It’s December, and time for my annual lists of good books. This is the first, for disciples.

This blog recommends some books that I’ve read in the last 12 months that will help followers of Jesus grow in resilient faith, as people who want to make a difference in the world as missionary disciples. So here we go:

10. Elizabeth Oldfield, Fully Alive

I heard Elizabeth speak earlier this year, and sometimes dip into her podcast which is called The Sacred. This book tells of her journey not only to find meaning, but to a questioning faith that is strong, hopeful and courageous. She’s vulnerable, funny, and honest, and so if you want a book to help you have good conversations about deep questions, try this one.

9. Alain de Botton, The News

Given that Elizabeth Oldfield (see previous book) found no hope in atheism, it might seem strange to recommend an atheist author, but I’m doing so because in this book Alain de Botton offers a genuinely helpful critique of the presentation and content of the news today. He speaks powerfully into our negative news culture, and offers interesting and fresh ways to read what’s happening in the world.

8. C.S. Lewis, The Reading Life

This book will help you understand not so much what C.S. Lewis read, by why and how. Not many books help us get more out of reading, but The Reading Life is one. My next book, which will be out in 2026 called The Art of Reading, will be another. This lovely book is a compilation of Lewis’s writing about reading, was really helpful for me when writing. It’s not long, and will give you insight into Lewis’ love of reading. It will definitely make you want to read more!

7. Niall Williams, Time of the Child

Niall Williams is one of my favourite novelists. He writes about 20th century life in rural Ireland and this fictional book, soon to be turned into a major film, is about events in a particular community in the early 1960s when a baby is left in their care. Rich and thoughtful, this book helped me appreciate the power of ordinary people’s lives, prayers and actions.

6. Adam Grant, Hidden Potential

Whenever organisational psychologist Adam Grant produces a new book, I always read it. And I was not disappointed with this one, which as usual was full of practical wisdom. In Hidden Potential, Grant shows that progress depends less on hard work and more on learning. It’s not about genius but more about character and so he recommends ways to create opportunities for personal growth and community impact. So good! 

5. Katherine May, Wintering

Some will have read this book when it came out during Covid Lockdown. I missed it, but was still pleased to read it this year. If you want to understand some of the background to the so-called Quiet Revival and the dissatisfaction about life, love and contemporary society that many feel today, read this. She knows much of the solution is spiritual, and this book is tender and delightful, showing how wintering is hard but good, and a time for care and kindness.

4. John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way

John Mark Comer is such a clear and helpful discipleship teacher. This book shows us how we can simply and purposefully follow the way of Jesus, and I know many who’ve found it inspirational. While not everyone likes his approach to the disciplined life, I’m convinced he’s right. It’s how we’re formed in character, by regularly practicing and learning discipleship skills. It’s why I teach on discipleship disciplines and write my books on discipleship habits. This book is rich and reflective. But don’t just read it; put it into practice.

3. Elizabeth Strout, Tell Me Everything

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize 2025, this novel by acclaimed author Elizabeth Strout was an easy, joyful read. I find her insights into the minds and actions of people compelling and captivating; they help me as a Christ-follower. When I came to the end, I wrote in my journal: ‘I have been enlarged by this book.’ 

2. Fusion/Luke Smith, How to Make Disciples that Make Disciples

This is just an excellent book by my friend Luke Smith. Small and compact, yet punchy and powerful, the book has 3 simple sections: 1) Dynamic Discipleship; 2) Foundational Lessons, and 3) Life as a Disciple. The book is not a traditional read; instead each chapter has a short introduction, some bible readings and a set of questions. So it’s intended really as a course, or a practical discipleship tool for individuals, pairs or groups. Try it: on your own, but ideally with another. Even with someone who’s not yet a believer. It will spark conversation and hopefully much more.

1. The Bible

The book I read more than any others in 2025, which again I recommend to followers of Jesus, is the Bible. This year I’ve especially appreciated Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5-7. It’s so practical and challenging. Jesus’ 3 core tripod disciplines (‘When you pray’; ‘When you give’; When you fast’) continue to stretch me, for I know these are not just for mature Christians but for all. They inspired me to press on with writing The Art of Fasting, which came out in 2025. 

So that’s my discipleship list for the year ahead in 2026. Keep reading. Keep following.