As CAFO President Jedd Medefind regularly says: all ministry is a pouring out.
Life spills from us into others to bring them health. But when life pours out of us without life pouring in, we eventually run dry.
The CAFO team regularly meets to learn and practice spiritual formation rhythms. We pray together and encourage one another as we seek to receive more life and health from Jesus. Our team also loves to read and we have found much encouragement and consolation through the words of other Jesus followers.
The following books are some of the team’s most recommended reading to help encourage your spiritual formation this year and strengthen your soul for a vibrant ministry in 2026 and beyond!
We hope you can find something new and encouraging to read this year in the list below.
Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
“This book has transformed my prayer life. Breathing is part of our everyday life, and this book focuses on using that very breath to breathe the words of Jesus in and out. Prayer is no longer siloed, but an integral part of my living and breathing.” – Recommended by Katrina Brown, Summit Special Projects Coordinator
Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
“This is my favorite book. It was very influential in setting my heart for missions and trying to live with an eternal purpose.” – Recommended by Leah Sutterlin, Data & Technology Strategist, More Than Enough
God is Stranger: Finding God in Unexpected Places by Krish Kandiah
“I love Kandian’s way of finding Jesus in unexpected ways.” – Recommended by Ade Olowo, Africa Coach, Global Network
Hopkins: Poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins
“Gerard Manley Hopkins is my favorite poet. His writings wake my heart to God, to the world, and to others—as well as to the love of words.” – Recommended by Rachel Medefind, Director, Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
“This is probably my top pick of daily devotional books, besides the Bible. I find Tripp’s writing a great mix of bluntness (conviction), poetry (beauty) and practical application of scripture. He introduced me to the concept of “glory thieves,” which I think is a great description of the natural inclination of every human heart.” – Recommended by Michelle Clements, Director of Development and Discipleship
Out of the Wilderness: 31 Devotions to Walk with God Through Your Hardest Seasons by Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma
“It feels like a gentle reminder that God is present in the confusing and quiet seasons of life, even when we cannot see the way forward. The authors write with such honesty and warmth that their stories linger and offer encouragement to anyone who needs reassurance and hope.” – Recommended by Dr. Amanda Howard, Senior Scholar, Research Center
Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
“I enjoyed this book as it’s a reminder to get back to the simplicity of just being an apprentice of Jesus. Simple principles of be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what Jesus did.” – Recommended by Jeremiah Brown, Director of Operations
Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren
“I find myself coming back to this book time and time again. The author balances so well the duality of suffering and hope. I’ve found it helpful not only in my own journeys of grief, but also as I travel with others through theirs.” – Recommended by Laura Cooper, Manager of Network Programming, Global Network
“It’s the best book on suffering and navigating connection with God in the midst of suffering that I’ve ever read. Warren is both theologically rooted and high-IQ in her approach, which I find to be rare. It’s a book that you can actually give to someone who is hurting and know they will receive both truth and care. – Recommended by Katie Casselberry, Director of Marketing for US Initiatives
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
“I love this book because it was an easy read that helped me evaluate how I was practicing solitude, Sabbath, simplicity, and slowing down in my day-to-day life.” – Recommended by Alyssa Dunahoo, Administrative Assistant, Pure Religion Project
Soul Tending by Virgil Tanner
“This book has helped my 2025 be a year that despite the losses and hardship helped me be present and in good health. ” – Recommended by Ana Lucía Cornejo, Latin America Liaison, Research Center
Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan
“I grew up singing hymns so this book is a delight. It includes the hymn lyrics and the story of the author and how it was written. When my son was a baby, nightly we would read the story of the hymn, then sing the ones we knew. It’s a sacred and interactive book filled with rich theology, enjoy.” – Recommended by Ashley Reyes, Director of Soul Care and Culture
Try Softer by Aundi Kolber
“This book is a true breath of fresh air, gently reminding you that growth doesn’t have to come from pushing harder. It’s compassionate and practical, especially for achievers who are ready to strive less, listen more, and discover a kinder, more sustainable way to grow.” –Recommended by Robin Garcia, Digital Communications Coordinator
Whiter than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy by Paul David Tripp
“This collection of poems and reflections has been incredibly meaningful to me over the past ten years. If you resonate at all with Paul’s “I do not do what I want to do, but the thing I do not want to do I keep doing” and/or David’s 51st Psalm, then you’ll enjoy this. And even if you don’t, this book will take you on a gentle journey of reflection on your own brokenness and the magnitude of God’s mercy towards our ever-failing selves.” – Recommended by Rachel Jackson, Community Impact Strategist, More Than Enough
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If you’re looking for more resources or opportunities to grow spiritually with your team this year, check out our 2026 Spiritual Formation Calendar Experience, designed for teams to explore biblically-rooted practices and themes of spiritual formation. CAFO Members get 50% off the course price! Contact spiritualformation@cafo.org for more details.
