Best Books - Christian Nonfiction

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement : A Reader by Ralph Winter (ed.)

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement : A Reader (Third Edition) is a collection of readings exploring the biblical, historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of world evangelization. Writings from more than 90 mission scholars and practitioners introduce lay people and students to the astounding potential of the global Christian movement. Each of the 125 articles offers practical wisdom enabling Christians to labor together in bold, biblical hope to finish the task of seeing Christ named and followed among all the peoples of the earth.

This book is for those who are serious about understanding the why and how of missions work.  It is a bit intellectual, but the best collection of Christian essays on missionary work.

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman

The Master Plan of Evangelism is one of the simplest and best books on evangelism ever written.  It's basic formula?  We are all called to grow to maturity and disciple a few others in their own faith.  And if we all did this, we could transform the world. 

Instead of drawing on the latest popular fad or the newest selling technique, Robert E. Coleman looks to the Bible to find the answer to the question, What was Christ's strategy for evangelism? Through a thorough examination of the gospel accounts, Coleman points out unchanging, simple, yet profound biblical principles of how to emulate Christ to others.

Few books have had as great an impact on the cause of world evangelization in our generation as Robert Coleman's The Master Plan of Evangelism."--Billy Graham

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

There is a reason why The Purpose Driven Life book has sold more copies than any other hardback in history (more than 30 million!).  In easy to understand language, it provides a great overview of the five levels of spiritual comittment, and how the Christian life should be developed.  Though the language can be simple, the concepts in here are life changing and timeless.

You may instead like to buy this on audio - it comes in The Commuter Version as well as the usual audiobook format.

Bruchko by Bruce Olsen

What happens when a nineteen-year-old boy and heads into the jungles to evangelize a murderous tribe of South American Indians? For Bruce Olson it meant capture and torture, but what he discovered revolutionized the world of missions.

Bruchko is a must read for all who desire to learn about or pursue missions, and is a gripping story to boot.

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya by Ruth Tucker

This is history at its best. From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya is readable, informative, gripping, and above all honest.

From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya helps readers understand the life and role of a missionary through real life examples of missionaries throughout history. We see these men and women as fallible and human in their failures as well as their successes. These great leaders of missions are presented as real people, and not super-saints. This second edition covers all 2,000 years of mission history with a special emphasis on the modern era, including chapters focused on the Muslim world, Third World missions, and a comparison of missions in Korea and Japan. It also contains both a general and an "illustration" index where readers can easily locate particular missionaries, stories, or incidents. New design graphics, photographs, and maps help make this a compelling book.

This book is great for short bursts of reading, since it is essential a collection of short biographies.  Great for the bathroom, and may inspire you to BE a missionary!

Spiritual Authority by Watchman Nee

Spiritual Authority is a leadership book unlike any you will ever read.  Nee (1903-1972) was a Chinese Christian with an incredible depth of wisdom, and somewhat controversial. 

The chapter on the leadership lessons of Genesis 9, where Noah fell asleep drunk and uncovered will change your view of imperfect authority permanently, and give you much wisdom for how to respond when leaders over you make mistakes.

The Fight: A Practical Handbook to Christian Living by John White

The Fight: A Practical Handbook to Christian Living, first published over 25 years ago, is a tremendous introduction to the Christian life.  I read it four years after becoming a Christian, and remember thinking, "If I had read this at the beginning, I would have saved myself a lot of grief!" 

For new believers, this books is indispensable.  For those in unbalanced or unhealthy churches, this brings a healthy balance.  Highly recommended.

The Hour That Changes the World by Dick Eastman

The Hour That Changes the World, first published in 1978, is a classic book on prayer that offers practical suggestions on how readers can revitalize their prayer lives. Dick Eastman challenges Christians to spend one hour each day in prayer, and he outlines a twelve-step prayer program to help them accomplish the task. By dividing one hour into twelve five-minute "points of focus," such as praise, waiting, confession, and Scripture praying, believers will develop a more consistent habit of daily prayer. The Hour That Changes the World draws heavily on Scripture and classic devotional writers and includes an appendix titled "Scriptural Intercession."

This 25th anniversary edition features a new introduction by Eastman and a new foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, in which she writes: "The Hour That Changes the World may appear small and modest, but don't let its size fool you. Full of biblical insights about prayer, packed with testimonies of prayer warriors from years past, brimming with practical suggestions that will help you carve out a purposeful time of praise and intercession, Dick Eastman's book is arguably the most significant book on prayer written in modern times."

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer by J. Oswald Sanders

One of the BEST books on leadership I have ever read, written by a pioneer missionary to China, J. Oswald Sanders. The chapter on "The leader and his reading" is worth the price of the entire book. Seminary President and Bible teacher John MacArthur says of this book:

"Spiritual Leadership should be the constant companion of every undershepherd in the Savior's service. Most helpful is the fact that its emphasis is not on methods, but on character, passion, and godliness. I read it often to regrip the basic perspectives of my task, and have given it to the entire leadership team in our church."

You can also purchase the Audio CD of Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence for Every Believer

My Utmost for His Highest Updated (Leather Edition) by Oswald Chambers

It's one of the top-selling devotionals of all time...it's updated into today's language...and now it's available in a contemporary new package. This new edition feature the updated text of James Reimann, helpful scripture and topical indexes, and an expanded author information section by Chambers's biographer, David McCasland. And you'll love the DiCarta leather cover with its vibrant color and soft feel...perfect for carrying with you everyday.

My Utmost for His Highest comes with a long list of endorsements, a virtual laundry list of the great preachers of our day.  This book has influenced many lives, and will continue to due to it's deep insight and challenging calls to serious discipleship.