Your summer reading list—books by Bethel faculty and leaders
By Heather Schnese S’12
June 18, 2026 | 9:15 a.m.
Bethel’s faculty and community leaders are scientists, historians, coaches, philosophers, scholars…and authors. They bring deep expertise to their fields while approaching their work from a distinctly Christian perspective—connecting big ideas to meaningful questions about faith, purpose, leadership, and service. And they’re bringing these ideas outside the classroom through books.
We wanted to share. So, we’ve compiled a list of published (or soon-to-be-published) books by Bethel faculty. If your summer plans include a little extra reading time—whether you’re at the cabin, on vacation, or simply enjoying a quieter pace—these books offer a chance to learn from the people teaching and leading at Bethel. This year’s titles include everything from practical workplace advice and thoughtful reflections on education to hopeful stories about faith, storytelling, and purpose. In other words, there’s likely something here for you. Happy reading!
Locke-ing and Un-Locke-ing the Declaration of Independence
Lynn Uzzell, political science professor; Julia Van Geest ’25; T.C. Le ’25
A new look at what shaped the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence
As the United States turns 250 this summer, this book will take you deep into the ideas that shaped America’s founding document. Through a line-by-line exploration of the Declaration of Independence, Uzzell examines how Thomas Jefferson drew from—and departed from—the philosophy of John Locke. Written with contributions from recent Bethel grads, Julia Van Geest and T.C. Le, who researched with Uzzell through the Edgren Scholars program, the book brings academic research into a timely national conversation. You’ll gain a clearer understanding of the principles behind the American Revolution and why those ideas still influence public life, political debate, and questions of justice today. You’ll also add a little historical perspective to your 4th of July celebration!
Purpose & Joy
Elisabeth Lefebvre (author), education professor; Rahn Franklin (contributor), vice president of inclusive excellence; John Dunne (contributor), New Testament and biblical and theological studies professor; Helen Stark (editor); Kristin VanEyk (author)
A thoughtful conversation about finding purpose and joy as faculty in Christian higher education
Purpose and Joy explores what it takes for faculty in Christian higher education to build meaningful, sustainable careers over time. Through personal essays written by academics, the book looks at the challenges faculty face—balancing teaching, research, leadership, faith, family, and personal well-being—while also pointing toward practices that foster resilience and fulfillment. The book creates space for reflection on vocation, calling, and longevity in academic life. Whether you work in higher education or simply want insight into how people pursue purpose in demanding careers, this book offers a hopeful vision for work that is meaningful and life-giving.
Why We Stay
Rachel Meixner, professor of psychology and education
For educators wanting to rediscover their purpose
Why We Stay offers encouragement and practical wisdom for educators who want not just to endure teaching, but to truly enjoy it. Drawing from research with veteran teachers in a high-need urban school, the book highlights the habits, mindsets, and relationships that help educators remain energized and committed over time. Instead of focusing on burnout and frustration, it asks a different question: What helps great teachers keep showing up with purpose and joy? Filled with real stories, actionable strategies, and hopeful insights, this book is a meaningful read for teachers at any stage who want to reconnect with the calling that first drew them to education. Classrooms are quiet, and the hammock is calling!
The Greatest Story Ever Retold
Jeannine Brown, New Testament professor and program director of online programs; John Dunne, New Testament and biblical and theological studies professor
A fresh way to explore Scripture and reflect on why the story of Jesus continues to resonate across generations
How do you imagine the Gospel stories? This book explores how each of us mentally “directs” the Gospel narrative—casting characters, imagining scenes, and interpreting dialogue through personal experience and culture. By examining portrayals of Jesus across two thousand years of storytelling, Dunne and Brown help us see how interpretation shapes our understanding. They consider how faithful Jesus films can be to the Gospels, the challenges of portraying Jesus on screen, and what these films can show us about the time and culture in which they were made. This might be the rare read that leaves you reaching for both your Bible and your streaming queue!
Trust at a Distance
Peggy Kendall, communications studies department chair and professor; David Horsager ’95, GS’07
Practical guidance for anyone leading or working on a remote or hybrid team
Since COVID, working remotely has become common, if not normal, for many of us, bringing with it a host of new workplace dynamics. Drawing from research, leadership experience, and real stories from employees and executives, Trust at a Distance explores how trust can break down across screens—and how leaders can rebuild it through clear communication, accountability, and meaningful connection. Kendall and Horsager, CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, combine research-backed insights with practical tools you can apply right away, including self-assessments and discussion guides. If your summer work routine could use a reset, this book offers practical ways to build stronger work connections and trust—no matter where your desk happens to be.
Flip Your Script
Kristi Piehl ’97, Board of Trustees member
Tools for using social media for positive and purposeful impact
Try rethinking the role of social media in your life. Drawing from her experience as an Emmy Award-winning journalist, public relations CEO, and storyteller, Piehl offers practical strategies for using digital platforms with purpose, authenticity, and impact. Through personal stories—including her family’s journey through her son’s cancer diagnosis—she shows how sharing honestly can build connection, trust, and hope. Whether you want to strengthen your professional presence, grow your influence, or simply use social media more intentionally, this practical read offers tools to help you take ownership of your story and use your voice for good. You’ll also support a great cause—proceeds from the book are donated to the Cancer and Blood Disorders Program at Children’s Minnesota.
You Have a Calling
Karen Swallow Prior, Karlson Scholar
Encouragement that your daily work, ordinary though it may be, can fulfill a higher calling
This 2026 Christian Book Award winner written by Bethel’s 2025-2026 Karlson Scholar explores how passion and calling are often conflated in ways that can mislead people seeking God’s direction for their lives. Prior helps us understand that passions come from within, while your calling, or vocation, comes from without and is about being called by others to serve. That crucial distinction can help you understand how God can use both your passions and your work, even if for different purposes. An encouraging read—you can find fulfillment!—and a great gift idea for the graduates in your life, complete with a free downloadable discussion guide.
Believing Again
Dan Taylor, professor of English emeritus
Hope for anyone wrestling with faith questions—or loving someone who is
Why do people return to faith after walking away? Taylor explores answers to this question in Believing Again. Rather than focusing on statistics or trends, he centers on the real stories of people who left Christianity—and later found their way back. Through honest and personal accounts, you’ll discover common themes of doubt, disappointment, healing, and renewed belief. Compassionate and thoughtful, this book offers hope and is a powerful reminder that faith journeys are rarely linear—and that grace has a way of drawing people back when they least expect it.
*This list (not exhaustive) is organized by publication date starting with the most recent. Feel free to email us at news@bethel.edu if you know of a book recently published by a Bethel faculty member or leader.
Learn from the Bethel community
Our faculty and community leaders are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians who will know you by name and invest in your success inside and outside the classroom. Mentoring, collaborating, and creating meaningful research and hands-on learning opportunities, they’ll help you grow academically, professionally, and spiritually.