Looking for your next great Christian read? Look no further. From John Mark Comer’s bestselling Practicing the Way to a guide on getting your church noticed, there’s something for everyone. The following books all received a coveted five out of five star rating from the Premier Christianity team of reviewers in 2024
1. Don’t fret: The worship leader’s pocketbook - Don Purdey
Tim Bechervaise reviews a poignant-yet-practical guide to worship ministry, written by Purdey after retiring early due to motor neurone disease. Based on more than 30 years of involvement in music and 16 years in ordained ministry, the book is a must for anyone in church worship, and is accessible for readers of all ages, traditions, denominations and backgrounds.
2. Fierce humility - Paul Friend
It may feel like an oxymoron to put the words ‘fierce’ and ‘humility’ together, but Paul Friend’s choice of title is a deliberate attempt to reframe the way we view leadership. Born out of more than 25 years of leadership experience, Friend brings a wealth of wisdom, stories and anecdotes. Whether you are a minister, manager, youth pastor or small group leader, this book is timely and practical.
It’s always a good sign when a book makes you miss your stop on the tube, says Thomas Creedy. One is that kind of book; it draws you in and forces you to consider just how good the gospel really is. In eight chapters it traces the idea of becoming one with Christ through eight different things that Christ does, inviting the reader to know him better. A wonderfully readable short book, it will do you the world of good to read it.
4. Practicing the Way - John Mark Comer
A new book by John Mark Comer is always guaranteed to be a big event, but following up on the lockdown bestseller that was The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry with something equally seismic was no mean feat. This book marked Comer’s departure from pastoring Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and a move into a ministry shaped around this latest offering. Chris Goswami called Comer’s call to “be with Jesus, become like him, do as he did” a transformational rollercoaster. Sure to become essential Christian reading.
5. Yearning For the Vast and Endless Sea - Chris Russell
Written by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s advisor for evangelism, Chris Russell, this book an antidote for every Christian who doesn’t feel excited about their faith, is complacent about its revolutionary message or is just not bothered about telling others, says Rev Peter Crumpler. If you need a little New Year recharge, grab a copy now!
6. Fully Alive – Elizabeth Oldfield
Elizabeth Oldfield’s book is a non-patronising attempt to explain why Christianity is more relevant than ever in the modern life. Written for both believers and non-believers alike, it is not afraid of the odd bad word. Nor is it willing to omit or skirt around issues that some Christians (and Christian books) may wish to avoid. But don’t let that put you off. It’s intelligent, easy to read and thought-provoking in all the right ways.
7. The Narrow Path – Rich Villodas
Ancient wisdom applied to now, Rich Villodas writes with disarming honesty about his own sins and struggles while constantly pointing us to the Good Shepherd. Recommended both for the weary disciple struggling to believe that Jesus’ yoke is easy, and those who think that the narrow way is restrictive or outdated.
8. Politics on the Edge – Rory Stewart
Rory Stewart, co-host of the popular podcast ‘The Rest is Politics’ identifies as a churchgoer from the ‘reticent wing’ of Anglicanism - so it is perhaps not surprising that his faith barely features in this book about the inner workings of Westminster. Nevertheless, in describing the culture and practices at the heart of our politics, he implicitly challenges us to ask: “But what can I do?” Could it be that our prayers and actions are the antidote to the problems he describes?
9. How to Tell the Truth – Preston Perry
Preston Perry’s childhood was blighted by drugs and violence, but this book, subtitled ‘The story of how God saved me to win hearts - not just arguments’, explores how he became an acclaimed poet, evangelist and apologist. Only a writer of consummate skill could deliver a book like this: in part a biographic account of his early life, and in part a teaching book that winsomely shares biblical principles on how to speak the truth. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know why apologetics matters, and how to do it well. See also our Profile interview with the author.
10. Can I Say That? - Brenna Blain
Brenna Blain’s remarkable testimony covers extreme American conservative Christianity, childhood abuse, same-sex attraction, mental health struggles and suicide attempts. This book does not try to tidy any of this up or sugarcoat it in Christian platitudes. Weaving memoir and theology, Blain uses her story to grapple with the hardest of questions: Can God hear me and does he care? If Jesus really conquered death, why do I still feel like this? Moving, poignant and deeply intelligent.
11. The Exorcist Files - Father Carlos Martins
Based on a hugely successful podcast of the same name, The Exorcist Files relates the experiences of Father Carlos Martins, “one of the most in-demand exorcists in the Roman Catholic Church”. Using real-life exorcism stories - without hyperbole or sensationalism – he explores the context, history and theology of demonic activity, and methods used to overcome it. A powerful book.
12. The Bible: A global history – Bruce Gordon
In confident, easy-to-read prose, Bruce Gordon takes us on a journey through time and space, showing how the Bible has transformed societies and historical eras, often in ways that the people distributing the word of God found very disturbing. This is a global history of Christianity, told from the perspective of a book that is living and active, dividing and uniting communities of readers around the world.
13. 100 Ways to Get Your Church Noticed - Neil Pugmire
In our fast-moving, visual world, with countless organisations vying for our attention, the question of how we ensure our churches are noticed has become more and more important. In this reissued and updated book, journalist and communicator Neil Pugmire brings together 100 diverse ideas, offers much-needed advice on how a church can develop its communications strategy, and examines key lessons from the Covid-19 lockdowns. Dip in and discover an idea that works for you, then dip in and find another.
14. You Are a Tree - Joy Marie Clarkson
A compilation of meditations written to “nourish life, thought and prayer”, Joy Marie Clarkson’s book draws on seven biblical metaphors to help Christians find true rest in God. Drawing on personal experience as well as a wealth of philosophers and theologians, Clarkson offers rich insights into the strength we find in God. Each chapter ends with a ‘living metaphor’, an activity designed to provide the reader with a way to reflect. Amid the ‘hustle culture’ of the 21st century, You Are a Tree allows the reader to see what English poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins, once observed: “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” See also our Profile interview with the author.
15. Waking the Women – Jayne Manfredi
Menopause is becoming increasingly spoken about in secular spheres, yet much of the faith community remains alarmingly silent, observes Arianna Walker. Jayne Manfredi’s new book, Waking the Women: Menopause and the meaning of midlife, will help plug the gap. Empathetic, deeply personal and witty, Manfredi blends narrative, theology and social commentary to help the reader navigate the physical and emotional challenges of menopause through a spiritual lens. And for more on this vital topic, make sure you subscribe to our sister title Premier Woman Alive magazine.
Keep up to date with the best new Christian books being released in 2025 by subscribing to Premier Christianity. We review new books every week online and every month in our print magazine
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