Recently someone asked me what my top five books were – those that have influenced my life and ministry the most.
Juicing down all the books that have had an impact on me to just five is no small challenge. Especially in view of my Best 100 Christian Books Ever Written List.
After giving it some thought, however, I came up with these. Keep in mind that each one has a tie-breaker to match it!
4. The Stewardship of the Mystery
5. The Normal Christian Church Life
You may be wondering why my top 5 includes two books by two of the same authors. Well, if you read this post you’ll quickly discover why.
We live in a day of profound spiritual shallowness. Perhaps more shallow than any other generation.
Today’s Christianity is so shallow a gnat would have a difficult time drowning in it.
The aforementioned books contain spiritual depth. What is more, they are timeless.
I wish every reader of this blog would get and read them, especially those of you who are active in some kind of ministry. And very especially those of you who are in your 20s or 30s.
See also my Best Christian Academic Books List.
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Recently read the Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee, currently rereading it. Awesome explanation of the meaning and application of The Blood & The Cross of Jesus Christ.
Can’t seem to get the school of Christ or ultimate intention in the uk. But have ordered the others on your recommendation. Thanks Frank.
Excellent books. I need to finish reading the first one – I started it a while ago. Watchman Nee inspires me a lot. You’re right, there’s such a shallowness in today’s Christianity. You can argue that “Watchman is too deep”, but on the other hand there’s a deep “Amen!” in your being as you read his writings… and you’re inspired to go on with the Lord!
i think it’s great that you put this list of books out there to your readers. These have really had an impact on me. All of these writers have a way of explaining the deep things of Christ in an accessible way. The insight they bring is profound and life-giving.
Hi Frank,
You said “We live in a day of profound spiritual shallowness. Perhaps more shallow than any other generation”. I agree, as part of a leadership team of a community of 20 and 30 somethings that statement resonated. But I was interested in how you would define this “profounf spiritual shallowness”. Thanks!
Jim: Read “From Eternity to Here” and “Jesus Manifesto” – https://www.frankviola.org/books – your question is answered therein.
Hi, I love Watchman Nee, love the way the Spirit spoke through Him and how the Truth in the books we read today has stood the test of time and will continue to do so in Jesus name. I’m currently reading The Normal Christian Church Life and loving and enjoying the truth of scripture and revelation being poured into my spirit.
Thank you for sharing this list, Frank. I have only read Watchman Nee’s The Spiritual Man. I will order the other ones. I have read The School of Christ and am currently reading The Stewardship of The Mystery. Which book by Sparks do you recommend next?
Kaley: the titles on this list – https://www.frankviola.org/top100
We owe a great deal of gratitude to many of the early 18th and 19th century Christian authors. It is true; there is teaching that produces such a deep spiritual awareness or identification whenever I sit down with one of these early English Christian authors. I’m happy to see that I’ve read a few on your list of 100 but I have never read Watchman Nee or T. Austin-Sparks. I’ll have to go to the shopping cart to pick out a few. Thanks for the list.
Great List! Love Watchman Nee and T.Austin Sparks!!!
Awesome! Thanks for these. I am adding them to my reading list on Goodreads.
I have found a lot of spiritual shallowness in books, but I am currently finding a great deal of depth and insight in NT Wrights work. Do you have any feelings toward his works?
Matthew: I answer that here: https://www.frankviola.org/2012/01/23/ntwright/ – Wright’s work is more academic than what’s on my list.
The Normal Christian Life definitely makes my top five as well. You don’t have to get very far in the book for it to change your life!
Would you read the books in the order that you listed them above?
Not in particular. Depends on what I’m looking to learn at the time.
All incredible books. Nothing more more to say about this list really. I just hope that more people my age and younger will discover these authors and especially these specific books.
My sentiments exactly. My husband and I are your age. We finished The School of Christ last year and are devouring his other books currently. Nice blog by the way.
Awesome! I ordered both Watchman Nee books last week. They should be here soon. I look forward to reading them!