Eldad Church 2026: Themes & Reading Guide
Introducing People to Jesus
Our 2026 theme is BOLD, and this curated reading guide is designed to help you grow in devotion, discipleship, and confidence as you follow Jesus. Each theme includes both modern and classic recommendations, along with short summaries to help you choose.
How to Use This Guide
• Pick a book that aligns with each teaching series
• Use it personally, with your small group, or in mentoring relationships
• New to faith? Start with Mere Christianity or Gentle and Lowly
• Exploring Christianity? Try Confronting Jesus or Encounters With Jesus
WHEN LIGHT BREAKS IN
God Has a Name — John Mark Comer
A clear, engaging look at the character of God based on Exodus 34. Modern, accessible, and ideal for anyone wanting to know God as He truly reveals Himself.
Prayer in the Night — Tish Harrison Warren
Written out of personal suffering, this book teaches how God meets us in darkness. Gentle, pastoral, and deeply comforting.
The Pursuit of God — A.W. Tozer
A devotional classic that calls believers to pursue deep intimacy with God in the midst of noise and distraction.
The Practice of the Presence of God — Brother Lawrence
Simple, luminous spiritual wisdom on living every moment aware of God’s nearness.
THE REAL JESUS: NO FILTERS
Confronting Jesus — Rebecca McLaughlin
A brilliant book for seekers or believers. Grapples with tough questions and paints a rich picture of the real Jesus.
Encounters With Jesus — Tim Keller
Nine Gospel encounters showing how Jesus transforms lives. Warm, accessible, ideal for exploration Sundays.
Mere Christianity — C.S. Lewis
A timeless introduction to core Christian belief. Great for someone exploring or grounding their faith.
Knowing God — J.I. Packer
Deep devotional theology that helps Christians truly know God—not just know about Him.
WHAT LOVE LOOKS LIKE IN REAL LIFE
Everybody Always — Bob Goff
Joyful, often hilarious stories showing how everyday love can open doors for Jesus.
Making Room — Christine Pohl
A beautiful exploration of Christian hospitality and its power to transform communities.
The Return of the Prodigal Son — Henri Nouwen
Profound reflections on identity, belonging, and the Father’s love.
The Cost of Discipleship — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
A challenging call to follow Jesus with costly grace and faithful obedience.
ALIVE! NOW EVERYTHING CHANGES
Surprised by Hope — N.T. Wright
A powerful reframing of resurrection hope and the renewal of all things.
The Jesus I Never Knew — Philip Yancey
Fresh insights into the life and character of Jesus.
On the Incarnation — Athanasius
A joyful classic explaining why God became human.
THE SPIRIT WHO MAKES US BRAVE
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire — Jim Cymbala
Stories of prayer and the Spirit’s transforming power.
Surprised by the Power of the Spirit — Jack Deere
Balanced, biblical exploration of the Spirit’s gifts today.
Absolute Surrender — Andrew Murray
A short devotional on yielding fully to the Spirit’s work.
CLOSER THAN A FRIEND
Gentle and Lowly — Dane Ortlund
A healing, hope-filled exploration of Jesus’ heart for sinners and sufferers.
With — Skye Jethani
A transformative look at living life with God rather than performing for Him.
Morning & Evening — Charles Spurgeon
Timeless devotions that nurture daily fellowship with Christ.
PEOPLE WHO FOUND GOD FAITHFUL
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction — Eugene Peterson
Discipleship for the long haul, through the Psalms of Ascent.
The Hiding Place — Corrie ten Boom
A powerful testimony of faith, courage, and forgiveness during WWII.
A LIFE THAT OVERFLOWS
Money, Sex and Power — Richard Foster
Wise, practical discipleship for three powerful areas of life.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry — John Mark Comer
A spiritual antidote to modern exhaustion—slow down to live like Jesus.
READY FOR ANYTHING
God on Mute — Pete Greig
Pastoral, honest reflections on unanswered prayer.
Resilient — John Eldredge
How to rebuild strength and hope in difficult times.
The Pilgrim’s Progress — John Bunyan
A classic allegory of perseverance through trial and temptation.
A BEAUTIFUL CONVERSATION
How to Talk About Jesus (Without Being That Guy) — Sam Chan
A practical guide for sharing Jesus naturally in everyday relationships.
Out of the Saltshaker — Rebecca Pippert
A classic on relational evangelism that begins with love and hospitality.
WHEN HOPE CAME HOME (Advent)
Advent — Fleming Rutledge
Deep, biblical reflections on waiting, longing, and hope.
Come, Let Us Adore Him — Paul David Tripp
A 31-day devotional helping keep Christ at the centre of Christmas.
The Nine Practices of Eldad Church
Presence · Scripture · Prayer · Worship · Service · Generosity · Community · Witness · Sabbath
Each book above connects naturally with one or more of these practices, helping us grow together as followers of Jesus.
Join Us in 2026
We meet Sundays at 10:30am.
Everyone is welcome — especially those exploring faith.