“Of making many books there is no end” (Eccl. 12:12). Qoheleth’s proverbial warning is a reality for many bibliophiles. The flood of recently published books is generally good news for evangelicals. However‚ so many helpful books come out that it’s hard to know which to invest in and which new book to read next. (We’ll discretely overlook the pile of previously purchased books accumulating on our shelves.) The abundance of quality evangelical books became more real to me this year as I’ve stepped into the role of books editor for The Gospel Coalition. I hear about many more books than I did in my previous life. One of the most exciting parts of my job is overseeing TGC’s annual book awards. A big team of book lovers puts in a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. We receive nominations from publishers in 12 categories. Then our editors work together to recommend finalists in each category. A panel of judges carefully reads these finalists before casting their votes. The books are evaluated for the way they offer gospel-centered argument and application; include faithful and foundational use of Scripture‚ both Old Testament and New Testament; foster spiritual discernment of contemporary trials and trends; and encourage efforts to unite and renew the church. The result is a list of 24 books we recommend as helpful resources for the church and for individual believers. We hope you enjoy and are edified by them. Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 TGC Book Awards. Andrew Spencer Books Editor Ministry Paul E. Miller‚ A Praying Church: Becoming a People of Hope in a Discouraging World (Crossway) It’s no secret that Christians struggle to pray. But churches are increasingly prayerless as well. Discouragement‚ distraction‚ and ministry demands all push prayer out of its proper place in our worship‚ leadership‚ and fellowship. Miller’s magnificent book stands as a compelling wake-up call. Addressing church leaders in a post-Christian culture filled with discouragement‚ cynicism‚ and unbelief‚ Miller challenges self-sufficiency and rallies leaders to their knees. He pleads with pastors and congregations to “go low‚ to descend into the hidden room of prayer‚ to slow down [their] entire ministry and learn how to pray together.” A Praying Church begins with a gospel grounding for prayer—a theology of the church and the Spirit that clearly shows its readers why corporate prayer is essential. It closes with an abundantly practical section that will help ministry leaders structure both their personal prayer lives and the corporate prayer lives of their churches. Miller’s book will help congregations make prayer the nuclear core of all they do. It will inspire them to more fully depend on the Savior’s presence‚ not because of crushing guilt but out of grace-fueled desire. Award of Distinction Jeremy Writebol‚ Pastor‚ Jesus Is Enough: Hope for the Weary‚ the Burned Out‚ and the Broken (Lexham) Jesus’s letters to the churches in Revelation 2–3 aren’t the first place church leaders turn for pastoral encouragement‚ but Writebol helps us to see they’re a rich and stirring exhortation. The book is theologically stout but wonderfully devotional‚ biblically tethered but highly applicational. It’s a beautiful and evergreen work of shepherding through writing. As the tide of evangelicalism shifts once again away from interest in the sufficiency of the gospel‚ this book powerfully urges repentance‚ return‚ and recommitment to the good news at the heart of pastoral ministry. Judges: Paul Gilbert‚ Jared Kennedy‚ Brad Wetherell‚ Jared C. Wilson Evangelism &; Apologetics Joshua D. Chatraw and Jack Carson‚ Surprised by Doubt: How Disillusionment Can Invite Us into a Deeper Faith (Brazos) Some people are abandoning the Christian faith without really evaluating it. They’ve been sold a version of Christianity that seems restrictive and doesn’t tolerate honest questions. Joshua Chatraw and Jack Carson aim to help those leaving the faith consider the historic riches of Christianity. They offer a helpful way of expressing doubt without moving directly to one of the popular landing places for those deconstructing the Christian faith: New Atheism‚ open spirituality‚ mythic truth‚ and optimistic skepticism. Chatraw and Carson don’t simply eliminate the options; they investigate the historic foundations of the Christian faith. They explore whether Christianity helps explain the world we live in. Surprised by Doubt is a carefully researched but engaging solution to the problem of deconstruction. Its honesty in wrestling with the hard questions of Christianity makes this a safe book to hand to a hardened skeptic or a believer in anguish about his doubts. It answers one of the predominant challenges of the hour and will remain a useful resource for years to come. Award of Distinction John Van Sloten‚ God Speaks Science: What Neurons‚ Giant Squid‚ and Supernovae Reveal About Our Creator (Moody) Depending on who you talk to‚ the greatest threat to religion is science‚ or vice versa. People on both sides of the issue describe science and orthodox Christianity as being at war with one another. But what if exploring the world through empirical research was actually a pathway to understanding the One who created and sustains everything? That’s John Van Sloten’s thesis in this engaging book. Vivid exposition of various scientific ideas will be enough to intrigue the curious‚ apart from any spiritual value. This book touches on topics like radiation therapy‚ knees‚ giant squid‚ and neuroscience. Van Sloten shows that we take the incredible complexity of God’s creation for granted. The way neurons fire and talk to each other inspires wonder as we consider that these intricate‚ minute‚ and mysterious events came from the mind of God. There’s no “God of the gaps” in this book. Instead‚ we have a God who’s more clearly known as we fill in the gaps. Each chapter begins with a testimony from a faithful expert in the field in question and concludes with a suggested prayer and an invitation to ponder the wonder of God. God Speaks Science is a reminder that all creation belongs to God‚ so we delight in knowing more about it. Judges: Kristie Anderson‚ Michael Philliber‚ Anthony Rhone‚ Andrew Spencer Public Theology &; Current Events Jim Davis and Michael Graham‚ The Great Dechurching: Who’s Leaving‚ Why Are They Going‚ and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? (Zondervan) The Great Dechurching provides profound insights into one of the most significant religious shifts in American history: the millions of people across the theological spectrum leaving churches. This comprehensive study delivers data-driven clarity on who exactly is “dechurching‚” why they’re leaving‚ and how we might thoughtfully engage them. It’s a must-read for anyone hoping to understand the real people behind the statistics. Far from a dry sociological analysis‚ The Great Dechurching brings the data to life through engaging stories that help readers develop a deeper understanding of the dechurched. Davis and Graham balance rigor with relatability‚ managing to be both academically sound and pastorally sensitive. Their insights on topics like social media algorithms‚ mental health‚ and marriage should spark reflection and conversations in local churches across the country. Perhaps most importantly‚ while the scope of dechurching is sobering‚ this book offers multiple reasons for hope. With thoughtful exhortations for church leaders and practical ideas for reengagement‚ The Great Dechurching will inspire and equip Christians to faithfully embody the gospel in this cultural moment. The Lord doesn’t give up on bringing those he died for back to himself—and neither should we. Award of Distinction Katie J. McCoy‚ To Be a Woman: The Confusion over Female Identity and How Christians Can Respond (B&;H) This powerful book offers deep wisdom and gospel truth for navigating today’s confusing cultural conversations around gender and identity. Katie J. McCoy confronts the self-focused individualism behind expressive gender identities with the biblical truth that we’re made for self-giving love. To Be a Woman thoughtfully examines the theological‚ biological‚ philosophical‚ social‚ and relational factors that shape how women and girls understand themselves. With academic rigor yet accessible prose‚ she traces the roots of modern gender theories back to ancient worldviews that denigrated the body. In contrast‚ she presents a holistic Christian framework that honors our physical selves as part of being made in God’s image. Though unafraid to challenge problematic cultural narratives‚ McCoy’s compassion for those struggling with gender dysphoria shines through. She earnestly attempts to understand real human experiences with nuance and grace‚ moving well beyond abstract theories. To Be a Woman will equip readers to understand the cultural chaos‚ speak truth in love‚ and point people to the One who fashioned male and female in his image. Those who want to gain wisdom for responding to gender confusion in a way that honors God and cares for people should rush to get this book. Judges: Joe Carter‚ Hannah Daniel‚ Dennis Greeson‚ Jake Meador Popular Theology Kevin DeYoung‚ Impossible Christianity: Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World‚ Be an Expert in Everything‚ Accept Spiritual Failure‚ and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time (Crossway) Given the dizzying array of expectations about what it means to be a faithful Christian‚ it’s easy to feel like a constant spiritual failure. We’re bombarded with messages about what we must be doing and must be concerned about. The implication is that if you aren’t doing X or concerned about Y—and demonstrating so publicly—you’re a hypocrite. But the Bible doesn’t call every Christian to radical involvement in every good cause. This isn’t a hall pass to apathy—it’s an acknowledgment that we’re finite. With characteristic clarity and verve‚ DeYoung writes to liberate true believers from burdensome yokes so we might be freed to enjoy the One whose yoke is easy and burden is light (Matt. 11:30). Believe it or not‚ obeying your Master is possible. Pleasing him is possible. Will you do it perfectly? No. Will you need grace upon grace? Of course. Will it require effort? Yes. But is it possible? Absolutely. Jesus didn’t die and rise so his people would feel like failures all the time. Repenting sinners can live under his smile. In an age of extrabiblical burdens and stifling demands‚ Impossible Christianity is a breath of fresh air. Award of Distinction Jen Wilkin and J. T. English‚ You Are a Theologian: An Invitation to Know and Love God Well (B&;H) For many Christians‚ the word “theologian” conjures up images of stuffy libraries and bespectacled sages. Jen Wilkin and J. T. English want to change that. Everybody who bears the name of Jesus‚ they contend‚ also bears the title of theologian—a God talker. With wisdom and warmth‚ they break down the “ologies”—Christology‚ soteriology‚ ecclesiology‚ eschatology‚ and more—for everyday believers. Learn about who God is‚ how he’s revealed himself‚ how he views sin‚ what he’s done to redeem his people‚ and how he plans to make all things new. This is a brilliant book for beginners—and for all people who know they’re always beginning in their understanding of God. You Are a Theologian should become a staple resource for church discipleship programs. Judges: Joshua Chatman‚ Clarissa Moll‚ Juan Sánchez‚ Matt Smethurst Bible Study &; Devotional Literature Liz Edrington‚ Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&;R) Every day‚ teens face fearful thoughts: What if I’m awkward? What if I fail? What if I don’t make friends? What if I’m crazy? What if I’m rejected? In this life-giving‚ clinically sound‚ and teen-appropriate book‚ Liz Edrington answers these questions with biblical truth‚ grounding them over and over in their identity in a God who’s never anxious. Teens will pick up this book out of desperation‚ and they’ll finish it with a knowledge of God’s redemptive story‚ an incredible awareness of his presence‚ and an arsenal of effective tools and biblical thinking to combat their anxiety. Edrington uses the Old and New Testaments to help teens understand both God’s nature and their own‚ employing accessible and current language. Teens will learn to couple care for their body’s physical symptoms of anxiety with care for their heart’s symptoms of anxiety. They’ll find a framework to think through this struggle biblically‚ with their relationship to Christ—not their struggle with anxiety—as their primary identity. Her “anxiety toolkit” gives immediate and practical steps for help in the moment. This devotional is a fabulous resource not only for teens but for anyone struggling with anxiety. Award of Distinction Rebecca McLaughlin‚ Navigating Gospel Truth: A Guide to Faithfully Reading the Accounts of Jesus’s Life (Lifeway) What if your Bible study didn’t just help you understand a passage of Scripture but equipped you with tools to thoughtfully navigate entire books of the Bible on your own? In Navigating Gospel Truth‚ Rebecca McLaughlin uses the eye of a scholar to tell us how to read the Gospels instead of focusing primarily on the content of each Gospel. This study is masterfully done‚ with a variety of engaging elements‚ relatable examples‚ and invaluable bite-size commentary throughout. Although the study is focused on the Gospels‚ McLaughlin artfully weaves in verses from the whole counsel of Scripture. McLaughlin equips readers to approach various genres of Scripture with wisdom‚ confidence‚ and care. As she walks through the Gospels‚ she acknowledges every elephant in the room and offers readers the courage to stop ignoring them. She answers our questions and even our doubts with grace‚ validating our curiosity and desire to understand by clearly explaining history and context. This is a wonderful study for anyone wanting to read and better understand the Gospels‚ no matter if you’re just beginning to read at a deeper level as a high school or college student or have been reading the Gospels for decades. Judges: Missie Branch‚ Christine Gordon‚ Karen Hodge‚ Joanna Kimbrel‚ Abbey Wedgeworth Missions &; the Global Church Andrew F. Walls‚ The Missionary Movement from the West: A Biography from Birth to Old Age (Eerdmans) Everywhere you turn‚ Western evangelicals are talking about post-Christianity. Some lament; others foment. In such a time as this‚ we stand to benefit from a global and historical perspective. Though not written to directly address these contemporary concerns‚ The Missionary Movement from the West by Andrew Walls offers just that‚ helping us see beyond our short-sighted fears. As Walls demonstrates‚ long before the West was won‚ Christianity “spread across much of Asia and a substantial part of East Africa.” Later‚ through the influence of the modern missions movement‚ the Western church contributed significantly to what we now know as “global Christianity.” This latter reality is the focus of his posthumously published work‚ edited by Brian Stanley. It’s a collection of Walls’s essays and lectures on the history of Western missions. Following the metaphor of a life cycle‚ Walls traces the complex development of this movement‚ including discoveries of uncharted lands‚ troubling colonialism‚ vast migrations of people‚ and the unprecedented advance of Christianity in the non-Western world. Missions history should give the post-Christian West reason for hope. And it should help us as we seek to learn from and partner with our brothers and sisters around the world. Award of Distinction Vance Christie‚ David Livingstone: Missionary‚ Explorer‚ Abolitionist (Christian Focus) One of the most famous figures in Christian missions history is David Livingstone. This Scottish physician and missionary pioneer took the gospel into the heart of the African interior in the 19th century‚ documenting its cultural features and discovering natural wonders along the way. His amazing feats made him a hero in Victorian Britain‚ both in the church and broader society. But in more recent years‚ his legacy has been questioned and his work criticized. In this detailed biography‚ Vance Christie gives a balanced account of Livingstone’s life. Using comprehensive research from numerous original sources‚ Christie provides a transparent telling of the man and his mission. Readers will no doubt see Livingstone’s flaws‚ but they also come away with an appreciation of his passion‚ convictions‚ accomplishments‚ and even humor. This in-depth biography is likely to become the standard work on Livingstone for generations to come. Judges: Elliot Clark‚ Jenny Manley‚ Conrad Mbewe‚ J. D. Payne Academic Theology Brandon D. Smith (ed.)‚ The Trinity in the Canon: A Biblical‚ Theological‚ Historical‚ and Practical Proposal (B&;H Academic) Christians have long been accused of foisting a theology of the Trinity onto the text of Scripture after its later development in the Christian tradition. Even for Christians who deny such accusations‚ refuting those claims and recognizing the Trinitarian grammar of the Scripture can seem elusive. The Trinity in the Canon provides a resource for curious Christians‚ church practitioners‚ and academics to uncover the theological riches of the Bible and discover that the Trinity was there all along. The twin strengths of this book are its wide range of contributors—who bring their own excellent insights to their sections—and its systematic treatment of the Bible‚ leaving no section of Scripture untouched. This approach helps the busy pastor or teacher quickly navigate to a particular chapter and determine how the doctrine of the Trinity is advanced in that portion of the text. Award of Distinction Andreas J. Köstenberger and Gregory Goswell‚ Biblical Theology: A Canonical‚ Thematic‚ and Ethical Approach (Crossway) What themes are drawn out in Zephaniah? How does the order of the biblical books affect our interpretation? What ethics does Malachi set before us? If you’ve ever looked for theological overviews of the books you’re reading or teaching‚ Biblical Theology offers an informative and rich resource that will help you identify key biblical themes and interconnections between biblical books. Köstenberger and Goswell engage with the paratext‚ including the canonical book order and book titles. Although these details aren’t inspired‚ they influence our interpretation‚ whether or not we’re conscious of this. Ultimately‚ Biblical Theology brings the issue of ethics to the foreground. A true biblical theology has to connect the Bible’s grand narrative to the “so what?” of our daily narratives. This reference book—especially with its detailed outline for quick reference to individual books of the Bible—will support the work of serious students‚ pastors‚ and teachers alike. Judges: Paul Jeon‚ Jared Oliphint‚ Phil Thompson‚ Christine Thornton‚ and Taylor Turkington History &; Biography Andrew Wilson‚ Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West (Crossway) “The past is never dead‚” William Faulkner opined. “It’s not even past.” Andrew Wilson’s Remaking the World is a remarkable undertaking‚ weaving together historical and social analysis across centuries to diagnose and explain how the West became post-Christian‚ starting at 1776. His explanation of the causes of the contemporary situation in the Western world is varied‚ nuanced‚ and persuasive. Most striking is Wilson’s insistence that as Western societies have rejected Christianity‚ they haven’t offered anything to replace it‚ and their anti-Christian alternatives all have a distinctly Christian basis. This enables him to conclude on a hopeful note—the Christian gospel offers a more profound freedom than what the post-Christian West offers‚ an antidote to self-righteousness and works-righteousness in the form of a genuine gospel of grace and an ultimate standard of truth in contrast to the meaningless Western attempts to see truth as entirely individual and self-constructed. Remaking the World is an imaginative work of cultural apologetics that every church leader should grapple with. In what feels like a strange breaking point of Western culture‚ Wilson’s work helps us make sense of how we arrived at this moment and how we can move forward in faithfulness. Award of Distinction Collin Hansen‚ Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation (Zondervan Reflective) Collin Hansen offers an unfamiliar perspective on a familiar figure as he traces the spiritual and intellectual development of Tim Keller. Truly understanding Keller requires reading his library‚ not just his works. Hansen provides a roadmap. It’s a fascinating walk through the major influences on Keller’s life—Kathy Keller‚ Jonathan Edwards‚ C. S. Lewis‚ Ed Clowney‚ Elisabeth Elliot‚ Richard Lovelace‚ Barbara Boyd‚ and R. C. Sproul‚ among others. To read this work is to encounter Keller again‚ not as a singular figure but as a person in process‚ molded and formed by the gospel. The work traces Keller’s influences in the areas of family‚ institutions‚ and key friendships‚ but the greatest influence of Keller’s life is the same one who stood at the center of his preaching: Jesus Christ. Judges: Claude Atcho‚ Simonetta Carr‚ Donald Fairbairn‚ Ivan Mesa‚ Obbie Todd Christian Living John Starke‚ The Secret Place of Thunder: Trading Our Need to Be Noticed for a Hidden Life with Christ (Zondervan Reflective) Our contemporary vice isn’t that we let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. It’s that we make sure everyone else is aware of it as well. Like pointing out the air we’re breathing‚ The Secret Place of Thunder forces readers to contemplate the ways they may perform their holiness in public for the eyes of many rather than in private for the eyes of one. Whether it’s a photo of your carefully staged morning quiet time‚ a humble-brag post about what God is teaching you‚ or simply the desire to be seen at all the right conferences with all the right speakers‚ we can fall into the trap of pursuing spiritual disciplines for the wrong reasons. As an antidote to the poison of an attention-seeking culture‚ John Starke offers a deeper and quieter way. He reminds readers that God isn’t found in the limelight but in the secret place of thunder (Ps. 81:7). He invites us to step back from grasping the world’s attention and to rest under the Savior’s tender gaze. Award of Distinction Jasmine L. Holmes‚ Never Cast Out: How the Gospel Puts an End to the Story of Shame (B&;H) Satan loves to lurk in the murky places—sowing confusion around the borders of thought and emotion where the lines of right and wrong aren’t immediately obvious. Shame is one of those shadowy places. In Never Cast Out‚ Jasmine Holmes accomplishes a difficult task—she uses the metanarrative of Scripture to present a theology of shame and shine a bright light on Satan and his tactics. Her careful categories surrounding the types of shame and the reasons for shame help readers think through their vague feelings of guilt and offer clarity about what they’re experiencing. In our moment of deconstruction and dechurching‚ Holmes invites readers to experience a freedom rooted not in leaving the church but in the restorative power of the gospel. Her discussions of shame in the context of parenting also offer help for parenting shame-prone children. Judges: Matthew Boga‚ Winfree Brisley‚ Megan Hill‚ Elizabeth Woodson Children’s Laura Wifler‚ Like Me: A Story About Disability and Discovering God’s Image in Every Person (Harvest Kids) Like Me is a story about disability told with clear-eyed compassion and candor. Focusing on one family on a cold winter day‚ it teaches the universal truth that every person‚ regardless of ability or disability‚ is an image-bearer of God. Through the perspective of an older brother‚ readers witness the challenges of family life with a disabled child (his little brother tears down his tent and hits him so hard it hurts) and its joys (the same little brother gives the best hugs because “he means them more than anybody [he knows]”). The warm and engaging illustrations will prompt rereadings‚ reinforcing the message that “it’s a privilege to know another human being‚ no matter what they look like or how they act.” Award of Distinction Alyssa Clements‚ The Size of Everything: Ginormous Galaxies‚ Itty-Bitty Quarks‚ and Me (Tyndale Kids) The Size of Everything teems with interesting facts about God’s creation‚ organized in order of size from microscopic to galactic. Did you know that a T-Rex was about the size of a school bus? Or that Jupiter’s red spot is twice as big as our own planet? Although human beings are neither the biggest nor the smallest of God’s creatures‚ the book explains we hold a unique place in creation as image-bearers of God. Readers who don’t like to experience awe and wonder should stay far away from The Size of Everything. Judges: Ginger M. Blomberg‚ Jason Duesing‚ Betsy Childs Howard‚ Shar Walker Arts &; Culture Elissa Yukiko Weichbrodt‚ Redeeming Vision: A Christian Guide to Looking at and Learning from Art (Baker Academic) Redeeming Vision addresses “believing viewers” with a clear gospel imperative: “love the Lord your God” and “love your neighbor” in how you learn about and learn from works of art. In this way‚ the book elucidates and models an inquisitive approach to images that accounts for both their deep influence on us and their ability to help us reach out to our world. Weichbrodt’s prose is so approachable‚ her explanations so clear‚ and her project so well woven that you might not realize how powerfully it could reframe a Christian’s engagement with art. Redeeming Vision equips its reader with tools for looking; expands the reader’s acquaintance with historical‚ global‚ and contemporary art; and explores the entanglement of visual culture with social and historical problems. But before and beyond any questions of art appreciation‚ expanded horizons‚ and honest reckoning‚ Weichbrodt proposes a deeply Christian orientation to visual culture—because the gospel changes how we see everything. Award of Distinction Jeremy S. Begbie‚ Abundantly More: The Theological Promise of the Arts in a Reductionist World (Baker Academic) Already one of the most reliably brilliant voices in contemporary “arts and theology” discourse‚ Jeremy Begbie’s latest contribution doesn’t disappoint. Even by Begbie’s high standards‚ Abundantly More raises the bar and pushes the conversation forward in timely‚ helpful‚ and theologically rigorous ways. The richly written‚ scholarly book is partially a scathing indictment of the reductionist‚ materialist spirit of the age. But mostly it’s a compelling positive argument for how the arts challenge these tendencies and bear powerful witness to the uncontainable‚ infinite‚ and beautiful Trinitarian God. Judges: Melissa Schubert Johnson‚ Joshua Leventhal‚ Brett McCracken‚ Taylor Worley First-Time Author Matthew T. Martens‚ Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal (Crossway) Perhaps no word has become more loaded in the American lexicon in recent years than “justice.” It carries a lot of weight—heated emotions‚ frustrated hopes‚ and‚ for some‚ a Sisyphean weariness. Is achieving justice even possible? Or is our system so broken we need to throw it away and start over? Yes and no‚ answers Matthew Martens‚ who has spent his career in both prosecution and defense. He takes readers inside the system‚ from the crime to the jury selection to the sentencing. He uses stories and statistics to explain how the system is supposed to work and how it breaks down. The result is a practical‚ hope-filled approach to a system that’s flawed—but not fatally. To some extent‚ all Americans participate in our justice system—from voting to serving on juries. As Christians‚ we can do this with wisdom‚ peace‚ and hope. We can love our neighbors well as we point to the perfect justice of the God who justified us. Martens shows us how. Award of Distinction Amy Baik Lee‚ This Homeward Ache: How Our Yearning for the Life to Come Spurs On Our Life Today (B&;H) Amy Baik Lee is a stunning writer. Her sentences are well crafted‚ and she captures what many feel but can’t describe. The result is that Homeward Ache is timeless yet especially relevant to our current cultural restlessness. Lee encourages readers to lean into that dissatisfaction‚ that God-shaped hole in the heart‚ that “homeward ache” for a better eternity‚ and subsequently to live fuller lives in the present. As she carefully explores biblical truths‚ the beauty of Jesus comes through. Equal parts compelling and comforting‚ this book is genuinely true‚ good‚ and beautiful. Judges: Amy DiMarcangelo‚ Jen Oshman‚ Greg Phelan‚ Jordan Raynor‚ Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is one year older than I am. At 49‚ I have to confess the prospect of turning 50 doesn’t fill me with enthusiasm. Nevertheless‚ despite the declining capacities my older friends gleefully tell me to expect as I cross that dreaded threshold‚ the PCA at 50 shows every sign of continued vigor and spiritual vitality. As the PCA ages‚ there are definite threats to the unity‚ worship‚ and witness of the denomination‚ and faithful churchmen will not allow the excellencies that adorn the PCA to blind them to those dangers. But at a time when our society is polarized and fractured‚ and cynicism and negativity dominate much of our public discourse‚ we need to carve out space for gratitude (and even qualified optimism) as we reflect on five decades of faithfulness to the gospel in the PCA. Let me highlight four things I see in the PCA for which I give thanks. 1. Unwavering Faithfulness I’m grateful to God for the PCA’s continued faithfulness to its confessional foundations. Yes‚ there’s some diversity of opinion among elders and deacons in the PCA‚ but it’s typically on a relatively small number of doctrinal issues. Sessions (the Presbyterian name for elder boards‚ serving in local congregations) and presbyteries (representing the PCA congregations in a given region) are required to weigh carefully whether an elder or deacon candidate’s stated differences with the Westminster Standards represent a departure from those doctrinal standards of sufficient gravity to bar him from office. While some leeway is permissible‚ the PCA continues to affirm the Standards without exception or qualification as the confession of its faith and the sense in which it understands the Bible. We need to carve out space for gratitude (and even qualified optimism) as we reflect on five decades of faithfulness. Other presbyterian denominations have felt the need to amend the Standards to reflect the changing times and their changing convictions‚ but the PCA continues to find remarkable utility in our Confession and Catechisms. The Westminster Standards’ resilience as an expression of the PCA’s theological conscience can be seen clearly in the study committee reports produced on a host of pressing subjects over the years. While these are typically the fruit of considerable debate within the PCA‚ their findings represent solid biblical and confessional conclusions that have steered the PCA in continued paths of faithfulness. Whether it’s the Federal Vision controversy‚ the Insider Movement‚ the role of women in ministry‚ or the urgent questions facing the church surrounding human sexuality‚ when doctrinal debates call for a denominational response‚ the PCA‚ again and again‚ finds in its confessional standards a source of biblically faithful and remarkably prescient wisdom. If we seek an explanation of the PCA’s continued growth‚ church planting efforts‚ pastoral formation‚ missionary labor‚ and service to the wider evangelical movement in America and around the world‚ we must look first to our stable confessional moorings. 2. Connection of Churches I love the connectionalism of the PCA. Part of the genius of presbyterian polity is the interconnectedness of our congregations‚ who submit to one another and cooperate in a shared mission and mutual accountability. Partly in reaction to abuses in the mainline denomination from which they emerged in 1973‚ the PCA has carefully avoided a centralized power structure. We’re generally allergic to top-down control imposed on congregations. The members of each congregation elect their own ministers‚ elders‚ and deacons; property belongs to the congregation‚ not the denomination; and a congregation can leave the denomination at any time for any reason the church’s members deem wise. But for all its aversion to central control‚ the PCA hasn’t disintegrated into a loose federation of independent churches. The essential elements of presbyterian government are prized and practiced. Sessions exercise pastoral oversight over the members of the local church‚ presbyteries over the churches within their bounds‚ and the General Assembly over the church at a national level. We continue to confess that local churches are bound together and are responsible to and for one another. Though the PCA is far from perfect in this‚ it remains true that presbyteries and the General Assembly provide much-needed checks on the dangers of ecclesiastical tyranny and pastoral abuse. Standards for ordination are upheld across the denomination‚ and pastors have formal structures of support and appeal beyond the leadership of the local churches they serve. Our connectionalism is a precious gift. 3. Evangelistic Outlook I’m grateful for the ongoing drive in the PCA for evangelism and church planting. While growth has slowed in recent years‚ the PCA still bucks the general pattern of numerical decline seen in other evangelical denominations in today’s America. Membership in the PCA grew to 390‚319 last year—an increase of 11‚930. In 1974‚ 200 congregations founded the PCA. Now‚ after 50 years‚ the denomination has grown to just shy of 2‚000 congregations (including 305 mission churches). There’s a spectrum of philosophy of ministry in the PCA‚ and there are important differences of conviction on the nature and limits of contextualization‚ styles of worship‚ and to what extent the church should speak prophetically and counterculturally. Nevertheless‚ all parties in the denomination affirm their deep and urgent commitments to church planting and global mission. Our outreach ministries continue to grow. Reformed University Fellowship‚ which reaches thousands of students on American college campuses; Mission to North America‚ which facilitates domestic church planting; and Mission to the World‚ which sends missionaries around the globe all work hard to fulfill the Great Commission. 4. Future Generation A new generation of leaders is emerging. The 50th anniversary of the PCA was bittersweet. Just before the celebrations at the General Assembly‚ Tim Keller‚ Harry Reeder‚ and Stephen Smallman all went to their eternal rewards. These men were leaders whose ministries extended well beyond the denomination’s bounds. They were fathers in the faith to many‚ and the PCA owes them an incalculable debt. We continue to confess that local churches are bound together and are responsible to and for one another. The second generation in the PCA has now largely handed the baton of leadership to a new generation. As I assess the PCA‚ I’m grateful for thoughtful brothers who care deeply about the church and its polity‚ confession‚ and testimony and who are resolved to engage in denominational debate with dignity‚ charity‚ and conviction. I see rising scholars‚ preachers and authors‚ and churchmen and missionaries who have the best interests of the gospel cause at heart‚ who love our confession of faith‚ and who are passionate about the glory of Christ in the salvation of the lost. I’m excited about the ways God will use them for the extension of his kingdom. No doubt‚ the PCA at 50 still has a long way to go as we strive to be “faithful to the Scriptures‚ true to the Reformed faith‚ and obedient to the Great Commission‚” as our motto says. There are differences of opinion among us on the nature of the church’s mission. We still must learn how best to welcome‚ reflect‚ and celebrate the rich diversity of ethnicity‚ culture‚ and experience found in the communities we seek to reach for Christ. Like other evangelicals‚ we’re struggling to respond effectively to growing biblical illiteracy‚ pragmatism‚ progressivism‚ and Christian nationalism. But‚ on the cusp of 50 myself‚ I rejoice over the PCA at 50: a confessional‚ connectional‚ missional church with whom Christ‚ the King and Head of the church‚ is far from finished.

Read For to us a child is born‚ to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder‚ and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor‚ Mighty God‚ Everlasting Father‚ Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end‚ on the throne of David and over his kingdom‚ to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isa. 9:6–7) Reflect Peace‚ as an idea‚ is immensely popular. We love talking about it‚ posting about it‚ dreaming about it‚ planning for it. But it sure can be elusive‚ can’t it? Despite its universally beloved status‚ peace doesn’t mark our world—and I don’t simply mean unsettling headlines from distant lands. Peace eludes those in the securest neighborhoods‚ the richest professions‚ the most advanced nations. Peace eludes us even when we’ve arrived. In his 2009 NBA Hall of Fame speech‚ Michael Jordan called the game of basketball his “refuge.” He said‚ “[It’s the] place I’ve gone when I needed to find comfort and peace.” A few years later‚ on the occasion of his 50th birthday‚ the restlessness remained. In a candid interview with ESPN’s Wright Thompson‚ Jordan pondered aloud‚ “How can I enjoy the next 20 years without so much of this consuming me? How can I find peace away from the game of basketball?” The answer‚ it turns out—both for Jordan and for us—is found in an ancient scroll. Seven centuries before the Messiah’s birth‚ Isaiah the prophet issued a divine forecast. Addressing the Israelites‚ who were about to be exiled for their rebellion and idolatry‚ he pointed them to a future time when a solution—an undeserved remedy—would descend from God himself. He even hinted the remedy would be God himself. This coming gift is cosmic in proportion and yet intensely personal. Notice the recipient: “to us” (v. 6). Israel’s name is on the label. And the contents are divine: the promised child will be none less than the “Mighty God.” Moreover‚ it’s a gift tied to the very thing that eludes us. The promised child will also be called the “Prince of Peace”—a fitting title because‚ for his people‚ there will be no end to “the increase of his government and of peace.” No exceptions‚ no elusiveness‚ no expiration date. The incarnation was an invasion‚ both a dawning of peace and a declaration of war. And the reason this promise will hold is because the gospel is bigger than a nativity scene. The incarnation of Jesus Christ was an invasion‚ both a dawning of peace and a declaration of war. The baby in the manger didn’t stay there‚ after all—he grew up and obeyed his Father to the point of death‚ even death on a cross. Suspended on Roman wood‚ he made peace between God and man (Eph. 2:14–17). No other religion teaches anything like this. Each one insists‚ in some form or another‚ that you must achieve the peace of God‚ some semblance of transcendental tranquility—which is also why it never happens. How could it? As a sinner‚ you’re the problem in this equation‚ not the solution. In Christianity‚ however‚ you can receive the peace of God‚ through trusting Jesus; enjoy the peace of God‚ through following Jesus; and spread the peace of God‚ through proclaiming Jesus. Friend‚ if you want to experience the peace of God‚ you must know the God of peace. And if you want to know the God of peace‚ you must embrace his only begotten Son. Real peace isn’t found in a basketball arena or a Hall of Fame ceremony. It’s not found in a successful job or a secure neighborhood. It’s not found in food or exercise or travel or holiday cheer. It’s not even found in a loving family or a vibrant ministry. In the final analysis‚ peace is only found in the Prince of it. Respond In what created thing has your heart been seeking peace? How might the gospel of grace liberate you from that exhausting pursuit—reordering your loves and redirecting your allegiance to the Prince of Peace? Rejoice Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of righteousness! Light and life to all he brings Risen with healing in his wings – Charles Wesley‚ “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

In this episode of You’re Not Crazy‚ Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss 2 Timothy 4:9-22‚ uncovering the weight of Paul’s instructions to Timothy—last words that shed light on Paul’s character and personal life. Whether you’re seeking to enrich your pastoral leadership journey or strengthen your faith‚ this conversation is for you. Recommended resource: Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund

I was so close to winning so much money in this game

On Sunday's State of the Union‚ CNN host Dana Bash repeatedly pressed radical Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) on brutal rapes committed by Hamas. Jayapal was like sure‚ sure‚ but Israel is terrible. CNN has aired plenty of pro-Hamas talking points‚ but Bash pressed a radical feminist on her radical feminism.  BASH: I want to ask you about sexual violence. And the -- it is kind of remarkable that this issue hasn't gotten enough attention globally‚ widespread use of rape‚ brutal rape‚ sexual violence against Israeli women by Hamas. I have seen a lot of progressive women‚ generally speaking‚ that are quick to defend women's rights and speak out against using rape as a weapon of war‚ but downright silent on what we saw on October 7 and what might be happening inside Gaza right now to these hostages. Why is that? JAYAPAL: I mean‚ I don't know that that's true. I think what -- we always talk about the impact of war on women‚ in particular. In fact‚ I remember‚ 20 years ago‚ I did a petition around the war in Iraq‚ saying that... BASH: Have you talked about it since October 7? JAYAPAL: Oh‚ absolutely. And I have condemned what Hamas has done. I have condemned all of the actions. BASH: Specifically against women? JAYAPAL: Absolutely‚ the rape‚ the -- of course. Of course‚ this is where Jayapal shifted the conversation‚ suggesting for some strange reason‚ Israeli a democracy and our ally‚ so we should judge them more harshly than Hamas terrorists:  JAYAPAL: But I think we have to remember that Israel is a democracy. That is why they are a strong ally of ours. And if they do not comply with international humanitarian law‚ they are bringing themselves to a place that makes it much more difficult strategically for them to be able to build the kinds of allies‚ to keep public opinion with them. And‚ frankly‚ morally‚ I think we cannot say that one war crime deserves another. That is not what international humanitarian law says. BASH: OK‚ with respect‚ I was just asking about the women‚ and you turned it back to Israel. I'm asking you about Hamas. In fact... JAYAPAL: I already answered your question‚ Dana. I said it's horrific. BASH: Yes. JAYAPAL: And I think that rape is horrific. Sexual assault is horrific. I think that it happens in war situations. Terrorist organizations like Hamas obviously are using these as tools. However‚ I think we have to be balanced about bringing in the outrages against Palestinians. She claimed 15‚000 Palestinians "have been killed in Israeli airstrikes‚ three-quarters of whom are women and children." Three-quarters? Hamas numbers. Bash came back to her point:  BASH: And it's horrible‚ but you don't see Israeli soldiers raping Palestinian women. JAYAPAL: Well‚ Dana‚ I think we're not -- we're not -- I don't want this to be the hierarchy of oppressions. "Hierachy of oppressions"? That's woke lingo for "you can't compare Hamas to Israel‚ that's unfair." 

There’s been a lot of recent Acela Media and Professional Latinx outrage over 2024 presidential candidates doing what they perceive to be softball interviews with Spanish-language media. Case in point‚ the kerfuffle over former President Donald Trump’s interview with TelevisaUnivision. Not surprisingly‚ they don’t share the same concern for President Joe Biden’s interview with a radio network owned and operated by the foundation previously overseen by his campaign manager. Per the Cesar Chavez Foundation Communications Fund: The Chavez Radio Group has Spanish and English-language stations across California‚ Arizona and Nevada. It’s flagship program‚ Radio Campesina‚ was founded by Cesar Chavez in 1983 as a way to both entertain and instill a sense of community for Latinos and working families. Radio remains a powerful medium for sharing information across communities and inspiring engaging conversations. Radio Campesina was recently held up by MSNBC as a “major purveyor of truth amid the landscape filled with misinformation and disinformation”. In other words‚ the left has deemed Radio Campesina to be an approved news outlet for the Latino community. What does an interview with Joe Biden look like on an approved outlet like Campesina? Imagine a softball made out of cotton candy‚ and you get the picture. Biden got very easy questions to which he stated to give canned answers before veering off and pandering to the community. For a taste‚ here’s how he dealt with the question on inflation: TONY ARIAS: It is not a secret for many of us that most of us have to work more than one job and live from check to check. The truth is‚ given the inflation‚ there is no extra money to do additional things or have a reserve. At least that's what people who owe me tell me. JOE BIDEN: Well look‚ I come from a family that's not dissimilar. I grew up in a family where we lived in a three-bedroom‚ split-level home with four kids and a grandpop. And my dad would come home for dinner and go back to work. So‚ you know‚ we weren't poor‚ but we had no -- no expendable cash. I mean‚ it was just... and even going to the Catholic school -- high school I went to‚ we had to borrow the money to get there‚ and I worked in the summer cutting the lawn to be able to go. So we weren't poor‚ but I don't want to make it out like I'm‚ you know... but I do understand that it's paycheck to paycheck. My dad used to say‚ "Joey‚ a job's about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about your dignity. It's about respect. It's about being able to look your kid in the eye and say‚ 'honey‚ it's going to be okay' and he meant it." And that's what I'm all about in terms of focusing on the growth of the middle class. When the middle class does well‚ everybody does. The poor have a shot up‚ and the wealthy still do fine‚ but they ought to start paying their fair taxes‚ I might add. But any rate‚ I -- I just think that we‚ -- I mean‚ look at all the great minds in the world‚ how many were Spanish speaking? How many are Latino? I mean‚ look at where... anyway‚ I just think it's we're being really very stupid and the way in which we handle immigration. And‚ you know‚ but my economic plan is working. There's 4.2 million more Hispanic Americans have jobs now than when I entered office two and a half years ago. Hardly a stout defense of “Bidenomics”. Nowhere here does Biden address inflation‚ and nowhere after this head-pat of an answer is there a follow-up question on inflation. Instead‚ the host continues down the checklist‚ asking questions on student loans‚ immigration reform‚ and the role of government in combatting disinformation‚ which Biden turns into a rant on diversity.  This interview of Joe Biden aired just before Thanksgiving on a radio network owned and operated by the family of his campaign manager‚ as the left were still in full meltdown mode over the Trump-Univision interview. This whining is not about “disinformation”‚ but about the left’s perceived loss of monopoly power and control over what Spanish-dominant audiences see and hear as news content.  Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned interview as aired on Radio Campesina on Wednesday‚ November 22nd‚ 2023 (transcript and translation by FactBase)  TONY ARIAS: Mr. President‚ first of all‚ I want to thank you for talking to the people‚ to the Latino community through the radio waves of Radio Campesina. PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN: I keep telling -- Everybody asks why I pay so much attention to the Latino community. 26 out of every 100 students in our schools -- kindergarten through 12th grade -- speak Spanish. If we don't pay attention‚ we're crazy. We're a nation of- built on diversity‚ and anyway -- but‚ I have no problem doing that. Matter of fact‚ I'm looking at a…at a statue of Cesar Chavez‚ who almost cost me an election in 1972 when I ran. I supported him in Delaware‚ in agriculture areas. And we won-- Nixon won my state by 65% of the vote‚ and I won by 3‚100 votes‚ but I keep the statue [Inaudible] keep looking at it. ARIAS: That's what it is‚ Mr. President. Speaking of the Latin community‚ we know that you have a bust of Mr. César Chávez‚ our founder‚ in the Oval Office. What does it mean to you and why did you choose to have it there in the Oval Office? BIDEN: Well‚ it represents‚ to me‚ progress. Look‚ the reason I got involved‚ and I don't want to make a big deal of it‚ like I wasn't some great savior‚ but I supported him‚ was because he's fighting for just basic human rights‚ basic decency. They were putting these farm workers in basically old slave quarters. Not a joke. They -- they weren't allowed to go into the town of Georgetown‚ which is the capital of the-- of the-- Sussex County. I mean‚ it's just wrong. And-- but he stands for everything that -- by the way‚ his granddaughter is my campaign manager -- for the United States‚ is part of our strength. ARIAS: It is not a secret for many of us that most of us have to work more than one job and live from check to check. The truth is‚ given the inflation‚ there is no extra money to do additional things or have a reserve. At least that's what people who owe me tell me. BIDEN: Well look‚ I come from a family that's not dissimilar. I grew up in a family where we lived in a three-bedroom‚ split-level home with four kids and a grandpop. And my dad would come home for dinner and go back to work. So‚ you know‚ we weren't poor‚ but we had no -- no expendable cash. I mean‚ it was just... and even going to the Catholic school -- high school I went to‚ we had to borrow the money to get there‚ and I worked in the summer cutting the lawn to be able to go. So we weren't poor‚ but I don't want to make it out like I'm‚ you know... but I do understand that it's paycheck to paycheck. My dad used to say‚ "Joey‚ a job's about a lot more than a paycheck. It's about your dignity. It's about respect. It's about being able to look your kid in the eye and say‚ 'honey‚ it's going to be okay' and he meant it." And that's what I'm all about in terms of focusing on the growth of the middle class. When the middle class does well‚ everybody does. The poor have a shot up‚ and the wealthy still do fine‚ but they ought to start paying their fair taxes‚ I might add. But any rate‚ I -- I just think that we‚ -- I mean‚ look at all the great minds in the world‚ how many were Spanish speaking? How many are Latino? I mean‚ look at where... anyway‚ I just think it's we're being really very stupid and the way in which we handle immigration. And‚ you know‚ but my economic plan is working. There's 4.2 million more Hispanic Americans have jobs now than when I entered office two and a half years ago. ARIAS: And that is one of the biggest questions that Latinos have in our community about the (immigration) reform. What has to happen to be able to finish and what can we expect? BIDEN: Well look‚ I asked the same question‚ and the question -- the first major bill I sent to Congress was to reform the -- the immigration system. We are a country of immigrants. It's why we are strong. That is not hyperbole‚ that's a fact. And so‚ you know‚ what we're doing here is we're making sure that we're going to see to it that we have serious‚ serious effort to reform the immigration system. I proposed a comprehensive immigration reform on day one. We need Congress to act. My administration is providing a billion dollars in grant funding to support asylum seekers. We've secured record funding for border security and management. We continue to enforce the immigration laws‚ but we also... there's no reason why DREAMers shouldn't have a path to citizenship. I'm going to stay with it 'til‚ we get it done. ARIAS: And that's what we like to hear‚ Mr. President. Now‚ students are also struggling. Can they expect to have any benefit on student loans? BIDEN: Hey‚ man‚ where have you been? I gave them a break. We‚ you know‚ the Supreme Court turned down my total debt forgiveness program‚ but I was able to see to it that I found other ways to move it. So I ended up with a situation where you've got millions of students have their total debt forgiveness. For example‚ we have a lower... we've lowered the burden of student debt. Since taking office‚ my administration has forgiven $127 billion in student debt for 3.6 million borrowers. We've doubled the amount for Pell Grants to get people to school. We've launched a thing called the SAVE program‚ the most generous income-driven repayment program ever. And we reduced monthly payments for millions of borrowers. We expanded access to early education. My budget secured a billion dollars -- a billion dollars for Head Start‚ and one in three beneficiaries for Head Start are Latinos. We expanded affordable high-speed internet for... I mean‚ we have done more for education for Latinos than any administration has‚ and it's real‚ and it matters. ARIAS: It is definitely important to hear this directly from you. That's why these days there is a lot of false information and false news. And they run and run all over the world. Just imagine‚ I saw a video of President Obama selling my aunt Nachita's tamales. BIDEN: Yeah. [Laughs] ARIAS: What is the role of the government in fighting misinformation? BIDEN: Yes‚ yes‚ although‚ I saw one of me saying something that was off the wall. I couldn't tell it wasn't me. It was my... it lip-synced me perfectly. But my point is this: we're in a situation where we have enormous opportunity‚ enormous opportunity to grow the -- we have the fastest-growing economy in the world‚ the lowest interest rate in the world. I mean‚ we're doing better than any other major nation in the world. In the world. And one of the reasons we're growing and doing so well is because of the Latino community. It's not a joke. For example‚ I have more Latinos in my administration in the cabinet level than anybody else does. Four members of my cabinet are Latinos‚ more than any president before me. I made a commitment that I was -- when I became president‚ my government was going to look like America‚ and that's the case. I have -- and my senior staff across the board‚ and it looks like a country. It looks like a country. It looks Americans -- ARIAS: We thank you for taking the time to be with us today. Any special message you want to give to all the people for Thanksgiving Day for all those who are listening to us? BIDEN: Yes‚ the message is: don't give up hope. Hope springs eternal. I know it's hard. I know it's hard. I come from a family that's been down and out in the past. I mean‚ it just -- you just got to keep our heads up. I promise you‚ we're not leaving the community. We're not leaving the people who need the most‚ because they're the ones who built the country. They're the ones that continue to build the country. And so I'd say‚ just hold on to one another. As my mom would say‚ keep the faith. Keep the faith. I really mean it. ARIAS: Well‚ thank you very much‚ Mr. President. The truth is that I have to go throw water in the beans because they are burning. But I recommend that if you want to make a little change in your Thanksgiving dinner‚ have some (turkey) tamales with your champurrado. You won't regret it‚ really. BIDEN: Well‚ I don't think I will either. I love tamales. So I'm not sure -- I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get that done‚ but we'll try. Well‚ invite me back. I'm like a poor relative. I show up. The wealthy ones never show up. The poor ones show up‚ stay longer than they should‚ and eat and all your food. ARIAS: Here we are‚ this is your home. Welcome and thank you very much.  BIDEN: Thank you very much. Bye bye.  

Something left these marks... but what?