Art Pavelski, Senior Pastor at Pierce Hill Christian Fellowship
Drop your own recommendations in the comments below!
Emily has been the Communications Director here at EFCA East since 2016. She lives in upstate NY with her pastor husband and two kiddos. In the summer, you’ll most likely find them checking off another high peak in the Adirondacks.