“Every book has a soul, the soul of the person who wrote it and the soul of those who read it and dream about it.” ― Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Angel's GameWe catch glimpses of the life of the Apostle Paul within the pages of the New Testament—his letters and the book of Acts. My conversation with pastor Tom Jacobs is inspired by N.T. Wright’s book, Paul: A Biography. Tom does a deep dive on Wright’s book, illuminating Paul’s conversion on the Damascus road and the extent of his torture and suffering for the sake of the gospel. Wrapped up in that conversation is more about the ministry rejection every pastor faces and the process of “reconstructing” after we’ve deconstructed faith.Resources Mentioned & Affiliate Links:*Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Allure of Liturgy for a New Generation by Winfield BevinsSpiritual Leadership by J. Oswald SandersThe Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonThe Complete Grimms Fairy TalesPaul: A Biography by N.T. WrightDes Moines Anglican Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever wondered how to teach theology to toddlers? Or, why some pastors are able to engage in ministry with so much gratitude despite its inherent challenges and sorrows? I hope you enjoy this conversation with church planters Austin and Amy Gannett* from Greenville, South Carolina. It’s inspired by C.S. Lewis’ book, The Horse and His Boy, a classic novel for all ages that offers us glimpses of the beauty and truth of the Christian faith.Resources Mentioned & Affiliate Links:*Tiny Theologians and Tiny Theologians PodcastABCs of TheologyBible Study SchoolhouseThe Horse and His Boy by C.S. LewisThe Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. LewisThe Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. TolkienBecoming C.S. Lewis (3-Volume Set) by Harry Lee PoeMalcom Guite StoreThis Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry*Follow Austin and Amy’s ministry at Trinity Church Greenville, or follow Amy on IG. Links to her Tiny Theologians and Bible Study Schoolhouse are above. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Insofar as we live as though God were not present, moment-by-moment, and as though this wasn’t the most important aspect of any present moment, we are living in the flesh.-Gregory A. Boyd, Present PerfectWhat life-changing moments do we miss when we’re focused on the next big thing? Are we aware of God in the moment with us? And, at what point should pastors refer congregants to professional mental health practitioners? These questions and this conversation with licensed mental health counselor and ordained minister Troy Renter* are inspired by Gregory A. Boyd’s Present Perfect: Finding God in the Now.Resources Mentioned & Affiliate Links:Present Perfect: Finding God in the Now*Follow Troy’s ministry at Harvest of Hope Church in Harlan, IA. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Your local church is uniquely gifted, situated, and qualified to perform kingdom mission in your particular community.As a pastor, I want to think about what that means for our local church. -Laura TarroChurches look all kinds of ways these days, and that’s okay. But churches exist to fit into the mission of the Kingdom of God, so how do you know if your church has embraced God’s Kingdom mission to the world? In this episode, pastor Laura Tarro,* talks about Scot McKnight’s book Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church. She shares some of McKnight’s markers for a church that embodies and lives out the kingdom mission of God in its local setting while also celebrating the unique differences and gifts of each person in the church. Resources Mentioned:Kingdom Conspiracy: Returning to the Radical Mission of the Local Church by Scot McKnight*Follow Laura’s ministry at Bethany Covenant Church at Bethanycov.org, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about her coaching, pastoral direction, and creative projects at www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Prayer itself makes us anxious because it uncovers fears we can ignore as long as we don’t engage deeply, thoughtfully, vulnerably with God. -Tyler StatonThere are so many books about prayer, but sometimes we need to be reminded that prayer can include both silence and listening for God’s voice. This conversation with Nancy Raatz,* Pastor of Mental Health and Recovery at Evergreen Christian Community in Olympia, WA, is inspired by Tyler Staton’s Living Like Monks, Praying Like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer. We talk about the wonder, disappointment, and insecurities we may feel about prayer, and we spend a little time talking about little “t” traumas, hearing stories of harm, and healing hurt that comes from our own leaders in ministry.Resources Mentioned & Affiliate Links:*To Be Told: God Invites You to Coauthor Your Future by Dan AllenderAllender CenterAre you There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy BlumeStarring Sally J. Freedman as Herself by Judy BlumeAnne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryEmily of New Moon by L.M. MontgomeryThe Soul of Shame by Curt ThompsonThe Deepest Place: Suffering and the Formation of Hope by Curt ThompsonThe Ballot and the Bible Kaitlyn SchiessPraying Like Monks, Living like Fools: An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer by Tyler StatonPrayer by Richard Foster*Contact Nancy at Nancy [dot] Raatz [at] evergreenpnw.com or follow her on Facebook.**Clarification from your host: During the conversation, I said that Nancy and I are both part of Assemblies of God World Missions. What I really meant is that we are both Assemblies of God ministers. Only Nancy was a part of AGWM. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

C. S. Lewis once said that God sometimes shows grace by drawing us to himself while we kick and scream and pummel him with our fists. That is my story.”― Philip Yancey, Where the Light FellDid you receive your faith from your parents or grandparents? Or, are you passing it on to another generation? That’s a beautiful thing, but for faith to flourish, there must be room for questions, doubt, searching, and honest dialogue so grace can become real to the next generation. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Pastor Dave Hagen* in Carroll, IA. It’s inspired by Philip Yancey’s gorgeous memoir, Where the Light Fell: A Memoir.Resources Mentioned:Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by Philip Yancey Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets documentary What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip YanceyFollow Dave Hagen at davehagen8 on IG or follow his ministry at Carroll First Church.Your Pastor Reads Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about coaching, pastoral direction, and her creative projects, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedYou don’t believe someone because you don’t have enough doubt. You believe them because you don’t feel the doubts are enough. -Malcom GladwellAs a society, we couldn’t exist if we were suspicious of everybody all the time. So we default to believing the best about others, even when we shouldn’t. This conversation with pastor and church planter Lisa Clements* is inspired by Talking to Strangers: What You Should Know about the People You Don’t Know by Malcom Gladwell. Lisa talks about leaning into the Holy Spirit and asking the “next question” when we have a hunch that something isn’t quite right. Will we have the courage to let things get uncomfortable for the sake of the greater good? She also has some interesting things to say about navigating the vestiges of the Billy Graham rule and whether or not Christians should be reading banned books.Resources Mentioned & Affiliate Links:*Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls WilderTrixie Belden (Book 1) by Julie CampbellA Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’EngleDaVinci Code by Dan BrownTalking to Strangers: What You Should Know about the People You Don’t Know by Malcom GladwellInfluence Podcast with Dr. JoAnn Butrin: “Normalize Men and Women Working Together.”Better Together: How Men and Women Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future by Danielle StricklandChi Alpha/Christianity Today article*Follow Lisa’s ministry at North Dallas Assembly.***YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Devote the back half of your life to serving others with your wisdom. Get old sharing the things you believe are most important. -Arthur BrooksBy the time we get to the second half of our lives, it’s time to think about how our experiences—the good, the bad, and the worst—can become a blessing to others. In the ‘second half,’ we find we have a stock of knowledge that can be passed on to others. This conversation with Glenn S. Reynolds (Dmin, JD)* about surviving the worst, what matters most, and the ‘wisdom years’ is brought to you by Arthur Brooks’ From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.Resources Mentioned:Surviving the Worst: A 30-Day Experience to Mend Your Heart Book of HoursThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk The Book of Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals When It’s Darkest: Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It by Rory O’Connor Walking with God through Pain and Suffering by Tim Keller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life by Arthur C. Brooks Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald Gordon MacDonald/Carey Nieuhoff Leadership Podcast Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram: A Handbook for Harmony and Transformation by Adele CalhounThe Road to Character by David BrooksJames Emory White’s Summer Reading ListWall Street Journal*Follow Glenn S. Reynolds at www.GlennSReynolds.com.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about coaching, pastoral direction, and her creative projects, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

“Jesus's resurrection is the beginning of God's new project not to snatch people away from earth to heaven but to colonize earth with the life of heaven. That, after all, is what the Lord's Prayer is about.” -N.T. Wright, Surprised by HopeWhat is the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is it that we get to sing worship songs in heaven for eternity? In Episode 16, minister and missionary Jacob Johnson* unpacks N.T. Wright’s Surprised By Hope: Rethinking Heaven, Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. It might be a delightful surprise to discover that “building for God’s kingdom” can begin with how we live, love, and work in the here and now.Resources Mentioned:Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church by N.T. WrightSurprised by Joy by C.S. LewisKingdoms of Islandia series by J.J. JohnsonKingdoms of Islandia web site*Follow Jake on IG or email. Follow the @botswanatogether campus ministry on IG. YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. To find out more about coaching or to contact her about speaking engagements, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

A vocational credo gives you the courage to be who you are. —Tony GatewoodLife’s circumstances can sometimes limit our hope and box us in to the status quo. Discovering our purpose and unique calling is our best resistance. Today’s conversation with minister and missionary Tony Gatewood delves into Debra Koehn Loyd’s book, Your Vocational Credo. Tony takes us on a journey through his own life as a youth hindered by poverty and violence on the South Side of Chicago into a realm of vocational discovery and imagination through epic fantasy novels and the epic Gospel of hope.Resources Mentioned:Your Vocational Credo: Practical Steps to Discover Your Unique Purpose by Debra Koehn LoydHinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah HurnardLord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. TolkienThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisFollow Tony Gatewood on FB or @tonygatewood on IG.Your Pastor Reads Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the show, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at yprb.substack.com.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about coaching, pastoral direction, and her creative projects, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

"What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it is that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life." -Henri Nouwen, In the Name of JesusHenri Nouwen said leaders face three great temptations: to be relevant, spectacular, and powerful. Today’s conversation with Scott Savage is all about the deep and honest work Christian leaders must do in order to remain healthy and resist those temptations. Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership, inspires our conversation about becoming a healthy leader and recovering from church hurt.Resources Mentioned:Is Forgiveness the Bible’s Most Controversial Teaching? (Relevant Magazine)Free to Forgive Course The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonIn the Name of Jesus by Henri NouwenJoin Scott’s newsletter at scottsavagelive.com or search the socials for “scottsavagelive.”Your Pastor Reads Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. To find out more about establishing a coaching relationship with Heather, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

“The trick to dealing with criticism is letting it do its good work but forbidding it to demoralize and destroy or to embitter.” -Beth Moore, All My Knotted-Up LifeWhen respected leaders like Beth Moore face hardship in the spotlight and when they share with vulnerability the family challenges happening behind the scenes, we are reminded that mere struggle doesn’t disqualify us from the path God has us on. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform for a conversation with coach and ordained minister Amy deVries* about persevering even when the wind works against you.Resources Mentioned:All My Knotted-Up Life: A Memoir by Beth MooreThe Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonNancy Drew Mystery Stories by Caroline KeenThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis*Get in touch with Amy at https://www.coachamydevries.com.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. To find out more about establishing a coaching relationship with Heather, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

“The American church doesn’t need more strategy. We need more of the Spirit.” —Dr. Beth BackesThe New Testament Apostles preached the Word, but they also saw the wonders of God. In our lives today, do we give space in our lives for God to move and fill us with wonder? Join in this conversation with Dr. Beth Backes about 19th-century evangelist Maria Woodworth Etter’s A Diary of Signs and Wonders and the ways in which we can experience the mind-blowing wonder and power of the Spirit despite weakness and personal suffering.Resources Mentioned:A Diary of Signs and Wonders by Maria Woodworth-EtterJoni Eareckson TadaHeidi Baker—Iris GlobalThe Table Church on IG and FB.Follow Dr. Beth Backes on FB or @bethlehem1 on Instagram.Your Pastor Reads Books. is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at yprb@substack.com.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about coaching, pastoral direction and her creative projects, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

“Be careful what you water for it shall surely grow.” –Brandon WaldenSome people might get nervous about a local church pastor serving in a dual role as the town librarian. But not the people in Brooklyn, IA (population 1500). In this episode, pastor Josh Gerard talks about his unique opportunity to plan children’s storytime hours, summer reading programs, and community theater productions for people in his community. Brandon Walden’s Seeds and Trees, a children’s book, inspires our conversation about the power of words to sow seeds of love or shame into other people’s lives.Resources Mentioned:The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonNancy Drew Mystery Stories by Caroline KeeneThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisSeeds and Trees by Brandon WaldenJosh Gerard is a reluctant social media user. Follow his ministry at newbeginningsbrooklyn.com.Your Pastor Reads Books. is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber at yprb@substack.com.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about coaching, pastoral direction, and her creative projects, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

True spirituality frees us to live joyfully in the present. It requires, however, going back in order to go forward. -Pete Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy SpiritualitySome people get well into mid-life without ever taking the time to assess how childhood and family-of-origin wounds have affected them. If we don’t stop and unpack our baggage, we risk harming relationships with family, friends, and those we may lead. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform for a conversation with Pastor Anna Thoreson about unearthing the imago Dei (image of God) in ourselves and in others.Resources Mentioned:Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete ScazzeroEducated by Tara WestoverSpiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram: A Handbook for Harmony and Transformation*Follow Anna’s writing at www.agreatuntethering.com.Your Pastor Reads Books. is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, become a free or paid subscriber!YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. To find out more about establishing a coaching relationship with Heather, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

There are plenty of people out there that will humble you, but Scripture says, “humble yourself."  —Rod LoyIn today’s world, we are driven to produce and achieve, putting more and more stock in our accomplishments. But accomplishment without a true sense of our own intrinsic value can leave us empty and competitive in our attitude toward others. Join in this conversation with pastor Rod Loy about our true significance in the Kingdom.Resources Mentioned:Project RescueThe Hardy Boys by Franklin W. DixonNancy Drew Mystery Stories by Caroline KeenThe Search for Significance by Robert McGeeFollow Rod Loy’s ministry at https://firstnlr.com.Your Pastor Reads Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support the podcast, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.YPRB host Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. To find out more about establishing a coaching relationship with Heather, go to www.heatherweber.org. And, subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

Intentional engagement with theology can fill us with wonder at the nature and character of God—especially when we conceive that the God who spoke to people in the Scriptures is the same God who comes to us and speaks today. I hope you enjoy this important conversation with Rev. Dr. Joseph Lear.Resources Mentioned:Ezekiel (Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible) by Robert JensenSystematic Theology: Volume 1: The Triune God (Systematic Theology (Oxford Hardcover))The Divine Dance by Richard RohrThanks for listening to Your Pastor Reads Books! Subscribe for free (pay only if you want to), and never miss an episode!Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. She is the author of Dear Boy,: An Epistolary Memoir. Find out more about her coaching and other creative projects at www.heatherweber.org. Subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com.*YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I talk with Joshua Tilley, pastor of The River Community Church in Iowa City, IA, about the nature of genuine authenticity that holds up across cultures, as well as pastoral burnout and the need to manage our energy as much as, or more than, we manage our time.Resources Mentioned:A Short Guide to Authenticity* and Authentic Prayer by Joshua TilleyThe Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, Is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim LoehrThe Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives by Dallas WillardAt Your Best by Carey NieuwhofThanks for reading Your Pastor Reads Books! Subscribe for free, and never miss an episode.Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. Find out more about her coaching and other creative projects at www.heatherweber.org. Subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. She is the author of Dear Boy:, An Epistolary Memoir. *YPRB may receive a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe

With less biblical literacy and connection to the church, sufferers are untethered to the language, narrative, and practices that can anchor us in understanding, encouragement, and hope.”-K.J. RamseyHave you ever had faith for healing but didn’t see it happen? Unanswered prayers can sometimes unmoor us. Today’s guest, Marissa Price, is an ordained minister with an MA in Theology & Culture. She introduces us to K.J. Ramsey’s book This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers, and talks about how to think about God when we’re dealing with chronic disappointment.Show Notes:The Chronicles of Narnia* by C.S. LewisLittle House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls WilderThis Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers by K.J. RamseyYour Pastor Reads Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Heather Weber is a book-obsessed pastor, author, and holistic life and leadership coach. Find out more about her coaching and other creative projects at www.heatherweber.org. Subscribe to her Dear Exiles newsletter at heatherweber.substack.com. She is the author of Dear Boy:,An Epistolary Memoir. *YPRB receives a tiny commission on purchases made through the links on this page, which helps support the podcast! Get full access to Your Pastor Reads Books at yprb.substack.com/subscribe