Books That Shaped My 2025

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to share some of the books that shaped my 2025. Some I reread, some challenged me, some were dense, some were an easier read, but all shaped my thinking, especially as I was doing research for my upcoming book Cultural Crossroads: From Challenges to Impact - Ethnic Churches in the American Mosaic.

Below is the list, in no particular order, and some of my thoughts.

1. Reversed Thunder by Eugene Peterson

   A deeply pastoral reading of Revelation that resists speculation and invites faithful imagination. Peterson, in his style (if you’ve ever read his books you know), frames Revelation as spiritual formation for everyday discipleship rather than a puzzle to be solved. This book was especially helpful in my sermon prep as we walked through the seven churches of Revelation at House of the Gospel.

2. The Story of Christian Theology by Roger Olson

   A clear, sweeping narrative of how Christian doctrine developed across history. Olson frames today’s theological debates within a long, living tradition of the church.

3. The New Pilgrims by Joseph Castleberry

   I first read this book couple of years ago and returned to it in 2025 as it directly inspired a few chapters of Cultural Crossroads. I was also honored to correspond with Dr. Castleberry and receive his endorsement, which made this reread especially meaningful.

4. Context and Contextuality by Vyacheslav Tsvirinko

   Written by a former pastor at House of the Gospel, this in-depth work provides great insight into how theology lives within cultures. Tsvirinko’s research on the Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association (PCSBA) churches was extremely helpful.

5. The Apostolic Fathers by Michael W. Holmes (ed.)

   Book on the earliest post-apostolic voices of the church, a reminder on how theology, mission, and community were embodied before ‘institutional’ Christianity fully emerged. If you want to read writings from the early church (2nd-4th centuries), this book is a great place to start.

6. Tapestry of Grace by Benjamin C. Shin & Sheryl Takagi Silzer

   A theologically rich and pastorally sensitive exploration of Asian American church. The authors do a great job weaving identity, challenges, and hope into a larger gospel narrative.

7. Multiasian.church by DJ Chuang

   A practical strategic guide for understanding Asian American church life.

8. Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz

   A foundational text for anyone serious about multiethnic ministry. Author offers concrete frameworks rooted in conviction, Scripture, and experience.

9. Ethiopian Diaspora Churches on Mission by Mehari Tedla Korcho

   A thoughtful missiological study of Ethiopian diaspora churches in the United States. This book introduced me to a church community I had previously known very little about.

10. United by Faith by Curtiss Paul DeYoung, Michael O. Emerson, George Yancey, and Karen Chai Kim

    A very impressive sociological study on race and religion in America. Authors examine multiracial Christian communities and challenge the norm of racially homogeneous congregations.

What books shaped your year? Would love to hear from you.