11/20/2025
“One of the great joys of pastoral ministry is the equipping of God’s people to do the work He has called them into, work that exists both inside and outside the church building (homes, schools, places of work, etc.). Specifically in my ministry area, I desire to equip parents and teens alike with truths that will both encourage their hearts and call them forward into greater likeness to Christ. I’m grateful for good books, literature that reminds us that even in our fallen condition we as creation can continue to emit God’s glory as Creator, and that the consumption of quality writing can be used by God to great effect in our lives. With that in mind, I want to use our 411 space to give you a monthly book recommendation, a book that the Lord has used to great effect in my life, and pray it will bless any who reads.
This month, I want to commend as a helpful resource Tony Reinke’s book “Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books.” In my role, I periodically have teens asking about book recommendations, specifically inquiring as to what type of books should I be reading, or more specifically, about a particular book, I’ll get this question: “Is this book good for me or not?” I’ve found Reinke’s book to be helpful in taking a 30,000-foot view on literature itself, before delving into the specifics of “should I read this book?” Taking in this book, one will gain an appreciation that our God often works through written words, be encouraged to discipline oneself around reading long-form in a culture that presents reading in quick bites, and will be equipped with practical tips and tools that make reading not only more enjoyable but more beneficial as well.
My hope is that this read on reading would be equipping, encouraging, and challenging!”
-Pastor Nathan Fox