Reading for the Beloved: Books That Shape Our Heart and Culture
Reading for the Beloved
As a new and growing church community, our desire is to walk in unity of heart and purpose. Our identity is rooted in the love of Jesus and our calling is shaped by His words in John 13:34.
John 13:34 NLT
So now I am giving you a new commandment. Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
This is what we call the Beloved Standard. It describes who we are becoming and how we choose to love, serve, forgive, and walk with one another. To cultivate a shared culture, it is helpful for us to read and reflect on resources that form us into a community shaped by love, freedom, humility, and spiritual maturity.
Below are books that reflect the heart of our church. You do not need to purchase or read all of them at once. There is no expectation or requirement. As the Holy Spirit leads you, choose the book that speaks to your season and let God use it to form your heart.
Please don't box yourself in. Feel free to buy the physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks. Buy 2 books, one for you and another for a friend. Partner with someone in our ministry and each of you buy a different book. When you are each done then you swap books. This is meant to be fun and for your growth. This should not be burdensome and it is not a requirement for anything.
1. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
This book teaches an essential truth. It is impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. Scazzero helps us slow down, pay attention to our interior world, and allow Jesus to transform the hidden places within us. This book supports our commitment to spiritual formation that begins with being with Jesus.
Matthew 22:37 NLT
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.
2. Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
This book offers practical rhythms that help us live as disciples who are becoming more like Jesus. Comer describes habits that shape our daily walk and support our church’s spiritual formation path. This book is an excellent companion for anyone who wants to grow intentionally.
John 15:5 NLT
Yes, I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who remain in Me and I in them will produce much fruit.
3. The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
This book invites us to understand the Kingdom of God the way Jesus taught it. Willard challenges us to see discipleship not as religious activity but as a transformed way of living. The focus of our church is spiritual formation and Willard’s writing gives language and depth to that journey.
Mark 1:15 NLT
The Kingdom of God is near. Repent of your sins and believe the Good News.
4. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Hurry damages love. Hurry damages relationships. Hurry damages our ability to hear God. This book reminds us that spiritual formation cannot happen when we live too fast. Since our church values presence, rest, and unhurried discipleship, this book helps us practice a lifestyle that allows room for the Holy Spirit to shape us.
Mark 6:31 NLT
Then Jesus said, Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.
5. The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus
This book calls us to a bold, authentic, and unhindered faith. McManus reminds us that following Jesus is not a life of comfort but a life of courage, surrender, and spiritual adventure. This book aligns with our identity as a church that desires to live fully in the love and freedom Jesus gives.
Matthew 16:24 NLT
Then Jesus said to His disciples, If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Me.
6. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Sanders presents a biblical vision of leadership that is rooted in humility, character, service, and dependence on God. This book strengthens our call to lead with love and integrity as we build a culture of healthy and trustworthy leadership within our church.
Mark 10:43 NLT
Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.
7. How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich
This book offers powerful insight into how our past relationships and emotional patterns shape the way we love today. It supports our commitment to emotional health and relational wholeness within the Beloved community. When we understand our patterns, we can begin to love with greater compassion and maturity.
1 Peter 4:8 NLT
Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
8. Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Grudem provides a clear and comprehensive overview of Christian beliefs rooted in Scripture. This book equips us to grow in theological depth and clarity as a church, helping us understand what we believe and why we believe it.
2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.
9. Living Fearless by Jamie Winship
Winship invites us into a journey of discovering our true identity in Christ and learning how to hear from God with clarity. This book strengthens our desire to live as the beloved of God, free from fear and grounded in truth.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.
10. Living Forward by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy
This practical guide helps us design a life of intentionality, purpose, and clarity. It connects to our church culture by encouraging us to live with focus and stewardship, making choices that reflect the love and calling of Jesus.
Proverbs 16:3 NLT
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.
11. Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs by Bruce Wilkinson
Wilkinson helps us recognize the stages of spiritual growth and the barriers that often hold us back. This book encourages us to pursue deeper intimacy with God and to grow in spiritual maturity as a community.
James 4:8 NLT
Come close to God, and God will come close to you.
12. Subversive Spirituality by Eugene Peterson
Peterson reminds us that following Jesus is not about performance but about presence. This book invites us into a life of quiet faithfulness, deep attentiveness to God, and a spirituality that resists cultural pressure and distraction. It aligns beautifully with our commitment to move at the pace of love.
Psalm 46:10 NLT
Be still, and know that I am God.
13. Accessing the Courts of Heaven by Robert Henderson
Henderson introduces a prayer framework that emphasizes approaching God with confidence, humility, and spiritual awareness. This book can help strengthen our prayer life and deepen our understanding of spiritual authority in Christ.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
14. Spiritual Warfare by Richard Ing
Ing provides a biblical understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of spiritual opposition. This book helps us remain watchful, prayerful, and rooted in the victory of Jesus as we grow as a church.
Ephesians 6:12 NLT
For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.
15. Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
MacDonald teaches us the importance of interior order, emotional discipline, and a well structured spiritual life. This book supports our value of spiritual formation and reminds us that a healthy life must begin with a healthy soul.
Proverbs 4:23 NLT
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
16. Worship and Entertainment by A. W. Tozer
Tozer challenges the modern church to recover the heart of worship. He reminds us that worship is about reverence, awe, and surrender, not performance or consumer experience. This book keeps us grounded in true worship as a central part of our identity.
Psalm 29:2 NLT
Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.
17. The Last Arrow by Erwin McManus
In this inspiring book, McManus challenges us to live with courage, faith, and wholehearted devotion to God. He invites us to give everything we have to the calling God has placed on our lives. This supports our identity as a church that lives loved and lives boldly.
2 Timothy 4:7 NLT
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
Final Reminder
These books are tools. They are companions. They are invitations to grow. They are not requirements for belonging. You do not need to read all of them or read them quickly. Move as the Spirit leads. Let these resources shape your heart, deepen your faith, and strengthen our unity as a church.
A simple prayer as you begin:
Lord, help me receive Your love deeply and help me give it away freely.
Be loved and live free. You belong here.