We are pleased to announce the launch of a new annual feature: The FTC Book Awards. A selection of judges from our council, editorial staff, and contributors each recommend a 2017 Christian title that represents a significant contribution to the Church and her pursuit of a gospel-centered faith.
We begin with the top prize:
THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD
Reformation Theology: A Systematic Summary edited by Matthew Barrett (Crossway)
"On the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it’s fitting that my book of the year is tied to that momentous event. Reformation Theology, edited by Midwestern Seminary’s own Matthew Barrett, is a monumental achievement. With contributions by some of this generations leading theologians, this massive tome presents a near-comprehensive collection of essays on Reformation doctrine. Reformation Theology also reminds us that the best pastors are theologically minded, and the best theologians are pastorally minded."
– Jason K. Allen, President of Midwestern Seminary and FTC Editor in Chief
OTHER WINNERS
The ESV Large Print Thinline Bible (Crossway)
"In the year where we commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, I can think of no better book to commend than The Book that Luther and others credited with 'doing the work' of revival from which we are still benefiting. I was given my first copy of the ESV in 2001 at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. Since then, I’ve been through three copies of the ESV and was delighted to see this Large Print and Thinline version appear this year. On a long Saturday morning, I transferred all my written notes from my other ESV’s over to this new version and have felt at home with it ever since. I love the Bible and I commend highly the ESV and this version for the church."
– Jason G. Duesing, Provost of Midwestern Seminary and FTC Editorial Council member
"A much-needed volume to speak to the pervasive issue of race in our broader culture and the SBC particularly. The chapters connect pastors and church leaders to the gospel mandates that fundamentally re-order our thinking when it comes to the challenges of race. The historical overview of the SBC’s willingness to formally address the problem of racism is worth the cost of the book alone."
– John Mark Yeats, Dean of Midwestern College and FTC Editorial Council member
From Weakness to Strength: 8 Vulnerabilities That Can Bring Out the Best in Your Leadership by Scott Sauls (David C. Cook)
"The spiritual and ministerial mortality rate among Christians leaders is at an all-time high. From Weakness to Strength sheds gospel light on some of the most common symptoms, powerfully pointing us towards our only hope: Jesus. I could not recommend the book more highly for leaders at every level."
– Charles Smith, Vice President of Institutional Relations at Midwestern Seminary and FTC Editorial Council member
"I’ve never thought of myself as a strong leader, or even a good leader. Much of that is due to knowing my own sinfulness and weaknesses, though God continues to place me in opportunities of leadership. Scott Sauls’s From Weakness to Strength has both deeply convicted and refreshingly encouraged me in my pursuit of growing as a leader at home and at work."
– Dave Wright, Director of Communications at Midwestern Seminary
The Curious Christian: How Discovering Wonder Enriches Every Part of Life by Barnabas Piper (Broadman & Holman)
"Piper's latest book is a lively guide to the vital 'discipline' of curiosity and a trenchant examination of how its deficiency in contemporary Christianity is at the root of so many of our divisions and conflicts. A unique perspective — and a convincing one — The Curious Christian is a playful and profound foray into the fields of the Lord and a helpful aid to the believers' call to keep our eyes wide open."
– Jared C. Wilson, Director of Content Strategy at Midwestern Seminary and FTC Managing Editor
Theology of My Life: A Theological and Apologetic Memoir by John Frame (Cascade)
"John Frame's book shows the importance — and difficulty — of pursuing a biblically-driven theological ministry. Frame's life has included many joys and many challenges, and his humble-voiced reminiscence will remind the rising generation of pastors that working in the fields that are white for harvest will mean no easy road. To follow the Word of God wherever it leads, however, is worth all the cost; all who do so will be richly rewarded in the age to come."
– Owen Strachan, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Seminary and Director of The Center for Public Theology
How Can I Be Right with God? by R.C. Sproul (Reformation Trust)
"When a pastor walks into the pulpit, Satan will be whispering in his ear, 'You are not worthy to preach this good news.' And he is right. At that moment, the pastor has two choices: despair in the truth of Satan’s accusation or trust in the worthiness of another, Christ Jesus. It may be a little book, but R. C. Sproul’s How Can I be Right with God? packs a punch. More than anything, churches need to remember that apart from the imputed righteousness of Christ, they would hear no good news on a Sunday morning. R. C. is now with the Lord, but he left behind the gospel, a message of good news to the ungodly, pastors included."
– Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Seminary and Executive Editor of Credo Magazine
God's Very Good Idea: A True Story of God's Delightfully Different Family by Trillia Newbell (The Good Book Company)
"I recommend this book for adults and children alike. The illustrations are beautiful and the truths explained are eternal. Newbell does a wonderful job sharing the truth that God’s idea has always been for a multi-ethnic church in a way accessible for children."
– Allyson Todd, FTC Editorial Assistant
Reading the Bible Supernaturally: Seeing and Savoring the Glory of God in Scripture by John Piper (Crossway)
"At 430 pages, Piper's latest title is well worth the time and effort put forth in reading. He rightly asserts, it is only by the Spirit's illumining of Scripture and our reading it that the "miracle of seeing the beauty of Christ" actually happens. Read your Bible, first. Read Piper to help fuel your love and appreciation for what you find there."
– Mike Brooks, FTC Editorial Assistant