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Texans love their churches. Many of us have grown up going to church, and we still love to go. We’re passionate about the worship, excited about the message, and proud of the pastors who lead us. They are great leaders, faithful servants and really good authors, whose writings make lots of recommended lists. Here is just a representative smidgen of the vast number of bestselling books by some of our favorite Texas pastors.
Raising Kingdom Kids – by Tony Evans
When Mike and I were raising our kids, we loved to visit churches in other Texas cities when on summer vacation. These were churches we had seen on television, with pastors we had heard on the radio. One of our all-time favorite Texas pastors was Dr. Tony Evans, who has led Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas for many years. Drawing on his vast wisdom, Dr. Evans has written some books that can be considered manuals for life, including Kingdom Man, Kingdom Woman and Kingdom Marriage. Raising Kingdom Kids is a good read for any of us who are raising children or helping with grandchildren. Also, click here to see Dr. Evans’ very personal message about the recent passing of his wife, Lois.
Jesus – by Charles Swindoll
Charles Swindoll has served God as shepherd of His sheep for year after faithful year. He’s wise and kind and has a passion for teaching the Word of God. When not preaching at Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Dr. Swindoll writes bestselling books, like his Great Lives Series. Other books in this series include Elijah, Paul, and Joseph (Kindle version only $1.49)
You’ll Get Through This – by Max Lucado
Max Lucado, pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, speaks and writes with the same gentle spirit. His compassionate nature is of such comfort and encouragement. Are you going through something really difficult? Get this insightful book from Dr. Lucado asap. By the time you’ve read the last word, you’ll know without a doubt that you can make it through. A friend recommended this book to me when I needed it most. I hope it helps you, too.
Imagine Heaven – by John Burke
At Gateway Church in Austin, people are encouraged to come as you are, but if you keep coming back, it won’t be long until transformation begins to occur. Pastor Burke’s teaching is gentle, but strong, and his message is firm, but encouraging. Imagine Heaven was written after Pastor Burke interviewed 1000 people who had experienced the nearness of death. If you’re curious about this subject at all, I think you might especially want to read Imagine Heaven after you watch this video.
The Book of Romance – by Tommy Nelson
When Mike and I got married, we didn’t know nothin’ bout how to do marriage. So, we read books and went to marriage conferences with teachers and pastors like Tommy Nelson at Denton Bible Church. I specifically recall the lightbulb going off in my brain upon hearing some super-clear instruction given by Dr. Nelson. It changed the trajectory of our relationship, and I’m forever grateful for what we learned. If you need a fresh look at one of the most difficult aspects of marriage, you’ll love this book.
Take the Day Off – by Robert Morris
Gateway Church in Southlake is consistently listed as one of the largest churches in Texas and one of the fastest growing in all of America. Robert Morris preaches from a personal story of redemption and transformation, always challenging his hearers with strong teaching and godly urgency. Don’t let the size of this church keep you from visiting when you’re in the Southlake area. In the meantime, reading one of Robert Morris’s books is the next best thing. (This is where my brother and SIL go to church. We love getting to go with them from time to time.)
One Month to Live – by Kerry Shook
Kerry Shook and his wife, Chris, founded Woodlands Church in 1993. Since that time, the church has grown to over 18,000 in attendance. If you want to visit, click here for more location info. About the book One Month to Live, one Goodreads comment says this: This book has been a joy and a pleasure to read every night, and food for my soul. The short and inspirational read was the treasured moment I longed for at the end of every day.” The title of Kerry’s current message series is Thawing Your Frozen Dreams, which we can watch online here.
Finding God’s Will – by Gregg Matte
Our daugher and SIL live in Houston and attend church where Gregg Matte is the pastor. I love it when we get to go with them. Pastor Matte’s previous years in youth ministry have given him a style that’s easy to listen to, yet thorough in approach. When you’re in the Houston area, swing by for a visit to Houston’s First Baptist Church. Or you can listen to a bunch o’ podcast episodes while driving to get there.
A Place Called Heaven for Kids – by Robert Jeffress
Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of Dallas’ First Baptist Church, preaches in one of the clearest formats you could ever hope to hear. Every sermon sticks to the outline, incorporates examples from real life, and never wavers from strong Biblical doctrine. When not writing Sunday morning sermons, Dr. Jeffress stays busy as a Fox News contributor and continues to write inspirational books. A Place Called Heaven for Kids is an outpouring from the heart of a granddad. A granddad of triplets! Read more of the family’s story here and in Julia Jeffress Sadler’s new book, Pray Big Things.
Think Better Live Better – by Joel Osteen
What makes Joel Osteen one of Texas’ favorite pastors is his fierce determination to be positive. His books will never be considered to be theological masterpieces, but, when struggling to find one blessed positive thought in the midst of a whale of a crisis, Joel Osteen can help a girl (or guy out) bigtime. Here’s what one Goodreads reviewer had to say about Pastor Osteen’s book Think Better Live Better:
“I was in terrible need of something inspiring to read. Not even the Cubs winning the World Series after 108 years could pull me from this weird slump I’ve been in lately. To top it off, we’ve been having amazing weather the last few weeks here in the greater Chicagoland area… yet, here I was. Stuck and in an irreversible circle of blah. Joel Osteen continuously drills into the readers that we aren’t who we are labeled to be and are in fact perfectly made. We are not the person who was called “fat”, “ugly”, or “stupid”. That we are not bound to the limitations given to us by man. I needed to hear this. I needed to know that I don’t suck so bad.“
If you’re in the same kind of slump, get this book and the study guide that goes with it.
Destiny – by T. D. Jakes
The Potter’s House Church was started by Pastor T. D. Jakes in 1996. Fifty families came from West Virginia to help. Since that time, the church has grown to mega status by enlarging its membership and expanding its territory to five different campus locations in Dallas, Fort Worth, North Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles. Pastor Jakes’ distinctive voice, combined with his practical spiritual instinct are what draw so many people to his message. If you can’t see Pastor Jakes in person, check out a few of his messages online here. In addition to his powerful book, Destiny, Pastor Jakes made the NY Times bestseller list with another title: Instinct – The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive.
Bestselling Books – by Favorite Texas Pastors
Have you read any of the books on this list? Maybe you have another favorite Texas pastor who has also written a book? Tell us about it in the comments below.
Encouraging a life filled with everyday intentional adventure, and a big stack of bestselling books by all our favorite Texas pastors,
