C.S. Lewis once said that “the true reader reads every work wholeheartedly, making himself as receptive as he can.” Every Christian should have a study — whether it’s a small study at home, a short shelf in the living room, or a backpack filled with books, it is both good and necessary.

The purpose of a study shouldn’t be for the sole intention of gathering information (although that partly what happens), but to be discipled by saints who have gone before us and those whom the Lord is at work through currently. While there isn’t anything new under the sun, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing new for you to learn today.

For years, I have been curating my library. It’s taken so many different shapes over the last fifteen years. I’ve owned too many books, given books away, sold others, and then crowded my desk and shelves again. Looking back, I don’t see indecisiveness, but sanctification. The Lord has used countless authors to shape how I think about life, ministry, and the quiet rhythms of ordinary faithfulness.

Books, productivity, and strategic learning have not been nerdy investments nor have they only been interests due to “my wiring,” but they have been formative and the Christian life is formational. As a pastor, I’m not just called to the preparation of sermons or theological development, but meaningful discipleship. A pastor’s study is a wonderful step toward personal discipleship. A reminder that pastors are not only students, but sheep too.

There are books that have been challenging, while others have been comforting. But one thing that’s for sure, the Lord has used books to help shape an approach to faithful ministry and the stewardship of presence.

So, build the study — whatever it looks like. Do the reading — not just for information, but formation. Start with where you are and with what you can — that’s the point of being faithful. And over time, watch the Lord shape the posture of your heart as you steward your time, ministry, and ordinary rhythms.

Lewis reminds us that the true reader approaches every book with an open heart. May we do the same, trusting that the Lord often uses faithful authors to form faithful disciples.