11 Books Our Professors are Reading: A Guide for Your 2026 Ministry Journey
The turn of a new year often invites a quieter kind of reflection. We think about what has shaped us, what has worn us down, and what we want to be more attentive to in the months ahead.
For those serving in ministry or discerning deeper theological study, reading is often part of that annual reset. Not reading for information alone, but for formation. We see wisdom that sustains faithful leadership over the long haul.
As faculty at Knox Theological Seminary, we are often asked what we return to in our own reading. What books have shaped our thinking, steadied us in seasons of pressure, or helped us understand the Church and the world more clearly?
What follows is a shared list, recommendations from several of us, offered at the turn of the year for pastors, leaders, and thoughtful Christians looking to begin the next season well.
I. Technology, Culture, and the Church Today
With Dr. Tim Sansbury, Professor of Philosophy and Theology
- 1. From the Garden to the City by John Dyer "I frequently recommend this as a way to think about technology as a Christian. It’s a core part of our Pastoral Issues in Science and Technology elective, but it’s essential reading for anyone trying to understand how tools shape our souls. It helps us move beyond 'using' tech to actually understanding it."
- 2. The Multigenerational Church Crisis by Bryan Chapell "Our own Dr. Chapell provides remarkable data on the generational divide in the church today. Whether you’re leading a congregation or simply serving in one, this book helps bridge the gap between where the church has been and where it is going."
II. Pastoral Formation, Leadership, and the Inner Life
With Dr. Scott Manor, President of Knox Theological Seminary
- 3. Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss "Pastoral burnout isn't just a statistic; it’s a reality many of our students face. I try to implement these perspectives routinely in my own role. It is a vital tool for anyone feeling the weight of modern ministry."
- 4. The Way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen "Nouwen’s work on silence and prayer is refreshing and restorative, even if outside the Reformed tradition. I encourage my students to set aside some of the theological debates for a moment and simply listen to the heart of what is being said here."
- 5. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer "A life overrun by 'ministry efforts' can actually be a lurking spiritual problem. This is an incisive tool for examining our schedules and making room for what actually matters."
- 6. Who Were the Church Fathers? by Marcellino D’Ambrosio "For those who want to see how the early church actually lived, this is the best introduction. It’s accurate and engaging—I often suggest reading one short chapter a day to ground your faith in our shared history."
III. Reformed Theology, Worship, and the Life of the Church
With Dr. Robbie Crouse, Professor of Systematic Theology
- 7. The Westminster Assembly by Robert Letham "This is a fascinating 'inside look' at how some of the most important documents of our faith were formed through consensus and deep debate. It brings history to life in a way that feels very relevant to our own theological questions."
- 8. John Calvin: Writings on Pastoral Piety (Ed. Elsie McKee) "Most people have a 'cold' image of Calvin. These primary sources—his sermons and prayers—reveal the heart of a pastor. It’s a much warmer, more personal picture of the Reformation."
- 9. What Happens When We Worship by Jonathan Landry Cruse "I want my students to see corporate worship as transformational, not just routine. This book changes how you walk into a sanctuary on Sunday morning."
- 10. The Christian Family by Herman Bavinck "In the busyness of ministry, the family can often be overlooked. Bavinck offers a beautiful, theological framework for the importance of the home in God’s plan."
- 11. The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis "Written decades ago, this is even more true today. It explains why society struggles when we abandon objective values. It’s a dense read, so I often recommend Michael Ward’s After Humanity as a helpful guide to walk you through it."
Take the Next Step in Your Formation
Taken together, these books reflect the kind of formation we believe matters most—attentive to Scripture, deeply aware of the inner life of the leader, rooted in the Church’s history, and honest about the challenges of ministry today.
Whether you choose one book for the year or one book for each month ahead, our hope is that this list serves you well as you step into a new season of reading, reflection, and faithfulness.
For those who are discerning further theological education, these recommendations also offer a window into how we think about formation at Knox—learning shaped not only by coursework, but by conversations and connections that sustain ministry for a lifetime.
If these books spark a desire for deeper study, we’d love to help you find the right path for your calling. Our faculty aren't just names on a syllabus; they are mentors ready to walk alongside you.
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