Here are my choices for best books of the year:
5) Remade in Christ: Embracing Your Complete Identity in Christ by Paul Tautges
A great little devotional focusing on a foundational concept for modern Christian living. It is a basic introductory work, but it is a great resource for personal spiritual growth and for helping others to learn and grow.
4) Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse: A Guide Toward Protection, Refuge, and Hope ed. by Chris Moles
If you can only read one book on domestic violence it needs to be this one! Chris Moles has compiled a group of authors who are experts in their field and together they present practical guidance on the wide-ranging issues involved in care of victims of domestic abuse. This is a book that all pastors and church leaders should read!
3) Facilitating Counseling Groups: A Leader’s Guide for Group-Based Counseling Ministry by Brad Hambrick and John Chapman
I have long been a fan of group-based counseling but it doesn’t get much recognition within my field of Biblical Counseling. Here is a great guide for those who want to venture into group-based counseling. I loved this book and was delighted to have a tool that I can recommend to others.
2) On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble
I love the work of Alan Noble and this book was fantastic resource. Admittedly it should not be the book you give to everyone, but in general as a tool for helping people to reframe their struggles this is a fantastic resource. It is well-written, challenging, honest about mental health, and thought-provoking.
1) Midnight Mercies: Walking with God through Depression in Motherhood by Christine Chappell
I am not a mom and I’d still choose this book to be my number one book of the year. It is beautifully written, encouraging, and rich in gospel hope! Christine writes from her own experience of mental breakdown, hopelessness, and transformation. Through good theology and practical encouragement she gives readers much help and hope! I cannot recommend this book highly enough and it’s usefulness far exceeds the hardships of motherhood.
Pastor Dave Online 