Must Reads is a collection of book reviews that we believe might be of interest to preachers. Many of the writers are participants in the Peer Groups or the Coaching Program, but other voices are welcome as well. If you have a book you would like to recommend or if you are interested in reviewing a book related to preaching, please email .

Women in the Bible by Jaime Clark-Soles

The underlying feature of the book is hope and the flourishing of all creation. Dr. Clark-Soles aspires to help people of all genders to live God's vision of better, more just, and abundant lives. 

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Embody by Karoline M. Lewis

In her book, Dr. Lewis analyzes various models of leadership and offers a metaphor of the Paraclete as a framework for leading with integrity. 

Friday, January 15, 2021

Words That Heal: Preaching Hope to Wounded Souls by Joni Sancken

Preaching with empathy for wounded souls can help with healing. Dr. Sancken introduces the term “soul wounds” and defines it as experiencing loss, brokenness, unresolved pain, and grief. She acknowledges that healing from these wounds does not happen instantaneously and that we should allow the time for the complex process of healing to unfold.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

The Overshadowed Preacher by Jerusha Matsen Neal

Dr. Neal talks about her exploration of what it means to be fully human as a preacher and as a pastor. Her book exposes the “shadows” – false understandings of who we are as preachers.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

Practicing the Preaching Life by David B. Ward

Dr. Ward shifts the conversation from homiletical techniques to Christian practices, or contextual virtues, that give life to preachers and to their preaching.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Simplify the Message: Multiply the Impact by Talbot Alan Davis

Veteran preachers regularly become attached to their favorite/comfortable methodologies. Davis offers both novice and old hand preachers a new point of view by which they can create and analyze sermons. The book’s balance flows from the principal of one point and its attendant bottom line. 

Thursday, July 16, 2020