May 2026 ECPA Bestseller List:
10 Must-Read Christian Books
10 of ECPA's Top Bestsellers of May 2026
As each new month brings a fresh wave of Christian books into readers’ hands, the bestselling titles often reveal more than just what’s popular — they reflect the messages, stories, and biblical encouragement resonating most deeply with believers right now. From powerful devotionals and faith-building nonfiction to inspiring memoirs and compelling Christian fiction, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association bestseller lists offer a snapshot of the books impacting hearts and strengthening faith across the Christian community.
The May 2026 ECPA bestseller list features books that speak to a wide range of spiritual needs and interests. Some titles challenge readers to grow deeper in their walk with God, while others offer hope, healing, wisdom, or timely encouragement for difficult seasons. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful devotional, a thought-provoking Christian living book, or a story that points back to God’s truth, these bestselling reads continue to connect with readers for a reason.
To help you discover your next faith-filled read, we’ve curated 10 of the most talked-about Christian books topping the May 2026 ECPA bestseller charts — titles readers are turning to for encouragement, inspiration, and spiritual growth.
The Jesus Discoveries by Jeremiah J. Johnston, PhD
In an age of growing skepticism, many demand hard evidence before believing anything is true—especially when it comes to Jesus and the Bible. A kind of "artifacts or it didn't happen" attitude. Perhaps nowhere is this attitude more prevalent than when considering the claims of Christianity. The irony of this is that there are centuries of archaeological discoveries that support the narratives found in the Bible. Lost cities and civilizations, found. Lost art and technology, rediscovered. Lost documents, retrieved.
In this eye-opening, faith-fortifying book from acclaimed New Testament scholar and minister Jeremiah Johnston, you'll encounter ten of the most compelling historic finds that corroborate the truth claims found in the Bible regarding who Jesus said he was, when and where He lived, His claims and aims, how His life ended, and how that wasn't the end of His story.
The King is Coming by John Bevere
If Jesus were to return tomorrow, would you be ready?
In The King Is Coming, John Bevere discusses why the Second Coming is both relevant and critical for the Christian faith. Other than salvation, it's the second most discussed topic both in the New Testament and by early church fathers in the first three centuries. More than a book about prophecy, this life-changing guide will help believers live fully prepared for Christ's return while transforming the way we love, serve, and glorify God.
Bevere recounts his personal shift from avoiding eschatology to fully recognizing its significance. Witnessing the misuse and division caused by End Time teachings initially led him away from the topic, but through the Holy Spirit's guidance and a deeper study of Scripture, Bevere's heart and life were transformed. Through extensive references to prophetic Scriptures, the book explores many of the over three-hundred New Testament mentions of Jesus’ return.
Through personal testimonies and a close examination of Scripture, John offers readers spiritual truths, insight, encouragement, and practical steps to develop a readiness shaped by faith and obedience.
The King is Coming is both a wake-up call, faith builder, and a source of hope for Christian men and women seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ and prepare for His glorious return.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
Slow down. Become who you’re meant to be.
In this ECPA bestseller, John Mark Comer delivers a compelling invitation to resist the chaos of modern life and embrace a slower, more intentional way of following Jesus.
“Prophetic, practical, and profoundly life giving . . . provides a way forward that creates hope, hunger, and a vision of a beautiful life. I consider this required reading.” ~ Jon Tyson, lead pastor, Church of the City New York
When Comer found himself asking, “Who am I becoming?” he realized that hurry was quietly shaping his soul. The solution he received was simple but searching: ruthlessly eliminate hurry. In this transformative book, he explores how busyness erodes spiritual health — and offers practical rhythms to help you stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive.
Perfect for anyone longing to de-stress, reconnect with God, and cultivate a deeper, unhurried faith.
Trade exhaustion for presence. Rediscover the beauty of a slower life.
The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel
Is there credible proof that Jesus really is the Son of God?
In The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel retraces his own journey from atheism to faith, building a compelling, evidence-based case for the divinity of Jesus. With the instincts of an investigative journalist, Strobel cross-examines leading scholars and experts in science, philosophy, and history, asking the hard questions many are afraid to voice.
In this revised and updated edition, Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune and New York Times bestselling author, interviews a dozen experts with advanced degrees from institutions such as Cambridge, Princeton, and Brandeis, examining the historical reliability of Christianity with clarity and rigor.
This investigation tackles questions such as:
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How reliable is the New Testament?
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Is there evidence for Jesus outside the Bible?
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Did Jesus really claim to be God?
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Is the resurrection historically credible?
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What does the evidence ultimately point to today?
Winner of the Gold Medallion Book Award, adapted into a major motion picture, and with over 5 million copies sold, The Case for Christ reads like a fast-paced legal thriller — but its conclusion is anything but fiction.
"A new standard among existing contemporary apologetics." - D. James Kennedy, PhD, senior minister, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp
Start every day with gospel hope.
Mornings can be hard — but lasting encouragement is found in the good news of Jesus Christ. In this bestselling 365-day devotional, Paul David Tripp offers rich, gospel-centered readings designed to renew your heart and refocus your faith every single day.
Each daily entry in New Morning Mercies begins with a powerful truth from Scripture, followed by a thoughtful meditation that draws you deeper into God’s grace. Rather than promoting behavior modification, Tripp points readers to a living, active relationship with God — equipping you to trust his goodness, rely on his grace, and live for his glory.
With reflection questions, prayer prompts, and suggested Bible passages for further study, this trusted devotional has encouraged more than one million readers worldwide.
Wake up to grace and live in the power of the gospel — one day at a time.
The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Over 20 million copies sold! A perennial New York Times bestseller for over a decade!
Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life?
In the #1 New York Times international bestseller The 5 Love Languages®, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner — starting today.
The 5 Love Languages® is as practical as it is insightful. Updated to reflect the complexities of relationships today, this new edition reveals intrinsic truths and applies relevant, actionable wisdom in ways that work.
Includes the Love Language assessment so you can discover your love language and that of your loved one.
The Way Of the Wildflower by Ruth Chou Simons
Wildflowers don't need to be taught how to live freely or release their burdens. They’re dependent on their Maker.
Are you looking for a new way of living? A way to stop anxious thoughts and release heavy burdens you aren’t meant to carry?
In Luke 12:25–28, Jesus asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” He continues, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!”
The Jesus who instructs us not to worry about our lives is the same Jesus who made a way to the Father for us when there was no way. Is anything too hard for our God? Are any of your worries and fears beyond his capable hands?
Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker
When anxiety rises, let every breath draw you back to God.
Breath as Prayer introduces a simple, Scripture-centered practice that helps calm your body while focusing your heart on Christ. Through intentional breathing paired with biblical prayer, this devotional invites peace into moments of stress, overwhelm, and racing thoughts.
Inside, you’ll find more than 80 breath prayers rooted in Scripture, along with brief meditations, beautiful full-color illustrations, and an easy how-to guide you can revisit anytime. Practical instruction and gentle reflection prompts help you build a sustainable rhythm of prayer that integrates body, mind, and spirit. Grounded in both Christian contemplative practice and modern science, this book shows why breath prayer works — and how it can restore calm and clarity.
God designed every part of you to work together, and purposeful breathing is a powerful way to reconnect with His presence.
Breathe deeply, rest in God’s Word, and discover how every breath can draw you closer to Him.
If the Tree Could Speak by Tim Tebow
Discover fresh hope as you see the miracle of redemption through a new set of eyes.
In If the Tree Could Speak, New York Times bestselling author Tim Tebow invites you into the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, told from the perspective of the closest thing to Jesus on that day—the wooden cross. This captivating poem portrays the journey of Jesus all the way to His crucifixion and resurrection. You’ll see His death and His humanity in a new light.
When a large tree is cut down, it hopes to be made into something the whole world would admire. But after being stripped and beaten down into two beams, the tree is aghast at its new shameful form—a cross used to execute only the worst of criminals.
Follow the cross to Golgotha and meet Jesus with fresh eyes as the cross discovers that it holds the King of kings, who has redeemed the tree’s shameful form to become a symbol of hope for all of humanity. Filled with striking illustrations from Rommel Ruiz.
Come to the cross and embrace the love and redemption that Jesus offers to everyone who believes.
The Awe of God by John Bevere
How intimacy with God begins with holy fear.
Do you long for a closer relationship with your Creator, yet feel something essential is missing? In The Awe of God, John Bevere explores the biblical truth that the fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God, but honoring Him with awe and obedience. This often-forgotten virtue is presented as the foundation for a faith that is resilient, confident, and spiritually alive.
With clarity and conviction, Bevere explains how godly fear leads to wisdom, discernment, maturity in Christ, and freedom from the fear of man. Scripture reveals that those who finished well were marked by this holy reverence, and this book invites you to walk the same uncommon path.
Designed as a devotional, The Awe of God encourages slow, intentional reading. Whether you are early in your faith journey or have followed Jesus for years, this message offers a powerful renewal of perspective and purpose.
Rediscover the reverence that transforms faith from routine to revival.
The Christian Books Readers Couldn’t Stop Talking About in May 2026...
From devotionals and Christian living books to inspiring memoirs and powerful fiction, this month’s bestselling titles reflect the messages resonating most deeply with believers right now. These books offer encouragement for difficult seasons, biblical wisdom for everyday life, and stories that remind readers of God’s faithfulness, hope, and truth.
Whether you’re searching for spiritual growth, practical encouragement, or simply your next meaningful read, the May 2026 Evangelical Christian Publishers Association bestseller list highlights books readers are consistently turning to for inspiration and renewed faith. The most impactful Christian books are often the ones that meet us exactly where we are while gently pointing us back to Christ.
As you explore this month’s bestselling Christian titles, consider what message or encouragement you may need most in your current season. Sometimes a single book can offer fresh perspective, deepen your understanding of Scripture, or strengthen your walk with God in unexpected ways.
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A note about our recommendations: Our mission is to recommend Christian books that will inspire and uplift. However, we recognize that reading is a deeply personal and subjective experience. While we aim to feature books that align with Christian values, our inclusion of any book or author does not imply an endorsement of all their views, beliefs, or other works. We encourage you to be discerning and make your own informed decisions when selecting the books you read.
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