EFCA Ministerial Book Exchange

One of my favorite EFCA rhythms every year is our Ministerial Book Exchange.

We set it up like a white elephant gift exchange, but instead of gag gifts, each pastor brings the best book they’ve read in the past year - a book that shaped them, challenged them, encouraged them, or helped them shepherd their people more faithfully.

When a book is opened, two meaningful things happen: The giver shares why they chose that book - what God used it to teach or stir in them. The receiver then shares one big praise from the past year and one big prayer request for the year ahead - specifically for the congregation they shepherd.

What starts with books quickly becomes something much deeper: shared gratitude for what God has done, honest prayers for what lies ahead, encouragement among brothers in ministry, and a reminder that none of us shepherd alone

We’ve been doing this for years now, and every time it’s a gift - not just of books, but of trust, prayer, and mutual care.

Below I’ll share this year’s books, along with some from years past (you can find links to all books via amazon list here). They tell a story of how God has been forming us as pastors and, ultimately, how He’s been at work in our churches.

Grateful for this brotherhood and the way the Lord continues to use simple practices to strengthen His shepherds.

Here is what was given out in this year ...

• Spurgeon: A Life by Alex DiPrima by Alex DiPrima.

• The Nicene Creed: What You Need to Know About the Most Important Creed Ever Written by Kevin DeYoung.

• The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction by Eugene H. Peterson.

• The 6 Types of Working Genius: A Better Way to Understand Your Gifts, Your Frustrations, and Your Team by Patrick M. Lencioni.

• Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas

• Old Paths, New Power: Awakening Your Church through Prayer and the Ministry of the Word by Daniel Henderson. 

• Growing in Christ: A 13-Week Course for New and Growing Christians by The Navigators.

• Face to Face: Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship by Kenneth D. Boa.

• The Gospel Way Catechism: 50 Truths That Take on the World by Trevin Wax.

• I Will Wait for You: Understanding the Book of Revelation by Jordan Muck.

• Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by Todd Bolsinger.

Here is what was given out in 2024 ...

• Why Trust the Bible? by Greg Gilbert.

• Unburdened: Stop Living for Jesus So Jesus Can Live through You by Vance Pitman.

• Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like him. Do as he did. by John Mark Comer (given twice).

• Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross.

• The Dynamic Heart in Daily Life: Connecting Christ to Human Experience by Jeremy Pierre.

• The God of the Garden: Thoughts on Creation, Culture, and the Kingdom by Andrew Peterson.

• The Last Arrow: Save Nothing for the Next Life by Erwin McManus.

• Ask Pastor John: 750 Bible Answers to Life's Most Important Questions by Tony Reinke and John Piper.

• The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks.

Here is what was given out in 2023 ...

• Do You Believe?: 12 Historic Doctrines to Change Your Everyday Life by Paul David Tripp (2X).

• The Incomparable Christ by J. Oswald Sanders.

• Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural by Hillary Morgan Ferrer.

• Mama Bear Apologetics Guide to Sexuality: Empowering Your Kids to Understand and Live Out God’s Design by Hillary Morgan Ferrer.

• Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence by Dr. Anna Lembke.

• Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund.

• Pilgrim's Progress in Today's English by James Thomas and John Bunyan.

• Taking God At His Word: Why the Bible Is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What That Means for You and Me by Kevin DeYoung.

• Undistracted: Capture Your Purpose. Rediscover Your Joy by Bob Goff.  

Here is what was given out in 2022 ...

• Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin.

• Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop.

• Strange New World: How Thinkers and Activists Redefined Identity and Sparked the Sexual Revolution by Carl R. Trueman (given twice).

• Be Thou My Vision: A Liturgy for Daily Worship by Jonathan Gibson.

• Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane C. Ortlund.

• D.L. Moody - A Life: Innovator, Evangelist, World Changer by Kevin Belmonte.

• Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual by Jocko Willink.

• On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior.

• Jesus, Lover of My Soul: Fresh Pathways to Spiritual Passion by Julian Hardyman.

• Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change by Paul David Tripp.

Here is what was given out in 2021 ...

• Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund.

• The Big Idea Companion for Preaching and Teaching: A Guide from Genesis to Revelation by Matthew D. Kim.

• God Walk: Moving at the Speed of Your Soul by Mark Buchanan.

• Knowing God by J.I. Packer.

• Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane C. Ortlund.

• Another Gospel?: A Lifelong Christian Seeks Truth in Response to Progressive Christianity by Alisa Childers.

• The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions by Arthur Bennett and  Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome by R. Kent Hughes.

• Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns.

• How People Change by Timothy S. Lane.