On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives as readers.
I asked Robert Smith—professor of preaching at Beeson Divinity School and author of Doctrine that Dances and The Oasis of God—about what’s on his nightstand, books that have shaped his thinking on gospel ministry and racial justice, and more.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
What books have most shaped how you view gospel ministry?
The Burdensome Joy of Preaching by James Earl Massey
Preaching and Preachers by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Lectures on Preaching by Phillips Brooks
What books have most shaped your understanding of racial justice?
Social Crisis Preaching by Kelly Miller Smith Sr.
Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman
What three books should every young pastor read?
Christ-Centered Preaching by Bryan Chapell
Stewards of the Story by James Earl Massey
The Trouble With the Church by Helmut Thielicke
Also from Robert Smith:
- Don’t Evict the Holy Spirit from Your Pulpit (podcast)
- Sermonic Eschatonics (conference media from workshop)
- Three Generations on Race Relations (video with Russell Moore and Jason Cook)
Also in the On My Shelf series: Andy Crouch • Walter Strickland • Hannah Anderson • S. D. Smith • Curtis Woods • Mindy Belz • Steve Timmis • David Mathis • Michael Lindsay • Nathan Finn • Jennifer Marshall • Todd Billings • Greg Thornbury • Greg Forster • Jen Pollock Michel • Sam Storms • Barton Swaim • John Stonestreet • George Marsden • Andrew Wilson • Sally Lloyd-Jones • Darryl Williamson • D. A. Horton • Carl Ellis • Owen Strachan • Thomas Kidd • David Murray • Jarvis Williams • Gracy Olmstead • Matthew Hall • Drew Dyck • Louis Markos • Ray Ortlund • Brett McCracken • Mez McConnell • Erik Raymond • Sandra McCracken • Tim Challies • Sammy Rhodes • Karen Ellis • Alastair Roberts • Scott Sauls • Karen Swallow Prior • Jackie Hill Perry • Bruce Ashford • Jonathan Leeman • Megan Hill • Marvin Olasky • David Wells • John Frame • Rod Dreher • James K. A. Smith • Randy Alcorn • Tom Schreiner • Trillia Newbell • Jen Wilkin • Joe Carter • Timothy George • Tim Keller • Bryan Chapell • Lauren Chandler • Mike Cosper • Russell Moore • Jared Wilson • Kathy Keller • J. D. Greear • Kevin DeYoung • Kathleen Nielson • Thabiti Anyabwile • Elyse Fitzpatrick • Collin Hansen • Fred Sanders • Rosaria Butterfield • Nancy Guthrie • Matt Chandler
Browse dozens of book recommendations from The Gospel Coalition’s leaders and sign up your church at Hubworthy.