A new year has a way of stirring both hope and resolve. We start thinking about the kind of people we want to become, the habits we want to form, and the rhythms we want to strengthen, spiritually, personally, and financially.
For many of us, reading is part of that renewal. The right book can challenge our assumptions, sharpen our thinking, deepen our faith, or simply help us live with greater intention.
Growth rarely happens by accident. It’s shaped over time through wise counsel, thoughtful reflection, and practices that align our lives with what matters most. That’s why we asked members of our team to share books that have influenced the way they think about money, faith, work, leadership, and life.
Whether you’re setting new goals, refining old ones, or simply looking for your next meaningful read, we hope this list encourages you to slow down, think deeply, and take a step forward…one page at a time.
The Art of Spending Money – Morgan Housel
Recommended by Jake Preston
Rather than offering budgets or spending rules, Housel explores the psychology behind how we use money. He shows that wise spending isn’t about status or excess, but about aligning money with what truly brings peace, meaning, and satisfaction. A thoughtful reminder that the best return on investment is often emotional, not financial.
Jake says: “Morgan Housel is one of my favorite authors. His latest book contained some truly helpful insights about how to spend money in a way that brings joy and to use it to live the life you want. While I would modify some of his advice toward the lens of stewardship, each chapter was thought-provoking. One of my favorite maxims from the book was that if your expectations grow faster than your income, you’ll never be happy with money.”
As a Man Thinketh – James Allen
Recommended by Chase Cavanaugh
This timeless classic argues that our thoughts quietly shape our character, choices, and destiny. With simple language and enduring wisdom, Allen invites readers to cultivate disciplined thinking as a pathway to personal growth and a well-ordered life.
Chase says: “A short and simple read that is great to improve your mindset and it shows the power that your thoughts have on your actual reality/life. One of my favorite quotes comes from this book: “You can’t choose your circumstances, but you can choose your thoughts, and so indirectly, yet surely, shape your circumstances.”
A Praying Life – Paul E. Miller
Recommended by Tamie Frets
Miller addresses the struggle many Christians feel with prayer and gently reframes it as an ongoing, honest conversation with God. Practical and deeply pastoral, this book helps readers develop habits of prayer rooted in dependence, trust, and childlike faith.
Tamie says: “I recommend this book because it’s honest and refreshing. It takes the pressure off prayer and helps make it feel more natural and approachable, which is great for anyone looking to grow their prayer life without feeling overwhelmed.”
Encountering Our Wild God – Kim Meeder
Recommended by Tamie Frets
Through powerful stories and biblical insight, Meeder reminds readers that God cannot be controlled or reduced to formulas. She calls believers to move beyond comfort and certainty into deeper trust, inviting them to encounter the untamed and transformative nature of God.
Tamie says: “This book is a great reminder that God isn’t distant or predictable. I love it because it encourages readers to experience God in a deeper, more personal way and to stay open to how He’s working in their everyday lives.”
Folks, This Ain’t Normal – Joel Salatin
Recommended by David Black
Salatin challenges modern assumptions about food, family, and daily life, arguing that much of what we consider “normal” is neither healthy nor sustainable. With humor and conviction, he makes the case for simpler living, local food, and deeper connection to land, community, and creation.
David says: “Salatin is a witty and engaging speaker and author and this book is one of his classics. This book or more than a treatise on regenerative agriculture, it is a philosophical look at our consumeristic way of life, food choices, Big Ag, and government regulations and how they impact our health and lives. Salatin is thoughtful and funny and this is an enjoyable read that will challenge the way you think about food and lifestyle choices”
Giftology – John Ruhlin
Recommended by Tom Owiti
Ruhlin presents a counterintuitive approach to business growth: thoughtful, strategic generosity. Instead of traditional marketing, he shows how meaningful gifts can strengthen relationships, create referrals, and set you apart in crowded industries.
Tom says: “This is about building relationship with others by giving, helping, introducing others. Being the one who cares enough for the success of others that you help them succeed. In the process of doing this, you build a network of people who know you, love you and care about your success as you cared about theirs, that when they have an opportunity to reciprocate, they will have you first in mind.”
Good Boundaries and Goodbyes – Lysa TerKeurst
Recommended by Tamie Frets
This book offers biblical wisdom for navigating difficult relationships with clarity and grace. TerKeurst helps readers set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and—when necessary—walk away without guilt, all while staying rooted in Christlike love.
Tamie says: “I recommend this one because it’s very practical and relatable. It offers helpful guidance on setting healthy boundaries while still being loving and Christ-centered, which can be especially encouraging as people head into a new year and new seasons.”
Grit – Angela Duckworth
Recommended by Tom Owiti
Duckworth makes the case that long-term success is driven more by perseverance and passion than raw talent. Drawing on research and real-world examples, she explains how grit can be cultivated and why it matters in education, leadership, and life.
Tom says: “This book is about how success in life is determined by our ability to stay the course against all odds and adversity. While some may have privileges that set them up for success, those who truly succeed have grit; the ability to rise up when you fall and push through challenges with a focus to accomplish something.”
Living Forward – Michael Hyatt & Daniel Harkavy
Recommended by Tom Owiti
Designed as a practical guide, Living Forward helps readers stop drifting and start living with intention. The authors walk through a clear process for creating a personal life plan that aligns daily decisions with long-term purpose and values.
Tom says: “Michael Hyatt helps us to stop letting life happen to us, and instead to craft/create our lives/futures. In simple terms, we can design our lives and stop living by default.”
Mastered by the Word – Craig Hamilton
Recommended by Colin Craig
Hamilton equips everyday Christians to read and teach Scripture more faithfully. By breaking down the process of biblical interpretation into clear, manageable steps, this book helps readers become shaped by God’s Word before seeking to share it with others.
Colin says: “I’d recommend reading “Mastered by the Word” by Craig Hamilton. I read it last year as part of a bible study group at church, and it is a good introduction to how to study the bible, taking into consideration concepts like genre, context, geography, and connecting words in the text. I found it to be a helpful book!”
Mindset – Carol Dweck
Recommended by Tom Owiti
Dweck explains how our beliefs about talent and ability shape success. By contrasting fixed and growth mindsets, she shows how embracing learning, effort, and resilience can unlock greater potential in individuals, families, and organizations.
Tom says: “Carol Dweck shows that success in any area of life is determined by our mindset: how we think about ourselves, our abilities and talents. Primary learning was not to have a fixed mindset which believes that abilities are fixed or predetermined, but to have a growth which believes that through education, experience and other avenues, we can grow our abilities and be whatever we want to be. Power of the mind/belief.”
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry – John Mark Comer
Recommended by Rick Laymon
Comer argues that constant busyness quietly erodes spiritual health. This book offers a compelling invitation to slow down, resist hurry, and adopt practices that foster deeper communion with God in a fast-paced world.
Rick says: “What stands out to me is how something so simple in concept can have such profound impact on our clarity and peace of mind when consistently implemented.”
Tactics – Greg Koukl
Recommended by David Black
Koukl provides practical tools for engaging in thoughtful, respectful conversations about Christian faith. Rather than focusing only on arguments, he teaches a strategic approach to dialogue that encourages curiosity, exposes faulty thinking, and points people toward Christ.
David says: “In an age of outrage, with many believers feeling their faith and values being attacked, Tactics comes to the rescue. Though you could call this an apologetics book, it is more of a manual about how to have better conversations. You will come away a better thinker about your own beliefs and a better conversationalist, equipped with a method to better understand and engage those whose beliefs differ from your own. I found this book a number of years ago when I needed a better way to engage unbelieving friends and colleagues, since then I have recommended it often.”
Trustworthy – Benjamin Shaw
Recommended by David Black
Shaw offers a clear and accessible introduction to the historical reliability of the New Testament. By addressing key scholarly questions and evidence, this book helps readers gain confidence that Scripture can be trusted both historically and spiritually.
David says: “How can we know that the New Testament is reliable? This is a key question for those of us who believe in the Jesus revealed in these Scriptures. Shaw introduces 13 arguments for the reliability of the New Testament. This is a great book that any lay Christian could understand and benefit from. It will help you grow your own confidence in God’s Word and help you explain to skeptics the excellent evidence for the NT. My teenage son and read this book together and also attended Dr. Shaw’s Trustworthy webinar, what a faith-building experience to share together!”
The Wealth Ladder – Nick Maggiulli
Recommended by Jake Preston
Maggiulli introduces a framework for building wealth that adapts as your financial situation changes. By breaking wealth into stages, he shows that different strategies matter at different times, helping readers focus their efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact.
Jake says: “This book introduces a helpful system for thinking about each stage of your financial life and the habits that characterize each rung of the ladder. While I didn’t agree with every principle, the guidelines and examples were insightful in both my own financial journey and in my work with clients.”
Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker
Recommended by Jake Preston
Walker explores the critical role sleep plays in physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Drawing on neuroscience and research, he explains why sleep matters and how improving it can enhance nearly every area of life.
Jake says: “I came away from this book agreeing with the author that lack of sleep is the greatest health challenge we face in the 21st century. It is threatening our physical health, emotional well-being, productivity, and relationships. This book is an urgent call to wake up (pun intended) to the dangers resulting from a lack of sleep.”
Reading is one of the simplest ways to invest in growth that compounds over time. We hope this list sparks curiosity, reflection, and meaningful conversations in the year ahead.
If one of these books stood out to you, add it to your reading list!
Let us know in the comments on Facebook or LinkedIn what you’re reading this year or which books have shaped you the most!