Summer Reading List

Summer is here and we know the importance of utilizing this time to refill your cup and invest in your own professional development! We have compiled a list of recommended books that our educators are reading for you to browse for your own summer reading list.

“Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God” by Strahan Coleman—“This book was critical in contributing to my understanding of silence and solitude in surrendering to God and allowing him to transform me into being all He has called me to be as His child, a father, husband, and leader. A key insight is that life in the Holy Spirit is similar to riding the current of a river. There is an active role that most of us play, like swimming: Bible study and prayer. But, there is also a more passive role, like floating: silence and solitude. So many of us neglect the passive role, and it inhibits us from being transformed in the fullness of what God has in store for us. Deepened my walk with the Lord.” 

“Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God’s Work” by Timothy Keller—“`Every Good Endeavor,’ by Tim Keller, articulates a deeper purpose to work, a sense of call and vocation in our profession. Essentially, Keller is describing a Theology of Work that the reader can understand and begin to apply in any context, in any industry.” 

“Leading Insights”— ACSI's “Leading Insights” series highlights the latest thinking on best practices for Christian school educators in areas of key importance in their schools. Each monograph in the series draws on leading experts, as well as Christian school perspectives and voices, to share fresh ideas for advancing your school's Christ-centered mission in an important area of focus.

“Mind Shift: It Doesn’t Take a Genius to Think Like One” by Erwin Raphael McManus— Throughout his 30 years of work as a mindset expert and leadership coach, Erwin Raphael McManus has been obsessed with these questions: Why do some people succeed despite having all the odds stacked against them? How do others achieve the unthinkable, only to watch their lives slip away? Are there mental structures for failure and success?

“Rethinking Discipleship: Why Christian Schooling Matters” by Dr. Alan Pue—Dr. Pue explores the importance of shepherding a child’s heart by looking at the biblical principles that should drive behavior, values, and beliefs. Plus, he details how a joint approach of home, church, and school is foundational to Christ-centered education and weaving faith into every aspect of life.

“Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn— Is this the day I die? Li Quan asks himself this question daily, knowing that he might be killed for practicing his faith. American businessman Ben Fielding has no idea what his brilliant former college roommate is facing in China. He expects his old friend has fulfilled his dream of becoming a university professor. But when they are reunited in China after twenty years, both men are shocked at what they discover about each other. Thrown together in an hour of encroaching darkness, both must make choices that will determine not only the destinies of two men, but two families, two nations, and two worlds.

“Teaching Redemptively” by Donovan L. Graham— You have a divine calling to reveal who Jesus is and what His Kingdom is like to the students God has entrusted to you with grace and truth. No matter where or what you are teaching, you have an incredible opportunity to participate in God's larger story and make His Kingdom visible. In the third edition of “Teaching Redemptively,” Donovan reviews perspectives to guide teachers in best practices and illustrates ways to teach for Kingdom transformation. Beyond techniques, he encourages you to deepen your personal intimacy with God so that you can thrive in spiritual health and well-being.