Frequently I’m asked about what women’s ministry leaders should be studying. Publishers are producing some great books for women in general, but because “books for women” have become something of an expectation, women often don’t realize the vast resources available for equipping them for ministry, though not necessarily written by women. So I decided to put together this reading list that comprises some essential readings of a seminary education with some additional materials specific to our roles as church women’s ministry leaders.
Because few can afford to enroll in seminary or take the time out of life to make it happen, this list of books–for personal or group study–should help you to get started with what is being read at the college and graduate level. Though this isn’t an exhaustive list of materials it is the core: Bible, systematic theology, apologetics, practical ministry, church history, doctrine, counseling, and both sides of the gender role debate. Chances are I’ve missed something because I’m sure most of you will have lots to recommend. The only subject that’s missing is ethics though the Systematic Theology and Total Truth both provide discussions in this area. I’m working on producing that ethics material for your bookshelf now. So take a closer look at this list:
The Bible An obvious necessity!
The Portable Seminary David Horton. A “first look” systematic theology book. It gets at all the core areas of theology and doctrine, but in shorter sections written at a high school level.
How to Read the Bible for All It’s Worth Fee & Stuart. This is a standard college-level text for understanding the art and science of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics).
Every Thought Captive Richard Pratt. An introduction to apologetics written at a high school level. Theologically driven, not evidence-based.
Practical Theology for Women A recent book by Wendy Horger Alsup, it introduces the discipline of theological study to women in the church and serves as a great apologetic for the role of theology in the context of women’s ministry. If you’re new to this area of study, this is a must-read.
Think A recent book by John Piper, he writes on the importance of the life of the mind for every Christian. We can’t love our God without our whole self if our mind is disengaged.
When Life and Beliefs Collide Carolyn Custis James‘ first book that argues for the importance of theology in a woman’s walk with God. Theology need not be the “dreaded T word!” (I love this book!)
Relativism: Feet Planted Firmly in Mid Air The apologetics classic by Frank Beckwith and Greg Koukl addressing the problems with cultural relativism and how Christians should respond. A must-read!
Spiritual Mothering This is a great little book, Susan Hunt writes on the nature of ministry among women based on the Titus 2 mandate.
Idols of the Heart Elyse Fitzpatrick deals with the every day problem of idolatry, revealing to the reader theological truths that lead to our redemption or our self-destruction. Required reading for every Christian woman!
Creed or Chaos? Ever wonder about the importance of doctrine? Wonder no more. Dorothy Sayers, a contemporary of C.S. Lewis, argues against a fast food, watered down Christianity.
Letters to a Diminished Church Another classic by Dorothy Sayers. In Letters, she provides a series of essays on the importance of doctrine for every Christian.
Women Helping Women Edited by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Carol Cornish. An incredible resource for women in ministry who need additional counseling resources from a biblical counseling perspective rooted firmly in scripture. This text addresses questions of parenting and addiction to sexual sins.
A General Introduction to the Bible Geisler & Nix. This classic text addresses the inspiration, canonization, transmission, and translation of scripture.
Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from its Cultural Captivity Nancy Pearcey. For those who tend to toward a fragmented life where lines are drawn between matters of faith, politics, medicine and more, this classic will help you to bring it all back together so that your outlook on the world is through the lens of scripture, not an adaptation to the world.
Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism Piper/Grudem, et al. If you’re interested in understanding the arguments of complementarians, this is the book to read. Whether you agree or not, you should know what they say.
Systematic Theology This text by Wayne Grudem is a seminary standard. It’s not a difficult read though it is intended for graduate level study. It’s an extended version of The Portable Seminary.
Discovering Biblical Equality: Complementarity Without Hierarchy Pierce/Groothuis, et al. If you’re interested in understanding the arguments of egalitarians, this is the book to read. Whether you agree or not, you should know what they say.
The History of Christianity Tim Dowley. We know American or world history better than we know church history. A text like this or something similar will help you to know more about notable points in history from the various church councils concerned with properly articulating doctrines and addressing heresy to the establishment of various denominations.
Consider hosting a Women’s Worldview Institute for our women’s leadership team at your church. This is a quarterly theological studies program utilizing The Portable Seminary as the primary text. Let me know if this list has been helpful to your studies or if its a confirmation of what you’re already doing. I wish you continual blessings in your ministry!
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Thanks for the list Sarah. One thought: I think it would be good to have the authors listed after the titles.