Sermons Aren’t Enough: Reading As A Means of Grace

Even Spiderman Needs To Read

I’m convinced the defining challenge facing the church today is discipleship. It always has been, and it always will be. We can spend endless ink reacting to endless controversies—transgenderism, AI, the American political system—but many Christians remain unprepared to stand firm in Christ when real disruption hits: suffering, temptation, doubt, conflict, disappointment, loss. We are facing a discipleship deficit.

I believe in preaching. But a 45-minute monologue once a week—delivered by one person—cannot, by itself, meet the discipleship needs of an entire congregation. Weekly Bible studies provide another layer, but many believers can’t attend consistently because of work and family constraints. So we’re left with a practical question: how do we provide consistent, effective discipleship to most Christians?

My answer is simple: people must read more.

We live in a golden age of biblical resources. With Logos and other digital libraries, The Gospel Coalition, 9Marks, and a flood of faithful publishers, written material abounds for Christians to read and study. And yet many believers interact with almost none of it. Church bookstores and libraries sit underused. Reading—one of the most accessible discipleship tools we have—often remains untouched.

Why the apathy? A few reasons stand out.

First, we are distracted—especially by our phones. Reading requires attention. You can “watch” Netflix while scrolling, but a book demands your mind and your presence. If we want to grow through reading, we have to create space for focus—often meaning the phone must be removed.

Second, church leaders rarely assign or recommend books in their teaching. We can unintentionally train people to rely almost exclusively on sermons. But pastors can help the congregation go beyond the words of the preacher by regularly pointing to resources. If you’re teaching a series on the Trinity, challenge the church to read one accessible book that deepens understanding. If you’re preaching through Romans, recommend a clear companion guide. Small nudges—repeated over time—build a reading culture.

Third, many Christians read narrowly, and the dominant lane is often apocalyptic/prophecy literature. Book sales reflect this. Amir Tsarfati and Barry Stagner’s Until He Comes is currently leading Christian nonfiction lists. The Left Behind series has sold over 80 million copies, and Hal Lindsey’s The Late Great Planet Earth is estimated around 35 million. There’s nothing wrong with interest in eschatology, and Revelation is Scripture—we should read it. But when speculative material becomes the primary diet, discipleship suffers. We end up with believers who can debate timelines and headlines but struggle to explain basic doctrine, trace the storyline of Scripture, or articulate the gospel with clarity. It’s like a child refusing wholesome food for candy: sweet, stimulating, and ultimately malnourishing.

If we want a sturdier church, we must cultivate better reading habits—personally and corporately. Churches should make it easy for people to buy good books that strengthen faith and practice. Pastors and leaders should organize book clubs that tackle foundational theology, church history, spiritual disciplines, and cultural discernment. And we should normalize the idea that growing Christians are learning Christians.

I grew up active in church. I heard three sermons a week—from Sunday worship to youth group. But I was never challenged to read anything. I knew little theology. I still wonder how different my early faith might have been if I’d read To the Golden Shore—the story of Adoniram Judson—while I was in high school. Maybe my passion for missions would have been shaped earlier and deeper.

One simple tool to start using is Goodreads. You can follow friends, see what they’re reading, and get recommendations. You can also set a yearly reading goal—an attainable challenge that helps you build momentum.

Then move from apps to relationships: ask your pastors or Bible study leaders what they’re reading. Many faithful leaders regularly share their reading lists. I follow Al Mohler and Kevin DeYoung, both of whom consistently point people to worthwhile books. DeYoung’s podcast, Theology, Books, and Everything, is especially helpful for discovering your next read.

Be an explorer for good books. Your time is precious—don’t spend it on bad ones.

Right now, I’m starting a theology club in our youth group at Bent Tree. No one has signed up yet—but I’m going to keep pressing them to love reading. And, by the way, my daughter hasn’t signed up either.