Best Books 2020

We asked ministry leaders for the best books they read in 2020. The titles didn’t need to be first published in the year. They just had to have read them in 2020 and identified them as the best books they read this year. So have a look.

Just a few of the titles church leaders names as best books they read in 2020.

Becky Sandberg, board of missions

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isobel Wilkerson

Ben Panner, college pastor

Enjoying God by Tim Chester

Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries

Family Discipleship by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin

Parenting by Paul David Tripp

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Show Them Jesus by Jack Klumpenhower

The Steward Leader by R. Scott Rodin

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton

Curt Miller, missions pastor

Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Diebler Rose

Dan Hiben, middle school pastor

A Merciful and Faithful High Priest: Studies in the Book of Hebrews by Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

I have been reading this set of Lloyd-Jones’ sermons devotionally as I go through the book of Hebrews. It has been very encouraging, pushing me to live out the truths I’m reading.

Eric Channing, pastor of congregational care and family ministries

The Shepherd Leader by Timothy Witmer.

John Stott Biography, vol 1 by Timothy Dudley-Smith

Leading Change by John P. Kotter

Jeremy Taylor, elder

God and the Pandemic by N. T. Wright.

This short book is easy to read in one or two sittings and gives great insight into the appropriate role of the church during a time of crisis. I was particularly struck by Wright’s treatment of Acts 11, where the church in Antioch of Syria responds to the prophecy about an upcoming famine by collecting relief funds for the church in Jerusalem. Rather than looking for a scapegoat or making dire predictions about the end of the world, the church simply asked who would be most affected by the crisis and then decided to act in response. How are we at College Church responding to COVID? Are we looking to point fingers? Are we issuing doomsday proclamations? Or are we identifying those in our community and beyond who are most adversely affected and then finding ways to lovingly show Christ to them? I hope those observing us can see by our actions and our attitudes how much we care for others.

Jon DeLew, board of missions

I really enjoyed Hero of the Empire by Candice Millard which is the historical account of Winston Churchill and his exploits during the Boer War.

Josh Maurer, pastoral resident

Can We Trust the Gospels? by Peter J. Williams

Josh Stringer, pastor of discipleship

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund Much of the impact of a book in a person’s life depends on the circumstances when he or she reads it. This was the right book at the right time for me. 

The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson (four-book series).

The Care of Souls by Harold L. Senkbeil

Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man’s First Journey to the Moon by Robert Kurson

The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch

Kat Haase, culture impact committee chair

The Church and Its Vocation: Lesslie Newbigin’s Missionary Ecclesiology by Michael W. Goheen

Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan

Lorraine Triggs, nominating committee

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Orlund

Ditto what Josh Stringer said, “right book at the right time for me.” And I read more fiction than non-fiction, so that’s an endorsement in itself.

The Gown by Jennifer Robson

Historical fiction (my true love when it comes to reading) about the women who created and made Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. 

Mark Bodett, board of missions

Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents by Rod Dreher

This is a book written to Christians to prepare them for living under “soft” persecution.

Mary Nellessen, deaconess

A book I enjoyed in 2020 is The Lucky Few by Heather Davis. It is an inspiring story of adoption, as Heather and her husband adopted three children—two that have Down syndrome and one whose heritage is Guatemalan-African American. It is an encouragement to me as the mother of two daughters from China.

Mike McKevitt, deacon

Chasing Contentment by Erik Raymond. 

The subtitle is “Trusting God in a Discontented Age,” which I’m sure everyone would agree that we live in discontented times. The book is a good reminder that being content doesn’t mean we ignore those problems, but we can nevertheless rest in our sovereign God in the midst of such issues.

Mike Solis, pastoral resident

The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby

Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries

Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference by Tim Keller & John Inazu

Humble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul by Hannah Anderson

Hidden Worldviews by Steve Wilkens & Mark Sanford

In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin

Penny Thrasher, board of missions

Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been by Jackie Hill Perry

“I used to be a lesbian.” Jackie, with masterful skill, shares her story of coming to faith in Jesus. So refreshingly beautiful!

Randy Jahns, elder

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Tom Paulsen, culture impact committee

The Oracle by Jonathan Cahn

The book is a fascinating look at the intersection of the prophesies related to the children of Israel returning to their homeland and historical events.

Wil Triggs, director of communications

Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund

Evangelism in a Skeptical World by Sam Chan

Zach Fallon, high school pastor

If someone is looking for a new, solid book that offers an introductory level on the biblical storyline I would recommend Unfolding Grace, newly released from Crossway and also the workbook that goes with it. We are planning on using it in Project Discipleship with some of our high school students next semester.

Christmas Eve--The Christ Candle

Say: Listen to the Words of God from Isaiah 9:2.

Read: Isaiah 9:2

Say: We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us—and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the second Advent candle to remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

We relight the third Advent candle to remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on Christ’s first coming and preparing for his return.

We relight the fourth advent candle to remind us to look out at a lost and needy world, sharing the good news of the Savior’s birth, and warning of the judgment to come at his return.

As we light the Christ candle, let it remind us that the message of Christmas calls us to open our hearts to Christ—the Light of the world—and give him glory, honor and love until he returns.

Read: John 1:1,4; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Revelation 22:3, 5

Sing: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, Joy to the World

Pray: Our Father, thank you for shattering the darkness with the light of your Son, Jesus. Thank you for making us children of light. Help us to let our lights shine before men so that you may be praised and glorified. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent--The Shepherd Candle

Say: Listen to the words of God from Isaiah 40:9

Read: Isaiah 40:9

Say: We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us - and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the second Advent candle, let it remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

We relight the third Advent candle, let it remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on C hrist’s first coming and preparing for his return

As we light the fourth advent candle let it remind us to look out at a lost and needy world, sharing the good news of the Savior’s birth, and warning of the judgment to come at his return.

Read: A reading from Luke 2:15-18

Sing:  O Come All Ye Faithful, Go Tell it on the Mountain

Pray: Father, we glorify and praise you for sending Jesus as our Savior/King.  Thank you for revealing the Good News to us. Help us to respond as the shepherds did, spreading this good news to all we come in contact with. May your Kingdom be expanded in us and through us—for Christ’s sake. Amen.

Third Sunday in Advent: The Messenger Candle

Say: Listen to the words of God from Isaiah 40:3, 4

Read: Isaiah 40:3, 4

Say: We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us - and who promises his Son’s return.

We relight the second Advent candle, let it remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

As we light the third Advent candle, let it remind us to look within ourselves, reflecting on Christ’s first coming and preparing for his return.

Say: A reading from Luke 2:8-14

Read: Luke 2:8-14

Sing: Angels We Have Heard on High, Angels from the Realms of Glory

Pray: Father, thank you for sending messengers to prepare the way and to proclaim the Savior’s birth. Thank you for making this good news known to us. Help us to take time this season to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Help us prepare our hearts to joyfully celebrate Christ’s incarnation and to be ready for his second coming. We ask this in the Savior’s name. Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent

Say: Let us listen to the words of God from Micah 5:2.

Read: Micah 5:2

Say: We relight the first Advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us - and who promises his Son’s return. As we light the second Advent candle, let it remind us to look back 2,000 years to the moment when God’s gift came to us in Bethlehem—and look forward to his coming again.

Say: A reading from Luke 2:1-7.

Read: Luke 2:107

Sing: O Little Town of Bethlehem, Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

Pray: Father, thank you for your promise of a ruler who would be born in Bethlehem. Thank you for sending your Son to fulfill that promise. Help us to take time this busy season to draw closer to Jesus, and to allow him to truly rule in our lives. We pray this in the King’s name. Amen.

For the First Sunday of Advent

First, Advent Defined
Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Advent isn’t a rush to the finish line, no matter how much we want 2020 to be over. Advent is a time to reflect and prepare for the coming of Christ as we look back at his first coming and look forward to his return.

The advent wreath helps us rehearse Jesus’ first coming and anticipate his coming again. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Christmas story, and the colors of the candles add to that narrative.

Second Advent Basics—Explanation of the Candles

The purple candles are lit on weeks one, two and four. The color purple is the color of royalty and reminds us that Jesus is king. Purple also is called the color of repentance and reminds us to prepare our hearts for receiving Jesus as king.

Pink is a color often associated with joy. The pink candle, lit on week three, reminds us to look with joy on Christ’s incarnation and joyfully anticipate his second coming.

The center white candle, lit on Christmas Eve, reminds us that Jesus is holy, and he comes to make his people holy.

• The first candle is the promise candle and reminds us that God promised to send a king.
• The second candle is the Bethlehem candle and reminds us where Jesus was born as predicted by the prophet Micah.
• The third candle is the messenger candle and represents the messengers who prepared for and proclaimed Christ’s birth.
• The fourth candle is the shepherd candle and reminds us of the shepherds who found the Christ child, and then went out and spread the news of Jesus’ birth.
• The Christ candle in the center is lit on Christmas Eve, and reminds us that Jesus is holy and he comes to make his people holy.

First Sunday of Advent—The Promise Candle
Say: We light our first advent candle to remind us to look up and center our thoughts on a loving God, who sent his promised Son to us, and who promises his Son’s return. (Light candle.)

Say: A reading from God’s Word
Read: Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 and Luke 1:68-20
Sing: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Pray: Dear Father, thank you for promising to send a Savior-King who would free us from the power of sin. Thank you for keeping your promise by sending Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Teach us how to live with Jesus as our King. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Make your own Advent wreath
You will need
Brass Advent Wreath and candle holders
Candles—three purple, one pink, one white pillar
Boughs—real (pine, boxwood branches) or not
Simple decorations—berries, pinecones, ribbon

A Prayer on Election Day 2020 - from A Pastor Prays for His People by Wendell Hawley

Eternal God, everlasting Father,

Great and marvelous are your works.

When we really contemplate you as Creator and sustainer of all things,

we are overawed by your greatness.

The flowers of the field are of greater beauty than Solomon in all his glory,

The sparrow is the recipient of your provision,

the object of your watch and care.

Nations and rulers are in place at your will and by your decree.

Events totally beyond our control

are subject to your purpose and determined will.

And in between sparrows and nations,

you extend your providential care to your children.

You, O God, asked Abraham: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

We need to have such truth reinforced in our thinking—

for the enemy of our souls besieges us with doubts

about your involvement in our lives.

We are overwhelmed with contrary circumstances,

and we are sometimes almost drowning in despair.

We confess that we have almost made security and money our idols,

thinking that investments and governments would see us through.

Now we need to realize there is absolutely no security except in you.

You, Father God, are our secure provision . . . .

May that be our testimony this day.

The Questions I Ask Google by Susan Zimmerman

From early 2014 until mid-2017, I worked as an editor in the marketing communications department of a large corporation. Our department, overwhelmingly comprised of graphic artists, was a newly formed Mac computer island within a corporate sea of PC platforms. So, whenever any of us called corporate IT for help with a tech issue, the answer was usually, “Umm, you’re on a Mac? I don’t know what to do.” Even when the IT person did try to help, there were long delays waiting for an answer.

I’m not the most tech savvy person, so when I ran into inevitable computer problems, it was frustrating not to have ready help from corporate IT. I would privately fume at the slow and sometimes inadequate response.

Then, like everyone else in our department, I discovered Paul. Paul was our image coordinator and a Mac wizard. I joined the line at his desk to get answers, or emailed him, or sent a quick text asking about my latest tech snafu. And Paul was great. He was patient, knowledgeable, and his answers worked! It was like having my own private IT department at my side.

But Paul was a very busy guy. He and the team he led were processing hundreds of images a week. It was unrealistic to expect him to keep up with an unofficial, and unasked for side gig of assisting everyone with their Mac issues. And one day, when I stopped by his desk with yet another query, he looked up, smiled a bit wearily, and said, “Susan, you know you could Google that question and get the answer. That’s what I do sometimes, too.”

Ahh, Google! I felt slightly chastened, but what he said made perfect sense. I went back to my desk and did exactly as Paul suggested. And there it was, the answer to my computer question in five easy steps. Why hadn’t I thought of doing that before? I had used web search for hundreds of other questions, but Googling to unsnarl my Mac hadn’t been one of them.

And now, years later, whenever I encounter a computer issue, I always remember Paul’s advice, “You could Google that.” Unless my computer is actually dying, I can usually find a quick solution.

Yes, Google (or other search engines) is great for all sorts of practical advice. Fixing a Mac. Diagnosing the leak from our dishwasher. Figuring out what’s causing the worrying rattle in the car. Or maybe even discovering how to keep squirrels from digging up bulbs (my latest search).

But wisdom for life’s big questions? Like, how to deal with the current anxiety over the pandemic and all the huge crises in front of our country? Where to invest my time, talent and treasure? How to have a lasting impact on my children and grandchildren? And even more importantly, how to set aside the recurring idols in my life and depend on Christ only for joy and sustenance? For these questions, Google is like my former corporate IT department, “I don’t know what to do.”

Another Paul, the apostle, has something to say about finding wisdom in I Corinthians 1:19-25:

For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

It’s all too easy for me having become conditioned by the quick and easy answers from Google to expect the same from “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” As I did when seeking answers to my Mac problems at work, I often privately (or publicly) fume at what I in my limited vision consider a slow or inadequate response. I want five easy steps. And I want them now.

Christ offers a different way to wisdom. James 1:5-6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

In my notes from Pastor Moody’s sermon from August 30 on this passage, I read (my paraphrase of his words): “The great secret of life is to inquire of the Lord. He gives generously, without reproach, in love as a Father. But the condition for this wisdom is faith. Not make believe or positive thinking, but commitment. ‘Without doubting’ means trusting God even if we don’t get it. Trust God and be steadfast.”

I’m slowly learning how this God-given wisdom is so much better than asking Google, or family, or friends, or a self-help article or book. It comes through steadfast commitment, through reading God’s Word, through the daily exercise of faith and dependence on my Lord and Savior. It’s not a quick hit on my computer screen or five simple steps, but it’s ultimately far more satisfying and long lasting. It is the “good gift” and the “perfect gift” that is “from above.” (James 1:17)