Each summer at The Trails we take a break from some of our normal ministry rhythms to slow down and spend time with our families. And while this season of rest is vital for every member of our church, we never want to take a break from discipleship. Afterall, Christ’s commission to make disciples is the heartbeat of the church’s mission and a never ending task. This work of discipleship typically occurs in two kinds of spaces at The Trails: learning environments (think Bible studies and the Sunday morning sermon) and community environments (think community groups and men/women’s events). While groups and Bible studies take a break during the summer months, we’ve tried to create additional opportunities to cultivate learning and community through books studies. And this summer we’re excited that each study will be led by one of the elders at The Trails. Each pastor has selected a book that we think is important and worth reading with the church. Here’s how it will work:

1. Register for the book study you want to attend at this link. Registration is free and you can attend more than one study
2. Buy the book using the links provided in this article or the registration form
3. Read the book on your own ahead of time
4. Show up to the study and discuss the book with a pastor and other members of The Trails

Here is a list of the books we’ll be reading along with a brief summary of each.

The Power of Christian Contentment: Finding Deeper, Richer Christ-Centered Joy | Andrew M. Davis

Based on Jeremiah Burroughs’ classic The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, this book challenges Christians to confront the sources of discontentment in their lives and embrace Paul's teaching on contentment in all circumstances. Andy Davis modernizes the puritan’s timeless wisdom from “The Rare Jewel” and invites readers into a life of deeper, richer joy that can only be found in Christ.

The Pilgrim’s Progress | John Bunyan

In this classic allegory, Bunyan tells the story of Christian on his pilgrimage to the Celestial City amidst all of life’s trials and tribulations. It’s still one of the best-selling books of all time and for good reason. Spurgeon himself estimated that he read it over 100 times! More than just a work of fiction, it is a commentary on the Christian life and a great encouragement to all who read it.

Union with Christ: The Blessings of Being in Him | Sinclair Ferguson

In this book, the great Sinclair Ferguson explores one of the most misunderstood and underexplored doctrines of Christiainty (and what he calls the defining reality of the Christian faith), our union with Christ. He argues that recovering this New Testament phrase is the key to understanding our identity and enjoying all the blessings of salvation. Once we better understand this doctrine, we can live out of the fullness of joy, purpose, and assurance that the gospel brings.

The Problem of Pain | C.S. Lewis

Why would a good and loving God allow so much pain and suffering in the world? In this work, Lewis takes on this difficult but important question that all Christians must face. Along the way, he shares his hope and wisdom to help heal a world hungering for a true understanding of human nature. And he points us to the ultimate hope we have in Christ and a future with him in heaven.

Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work | Timothy Keller

In this book, the late Tim Keller shows readers that biblical wisdom is immensely relevant to our questions about work today. By presenting a Christian view of work, Keller argues that our work must ultimately serve others and not ourselves. Furthermore, as Christians our work should be marked by excellence, integrity, discipline, creativity, and passion, since even our time in the workplace is an opportunity to worship God.

On the Christian Life: A New Translation | John Calvin

Often referred to as Calvin’s “Golden Booklet,” this short work suggests that a deep understanding of theology is worthless if the gospel has yet to “penetrate into the most intimate affection of the heart.” Calvin covers topics like self-denial, submission to God, bearing one’s cross, enduring suffering for the sake of righteousness, and meditating on the life to come, all in under 100 pages!

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family | Paul David Tripp

In this bestselling book, Tripp unfolds a more biblical perspective on parenting than merely adhering to a list of rules. He lays out 14 gospel-centered principles that will radically change the way parents think about what it means to raise up a child, informing everything they do as a parent. Biblical, practical, and gospel-centered, this book is a resource for parents with kids of all ages.