In my message this past weekend at Eastbrook, “The Fruitful Life,” I explored what it means to lead a fruitful life with God based in what we encounter in Psalm 1 and John 15. Amidst that message, I shared a basic framework for spiritual formation, or discipleship, that came from Dallas Willard. Reflecting on that framework led me to consider what voices have been most significant for me in understanding what spiritual formation and discipleship are all about. So, I share here a list of important contemporary works on those themes that have been important to me.

Admittedly, these are books that are significant for me because of when I encountered them or how they speak to me. If there are other books that have been influential for you, I would enjoy if you would share the title and author of that book and why it has been so important in your life with God.

Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth by Richard J. Foster – I encountered Foster’s book at a key time in my journey with God. I was young in faith and life and heavily influenced by a sort of radical holiness revivalism and charismatic Christianity. Those were good influences for me but were not sufficient. Foster connected me with a more ancient and deeper Christian tradition, as well as exploring broader spiritual disciplines and why they are powerful. Other books by Foster that have helped me are Freedom of Simplicity: Finding Harmony in a Complex World and Streams of Living Water: Essential Practices from the Six Great Traditions of Christian Faith.

The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God by Dallas Willard – This book is not an easy read but is incredibly profound. Willard’s ability to open the Sermon on the Mount while simultaneously outlining a pathway toward spiritual transformation is amazing. Each of Willard’s book holds a special place for me, of particular note are The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives (worth it for the first chapter alone) and Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ.

A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society by Eugene H. Peterson – As anyone who spends time with me knows, Eugene Peterson’s work is extremely influential in my life and ministry. I love pretty much all of his writings but this book in particular is pivotal for me. First off, this is the first book by Peterson I ever read and his ability to bring together Scripture with spiritual formation was life-changing. In particular, I love how he explores the Psalms of Ascent as a sourcebook for prayer and spiritual formation.

The Way of Heart: The Spirituality of the Desert Fathers and Mothers by Henri J. M. Nouwen – Henri Nouwen’s influence on contemporary American spirituality is significant. As with Peterson’s title above, this is the first book I ever read by Henri Nouwen. Perhaps because of that, it remains one of my favorites. His ability to link contemporary ministry with the ancient life of the desert fathers and mothers is a tremendous gift to the church of today. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate Nouwen’s ability to pack so much into such small books?

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry by Ruth Haley Barton – Barton’s exploration of Moses’ walk with God and spiritual leadership came to me at an important time in my ministry, when I was questioning whether all I had learned through Foster and Willard could be applied in the contemporary church setting in which I found myself. Barton showed there was a way but it would be costly and oftentimes against the grain. This book is more important to me every year.