Books that Matter

InterVarsity wants to disciple students in all aspects—heart, soul, and mind. We want to see them deepen their relationship with Christ and their engagement in his kingdom.

In 1943 we published our first domestic piece: a Bible study guide called Discovering the Gospel of Mark. A few years later in 1947, a formal publishing branch was established, and InterVarsity Press was born.

We asked InterVarsity staff what books have been the most significant to them through the years, and what books they most often give their students. Here are some of the books they recommend.  

 

The Cross of Christ by John Stott

In these pages, John Stott, one of the 20th century’s leading pastors, teachers, and theologians, brings into focus the relevance and meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross—the heart of the Christian faith. More than a study of the atonement, this book brings Scripture into living dialogue with Christian theology and the twentieth century. What emerges is a pattern for Christian life and worship, hope, and mission. Given the horrors that humanity faces in every generation, the question answered here of who Jesus is and why he is central to Christianity is always relevant.

“Readable, theologically rich, and focuses me on God and Jesus.”

—Greg Jao, Vice President, Director of Campus Engagement

 

 

 

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

As a pastor and spiritual director, Adele Calhoun has cultivated spiritual disciplines in her own life and in the lives of many others as well. In this book she makes her help available to us all, providing clear directions for our continuing journey toward intimacy with Christ. In our increasingly frantic and overscheduled lives, spiritual disciplines can take a back burner to seemingly more pressing day-to-day concerns—especially when we are not sure exactly what living out these disciplines looks like. Anyone looking for explanation and practical direction will find this book meaningful.

“This book is a handy resource that makes spiritual disciplines [accessible].”

—Anna Lee-Winans, Area Director, Graduate & Faculty Ministries, New York/New Jersey

 

 

 

Excellence in Leadership: Reaching Goals with Prayer, Courage, and Determination by John White

Most of us find ourselves in a leadership position at some point in our lives, whether we are leaders in our jobs, at our church, or in our personal lives. John White, who worked for the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students(IFES) before becoming a professor at the University of Manitoba and a pastor at a local church there, explains how the book of Nehemiah provides the model we need for excellence in leadership. From the way Nehemiah overcame obstacles, we find practical solutions for surmounting the problems we encounter. From the way he achieved his goals, we learn how to accomplish the work God has called us to. With the wisdom and biblical insight White is known for, he shows us how to be action-oriented and prayer-oriented, a firm leader and a servant, a realist and a visionary.

“Excellence in Leadership is a great book on leadership and goes well with a book study of Nehemiah. I’ve used it with several different discipleship groups and two leadership teams; it covers prayer, planning, trust, and so much more.”

—InterVarsity Link staff member who works in a sensitive country

 

Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber

Every one of us must work out how gifts intersect with the world’s needs, whether we are just starting to figure out our career, staying home with kids, or nearing retirement. As principal of The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation & Culture, Steven Garber has spent a lot of time considering what vocation is and how to direct people to consider theirs. In these pages, he helps us explore how the world intersects with our calling and how the world’s flourishing leads to individual flourishing as well. His book is an important read for every Christian.

“Visions of Vocation leaves us to conclude that only the life lived attending to the call of God to love the world for the good of the world can bring a deep sense of joy and satisfaction with one’s life. Garber’s book both leaves us wanting that and points the way.”

—Bob Trube, Senior Area Director, Graduate & Faculty Ministries, Ohio Valley

 

 

Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents edited by Jeanette Yep, Peter Cha, Susan Cho Van Riesen, Greg Jao, and Paul Tokunaga

IVP has published a number of books meant for particular audiences; this book is a wonderful resource specifically for Asian Americans or those from similar cultures, as well as friends and mentors walking alongside them. Written by a team of Asian Americans who understand the cultural expectations from family and also the desire to serve Jesus faithfully, Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents serves as a helpful guide on an often difficult journey. Their accounts of humorous, frustrating, and heartbreaking personal experiences, as well as stories from other Asian American students and adults, offer support and encouragement. And their ideas for living out the Christian faith between two cultures show the way to wholeness.

“An all-time favorite book to give my students is Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents. Relationships with family are often a final hurdle to the decision to follow Jesus for Native students, and can create ongoing tensions. This is a great resource!”

—Megan Murdock Krischke, Regional Coordinator, Native Ministries, Rocky Mountain Region

 

Sex and Dating: Questions You Wish You Had Answers To by Mindy Meier

In this complicated age of hooking up and uncertain expectations, Mindy Meier, an InterVarsity staff member who works with Greek students, provides Christian insight into the realities of sex and dating. She looks at over thirty key questions about today’s relational issues and offers a wealth of real-life stories and practical examples. Sex and Dating is geared especially toward students and 20-somethings who are navigating the realities of dating in the modern world.

“Sex and Dating is straightforward, practical, and relatable. It’s been a great ‘go to’ book for my students and has helped to clarify the topic of relationships for them.”

—Alison Smith, Campus Staff Member, Greek InterVarsity, University of Utah

 

 

The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalog (5th Edition) by James W. Sire

We live in a pluralistic society; Christians hold only one of many worldviews we may come across in our everyday lives. As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, it’s more important than ever for us to be well versed about what our neighbors, coworkers, and friends believe. James Sire, whose career included working as a professor of philosophy and theology, a lecturer, and an editor for InterVarsity Press, gives us a clear, readable introduction to worldviews, including theism, deism, naturalism, Marxism, nihilism, existentialism, Eastern monism, New Age philosophy, and postmodernism.

“I read The Universe Next Door as a college student. This ‘catalogue of worldviews’ helped me understand where my friends were coming from when we talked about God or various philosophies and faiths. It helped me ask probing questions in conversations—questions that were illuminating and not judgmental, where my friends could begin to see where their worldviews were leading them.”

—Jeff Yourison, Campus Web Ministries Director

To browse more InterVarsity Press books, Bible studies, and resources, go to ivpress.com.