As January comes to a close, the only blizzard we're happy to see is a blizzard of best books from 2014. As you read over these lists, perhaps you'll discover your best book for 2015.

From Randy Seager, chair of the Council of Elders

Faith in the Halls of Power: How evangelicals joined the America elite. Michael Lindsay provides a valuable perspective on evangelicals in key roles of politics, media, academia and business.
Lincoln on Leadership: Executive strategies for tough times by Donald Phillips. Insights through one of our nation's greatest leaders, with a view of how we can utilize these strategies in the organizations we lead and work.

From Anson Johnson, chair of the Board of Deacons

Trail of 32 by Paul Rega. A book Boy Scout troop from Wood Dale, Illinois that rode their bikes from Wood Dale to Jacksonville, Florida, in 1972. A great story from the view of one of the scouts on the trip. Can you imagine sending your 11-year-old son on a month-long journey of that caliber. I should make adventures for my sons of that magnitude.
Brief by Joseph McCormack. Say more with less. This is a great book for anyone who needs to present data or ideas to others. We all tend to be long-winded. This books helps solve that. I present to senior leaders and the board of directors in my job and this book has been insightful.
The Next Level by Scott Eblin. This book is designed to help us understand what is required at the next level. People are promoted because of hard work, effort and experience. The next level almost always requires a different skill set. This book helps us recognize the road signs on this journey and navigate new responsibilities.
Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell is about a Navy Seal who went on a mission in Afghanistan and was the only Seal to return home alive. This book inspires me when I feel like I am having a bad day.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. A great book and I will most likely not see the movie. My fear is that the images I drew in my mind from reading the book will be diminished by the movie. The climax of the story is how the main character is truly saved.

From Nancy Singer, Director of Administration and Finance

The Jesus Code, 52 Scripture Questions Every Believer Should Answer by O.S. Hawkins. None of the questions was a surprise that it would be in the top 52, but the book gives more than simple answers to the questions. Providing background, context and Scripture, Hawkins provides answers that help the reader see how Scripture can be applied to his or her life as well as provide guideposts to point others to the saving faith of Christ.

From Wil Triggs, Director of Communications

Out of the Dark Night. A collection of stories, testimonies really, from Christians in Vietnam. I became friends with the publisher at LittWorld 2012 and it was inspiring to read God at work in the words of these believers. This was also our book of the month for July.
Seven Men by Eby William P. Farleyeven weeks this past summer. It was great to make new friends over this exploration of heroic lives. Thanks to all who participated.
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. I've been checking this out of the library and haven't finished it. That's okay. I check it out and read a few pages at a time. I've heard the ending is sad. I don't want to finish it. I want to savor the writing--about a French girl who's blind and a German orphan boy in World War 2.
Mobile for Good by Heather Mansfield. Interesting overview and study of mobile and social communications and fundraising for non-profits and charities.
Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin. This contemporary novel was a best-seller in Korea. It reads like a modern-day riff on Proverbs 31 from a popular novelist there, also the January selection for the contemporary book group at the Wheaton Public Library.

From Pastor Todd Augustine

Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us about Surviving and Thriving by Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman and Donald C. Guthrie
Gospel Patron: People Whose Generosity Changed the World by John Rinehart
How We Got to Now: Six Innovations that Made the Modern World by Steven Johnson
Encounters with Jesus: Unexpected Answers to Life's Biggest Questions by Timothy Keller
Hidden in the Gospel: Truths You Forget to Tell Yourself Everyday by William P. Farley
The Tides of Life: Learning to Lead and Serve as You Navigate the Tides of Life by C. William Pollard
Problems of Christian Leadership by John Stott.