Books and business

A few days ago a brother in the church which I serve asked me for book recommendations for Christians in business. Having only two or three volumes at my disposal, I wrote out to a few fellow-pastors and other friends seeking their counsels.

What follows is a consolidated list of responses. I wish particularly to thank David Murray of HeadHeartHand, who kindly provided me with a catalogue of links he has compiled over time addressing matters of business or vocation (included at the bottom of the book list). I should make clear that several respondents made plain that book mentions or links did not constitute unqualified endorsements (noted below at one or two points), a point which I would echo, and everything here should - as ever - be read with discernment and care. However, I trust that it might prove useful to others, and so I offer it in that hope.

I also thought you might appreciate the following counsel, passed on through one man:

"I would simply tell any Christian entrepreneur to go for all providence will afford with two major texts bolstering your front and rear: Mark 4:19 (". . . and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful") and Proverbs 23:4-5 ("Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven").

And now, that book list . . .

• The Bible (especially the wisdom literature, notably Proverbs - Charles Bridges commentary was recommended as being especially illuminating).
• Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions and Eternity (with some reservations about certain elements).
• James W. Alexander et al, The Man of Business: His Influence, Temptations, Responsibilities, Enterprise and Principles of Action.
• Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory (various relevant sections).
• Craig L. Blomberg, Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions (more academic in tone).
• William Bridge, "How to Walk with God in our Callings" (in Works, vol. 5)
• William Bridge, "What Our Work Is, and How to be Done" (in Works, vol. 5)
• Fred Catherwood, The Creation of Wealth.
• George Grant, The Micah Mandate: Balancing the Christian Life.
• Wayne Grudem, Business for the Glory of God. See review here.
• Paul Helm, The Callings: The Gospel in the World.
• Tim Keller, Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's People.
• John Piper, Don't Waste Your Life (deals helpfully with our priorities).
• J. C. Ryle, Practical Religion (various relevant sections).
• W. B. Sprague, Letters To Young Men (various relevant sections).
• Richard Steele, The Religious Tradesman; or Plain and Serious Hints of Advice for the Tradesman's Prudent and Pious Conduct.
• The biographies of and reports on accomplished men and rascals within and without the business sphere, the former for examples, the latter as cautionary tales.

And the Murray links . . .

Business

• 7 Things Pastors Should Teach Those in the Marketplace | 9Marks
• Business As Ministry - Desiring God
• Why Business Matters to God: And What Still Needs to Be Fixed: Jeff Van Duzer: Amazon.com: Kindle Store
• Book Reviews | Review: How The Church Fails Businesspeople - The Gospel Coalition
• What Makes Business Christian? Part 2 « Between The Times
• Ei Forum - 2011 Ei Forum - Tim Keller Video Clip 1 (2011) - Center for Faith & Work

Vocation

• Why We Need Plumbers--and Pastors | Leadership Journal
• When the Gospel Invades Your Office: Tim Keller on Faith and Work - The Gospel Coalition Blog
• The Purpose of Work - The Gospel Coalition Blog
• "Secular" Vocation as a Calling | For Christ and Culture
• Sanctified By Doing Your Job - Desiring God
• The Power of Faith Through Vocation (Heb. 11) | Austin City Life
• Patrick Lai on the Doctrine of Vocation - Desiring God
• Why A Christian Understanding of Work Matters: Matt Perman Interview | Sojourn Blog Sojourn Blog
• What Makes Business Christian? Part 1 « Between The Times
• Five Thoughts on Vocation | Philosophical Fragments
• How to Glorify God at Work - Desiring God
• Tim Keller on Discerning Your Calling : What's Best Next
• Westminster Seminary California - Resources - How to Discover Your Calling by Michael S. Horton:: Westminster Seminary California
• A Lutheran and a Wesleyan Dialoge about Work and Vocation - Justin Taylor
• The Wittenberg Door: The Puritans, Work, and You
• 12 Ways to Glorify God at Work - Desiring God
• The 4 P's of Business - Kevin DeYoung
• Business as a Form of Christian Ministry | Acton Institute PowerBlog
• Theology at Work & David W. Miller | Acton Institute PowerBlog
• Tim Keller: Spiritual and Secular Jobs are God's Work | Christianpost.com