Books have the power to help us go deeper on our spiritual journey.
They can challenge our assumptions, deepen our faith, help us navigate difficult seasons, and invite us into a more authentic relationship with God.
My writing focuses on how the Christian faith speaks to the realities of everyday life and how following Jesus can transform us from the inside out, giving us a more just and loving way of life.
What Christians Do: Living Like Jesus in a Divided World
Coming October 2026
In my lifetime as a Christian and now for quite a few years as a pastor, I’ve noticed that what a person professes to believe doesn’t always align with what they do. In short, Christians can be remarkably unchristlike.
Christians believe in Jesus. But we need to do more than that—we need to follow Jesus and be willing to put in the work to become more like Jesus in our everyday lives. That is harder than just believing the right things, but it is also so much deeper and more fulfilling.
In this study, I will walk through a set of scripturally grounded practices meant to form us ever more in the image of Christ: surrender, forgiveness, empathy, mercy and justice, wrestling with God, and sharing faith.
These practices invite you into a faith that isn’t afraid of hard questions or big problems. This is a faith that makes a difference, transforming us so we can make a difference in the world.
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New Life in Christ
A Discipleship Booklet for New Christians
New Life in Christ is a practical booklet designed to help people take their first steps in following Jesus. Whether you have recently made a commitment to Christ, renewed your faith, or joined a church for the first time, this resource provides a clear introduction to the Christian life.
Available directly from Mark Reynolds for churches, membership classes, and individual use.
ENDORSEMENTS FOR NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
“Mark Reynolds has written a resource every pastor longs for–a booklet to give to those who make or renew a commitment to Christ. Good spiritual guides know that such people need immediate counsel and encouragement in order to continue the journey. Mark’s pastoral experience enables him to offer this much-needed gift to the Church. I hope it will be used widely across the Body of Christ.”
–Dr Steve Harper, Retired Professor of Spiritual Formation and Elder in The United Methodist Church.
“As a pastor, I was often trying to find material for the person who just made a decision to be a follower of Jesus. Mark Reynolds has written a very helpful book which guides a person in the next steps to discipleship. I think many persons will be guided in helpful ways by this book.”
–Richard J. Wills, Jr. Bishop (Retired) The United Methodist Church
“Kudos Mark! As a United Methodist pastor, many people in the congregations where I’ve served ask questions like, “What does it mean to be saved?” “How do I know I’m a Christian?” or “Now what do I do since I’ve made a decision to follow Jesus?” New Life in Christ gives clear and concise answers to these questions. Yes! Salvation is a dynamic process that is lived each day of our lives and not just a static one-time decision. This gold mine of information teaches us some important steps in the journey.”
–Rev. Douglas Townley, Retired United Methodist Pastor
The Way of Holiness
Coming Lent 2027
I’m honored to be one of six pastors contributing to The Way of Holiness, a new Lenten study from Abingdon Press. This book invites readers to use Lent as a season of spiritual course correction, asking whether our lives are truly centered on Jesus and offering practical ways to grow in love of God, neighbor, and self. It also offers a compelling description of holiness in the Wesleyan tradition.
I had the privilege of writing Chapter 6, which reflects on one of the most overlooked parts of the Greatest Commandment: learning to love ourselves as God loves us. Too often, Christians are taught self-denial without also embracing the truth that we are beloved children of God, worthy of compassion, grace, and care.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual renewal, deeper discipleship, or a richer understanding of holiness, The Way of Holiness offers thoughtful reflections and practical guidance to accompany you throughout the season of Lent. Look for The Way of Holiness in winter 2027, and join us on a journey of grace, transformation, and holy love.
Why I Write
Writing is one way God renews my spirit.
For most of my life, I’ve been preaching, teaching, and helping people wrestle with questions of faith, doubt, forgiveness, relationships, and spiritual growth. Writing allows me to continue those conversations beyond Sunday morning and reach people I may never meet in person.
Some of my deepest reflections come while sitting on my porch with a cup of coffee, walking on the beach, or waiting for the next wave on my surfboard. Writing helps me slow down, listen for God’s voice, and explore the questions that matter most. It is both a spiritual discipline and a ministry.
My hope is that these books and resources will encourage people who are seeking a deeper faith, grappling with difficult questions, recovering from painful religious experiences, or simply trying to follow Jesus more faithfully in everyday life.
If something you read here encourages, challenges, or helps you take another step on your spiritual journey, this ministry is accomplishing its purpose.
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Pastor Mark Reynolds 
Your style is very unique compared to other folks I have read
stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the
opportunity, Guess I will just bookmark this blog.
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Thank you for your kind words! I’ve been swamped with teaching responsibilities the last several weeks, But I’ll be writing and posting again soon.
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