On My Shelf helps you get to know various writers through a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives as readers.
I asked Zane Pratt—vice president for global training for the International Mission Board—about what’s on his nightstand, his favorite biographies, the books that have shaped his view of missions, and more.
1. What’s on your nightstand right now?
Christ Alone: The Uniqueness of Jesus as Savior by Steve Wellum
The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan
2. What are some books you re-read and why?
Richard Sibbes’s The Soul’s Conflict with Itself. I tend toward a melancholy disposition, and this Puritan classic has done me more good than any other book besides the Bible. I return to it often when I find myself discouraged.
3. What biographies or autobiographies have most influenced you and why?
To the Golden Shore: The Life of Adoniram Judson by Courtney Anderson. I first read this book early in my preparation for service overseas, and Judson’s perseverance in the face of slow work and incredible grief shaped my perspective on cross-cultural ministry. This is also a beautifully written book.
Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot. God used the story of the life and death of Jim Elliot quite powerfully in my own life as I wrestled with my call overseas.
4. What books have most shaped your view of gospel ministry?
The Religious Affections by Jonathan Edwards
5. What books have most shaped your view of missions?
Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours? by Roland Allen
An Introduction to the Science of Missions by J. H. Bavinck
Transforming Worldviews by Paul Hiebert
6. Which book do you wish every evangelical Christian would read and why?
The Mortification of Sin by John Owen. I see a tendency among evangelical Christians to view spiritual warfare primarily as conflict with the Devil and his demons, while failing to see that our most deadly enemy is our own flesh. The enemy inside the gate is far more dangerous than the enemy outside. Owen’s work on the mortification of sin is a much-needed corrective to the casual pursuit of holiness that characterizes too much of our discipleship.
Also in the On My Shelf series: Russ Ramsey • Jason Allen • Jason Cook • Mack Stiles • Michael Kruger • Robert Smith • Tony Merida • 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.
Is there enough evidence for us to believe the Gospels?
In an age of faith deconstruction and skepticism about the Bible’s authority, it’s common to hear claims that the Gospels are unreliable propaganda. And if the Gospels are shown to be historically unreliable, the whole foundation of Christianity begins to crumble.
