Essential Theology Reading List For Youth Workers
Ok – so this is not a specific youth worker reading list -sorry! It is, however, a broad but relatively deep theology list on issues that all ministers and pastors should have a grip on. Youth workers – this is you too!A friend has just finished a short correspondence course on theology that was quite specific in it’s approach. He asked me to put a basic list together of broad evangelical scholarship and laity books that would be useful to spend a year reading to widen his approach. This is that list!If you have done an undergrad seminary course, many of these really should be familiar to you anyway.A * next to a title means, ‘if I could only read one book a month I would read these’.There are many, many other great books, websites and journals that I’d love to add, and I’m not necessarily endorsing all of the theology or ideas contained in this list. This is enough, however, to help you think though issues conversationally and realistically in a year… or so.If anyone is interested, I might add an ‘essential commentary list’ too at some point.Enjoy!
Systematics
*Know The Truth – Bruce MilneSystematic Theology – Wayne GrudemBooks 1&2 of Calvin’s InstitutesChristian Living*Desiring God – John PiperKnowing God – Jim PackerThe Religious Affections – Jonathan EdwardsLove Does – Bob GoffVelvet Elvis – Rob Bell
Specific Issues
*The Cross Of Christ – John StottEngaging With God – David PetersonThe Difficult Doctrine Of The Love Of God – Don CarsonDoctrine Of The Knowledge Of God – John FrameOn The Incarnation – AthanaisiusThe Holy Trinity – Robert LethamThe Atonement – Leon MorrisThe Bondage Of The Will – Martin LutherHistorical Theology – Alister McGrathThe Doctrine Of God – Gerald Bray*The Passion Of Jesus Christ – John Piper
Bible & Exegesis
Listening To The Spirit In The Text – Gordon FeeGod’s Empowering Presence – Gordon Fee*How To Read The Bible For All It’s Worth – Gordon FeeTo What End Exegesis – Gordon Fee*Exegetical Fallacies – Don Carson*Gospel & Kingdom – Graham GoldsworthyThe Prophetic Imagination – Walter BrueggemannReading The Bible With Heart And Mind – Tremper Longman IIIntroduction To The New Testament – Carson, Moo & MorrisFrom Paradise To The Promised Land – T.D. AlexanderPerspectives On The Word Of God – John Frame*Dig Deeper – Andrew Sach & Nigel BaynonGrasping God’s Word – Duvall HaysThe New Testament Background – C.K. BarrettAn Introduction To The Old Testament – Dillard, Brown, Longman II
Discipleship & Spirituality
The Cost Of Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoffer*The Divine Conspiracy – Dallas WillardThe God Who Is There – Francis SchaefferConfessions – AugustineHoliness – J.C. RyleThe Wounded Healer – Henri NoumanThe Imitation Of Christ – Thomas A Kempis
Ministry
*The Gagging Of God – Don Carson*Apologetics To The Glory Of God – John FrameConvergence – Sam StormsThe Reformed Pastor – Richard Baxter*The Contemplative Pastor – Eugene PetersonMere Christianity – C.S. Lewis*The Universe Next Door – James SireThe Supremacy Of God In Preaching – John PiperPreaching With Purpose – Jay AdamsNo Perfect People Allowed – John BurkeEmerging Worship – Dan Kimball*Death By Love – Mark DriscollChristian Youth Work – Ashton & Moon