As Christian publications release their lists of 2025’s best books, works by PCA authors are on many of the lists.
Brad Edwards’ “The Reason for Church” was Christianity Today’s Book of the Year as well as its winner in the Pastoral Leadership category.
“Brad Edwards’s incisive yet gracious book is apt for this moment—in which even many Christians imagine they can do without the community and obligations of a local congregation—and its call of steadfast commitment to the body of Christ will always be needful and true,” wrote Bonnie Kristian, CT’s deputy editor.
The Gospel Coalition recognized “The Reason for Church” as the winner of its First-Time Author category. Read byFaith’s review of “The Reason for Church.”
“I’d hoped ‘The Reason for Church’ would be a practical help and encouragement to pastors and church planters who, like me, felt like they’ve been doing ministry with one (or both) hands tied behind their back,” Edwards told byFaith. “Beyond that, I never expected an apologetic for the institutional church to get much more than the occasional side-eye. To see it resonate so broadly is encouraging beyond words, and a powerful reminder that God is still very much at work in the Body of Christ!”
“Tim Keller on the Christian Life” by Matthew Smethurst won the History and Biography category at The Gospel Coalition and was named WORLD’s Book of the Year. Jason Helopoulos reviewed the book for byFaith.
“The book is not a biography, and it doesn’t get into the debates over Keller’s political views or his influence within the PCA,” wrote WORLD’s editor-at-large Timothy Lamer. “Instead, Smethurst focuses like a laser on what Keller had to say about one area: Christian living.
This well-written book will convict but also encourage Christians who read it, helping them as they pray, pursue friendships, go to work, consider how to help their poor neighbors, and endure suffering themselves.”
Covenant College professor Kelly Kapic had two titles recognized by TGC. His book “Christian Life” won the Theological Studies Award of Distinction for TGC, and his devotional book “You Were Never Meant to Do it All” won the Devotional Literature category.
Michael Morales’ commentary on Numbers 20-36 won the Award of Distinction in TGC’s Biblical Studies category, and “A Heart Aflame for God” by Matthew Bingham won the Award of Distinction for Popular Theology at TGC. Read byFaith’s review of “A Heart Aflame for God.”
View the full lists for The Gospel Coalition Book Awards and Christianity Today Book Awards.