Books To Read Early In Seminary

Being at the end of my seminary career has caused me to pause and reflect on some of the books I wished I had read at the beginning. I did not necessarily take the classes in the recommended order, which inevitably left some gaps in my early education. The books I am recommending below are books that would have helped fill those gaps and made the entire seminary process easier! 

Please note, my education has been at a Reformed Seminary, so some of these recommendations are going to fall squarely in that tradition. Even if you are not in that tradition, I believe the books below provide valuable information and ideas worth pondering! 

Old Testament Scholarship 

Old Testament Textual Criticism by E. R. Brotzman

I unfortunately read this towards the end of my Seminary career but so many lightbulbs went off when I finally read it. This book will help you navigate the Masoretic Text, understand the development of written texts, and greatly increase your ability to analyze the Hebrew text through exegesis. 

Counseling 

Is It Abuse by Darby Strickland

If you enter the ministry world you will inevitably encounter abusive situations from time to time. This book will help you understand the varied ways abuse occurs from a whole-person paradigm. 

History 

The American Evangelical Story by Douglas A. Sweeny

Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, American, or none of the above, this book is another “aha” book helping to explain “how we got here.” American Christianity has had an outsized influence in the wider world (for better and for worse) and an understanding of how the Evangelical movement developed was incredibly helpful. I found it gave me grace for some the odder quirks, conviction for the areas of sinful blindness, and a deeper appreciation for the positive elements that I have inherited. 

Theology 

Covenants Made Simple by Jonty Rhodes 

If you purchase this book, you may be surprised at how small it is. It is probably the “simplest” book I read in seminary. But this little book packs a punch, and its explanation of Covenant Theology in plain, everyday English provides unique accessibility without neglecting the profound concepts it presents. 

Personal Development 

Strength Finders by Tom Rath

My Leadership & Discipleship Course required us to take the Strength Finders Assessment during my first year. This book has helped me hone in what gifts the Lord has given me, even if my gifts are discouraged in women in the broader Evangelical movement. Honestly, this book has helped to determine what my gifts are not as much as what they are. I have previously wasted too much time doing jobs I was not made to do. Harriet Vane, the iconic Dorothy L. Sayers character, has a profound quote this this effect in her novel Gaudy Night. 

“I am quite prepared to admit that,” said Harriet. “A ploughshare is a nobler object than a razor. But if your natural talent is for barbering, wouldn’t it be better to be a barber, and a good barber - and use the profits (if you like) to speed the plough? However grand the job may be, it is your job?” (p. 47)

This book and the test that came along with it were incredible helpful for separating the many noble jobs from my job. 

Pastoral Ministry

Memoirs of An Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson - Slight Spoiler Alert 

This is the only book on the list that evoked tears.  It shows the profound beauty of simple ordinariness. I admired the deep humility of the Carson parents. I most admired Tom Carson’s willingness to walk away from ministry when it became clear that his wife’s failing health needed all of his attention. This is a man whose identity was wrapped up in Christ, not in his ministry. 

Women In Ministry 

How God Sees Women by Terran Williams 

Though I am at a Complementarian Seminary, that is not where I landed theologically in the end. This book explores a mutualist understanding of marriage and church leadership. This is the best Biblical explanation I have read (so far) that covers a non-Complementarian view. Even if you disagree, this book is worth reading for broader awareness of the issues at hand and for an honest debate with fellow-believers who land in different camps by reading the same Scriptures.