Christianly

We unpack the most life-changing books we've ever read—from Spurgeon’s sermons to Tozer, Keller, Sproul, and even Navy SEALs. Whether you're new to theology or deep in ministry, these books will challenge, convict, and stir your soul.

1. Theological & Doctrinal Books
The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer
Holiness of God – R.C. Sproul
Knowing God – J.I. Packer
The Gospel According to Jesus – John MacArthur
The Gospel According to the Apostles – John MacArthur
Ashamed of the Gospel – John MacArthur
Reformed Systematic Theology – Joel Beeke
Body of Divinity – Thomas Watson
The Heart of Christ – Thomas Goodwin
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God – J.I. Packer
Chosen by God – R.C. Sproul
Reformed Dogmatics – Herman Bavinck
The Christian’s Reasonable Service – Wilhelmus à Brakel
A Short History of the Christian Church – Jeffrey Bingham or Stephen Tomkins (unclear, but referenced as a generic short church history book)

2. Practical Ministry & Leadership Books
Disciplines of a Godly Man – R. Kent Hughes
The Heart Is the Target – Murray Capill
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 – W. Phillip Keller
Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink
Five Levels of Leadership – John Maxwell
Tribes (or other leadership works) – Seth Godin

3. Convictional & Soul-Stirring Books
If: What Do I Know of Calvary Love? – Amy Carmichael
Gentle and Lowly – Dane Ortlund (based on Thomas Goodwin)
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness – Tim Keller
A Tale of Three Kings – Gene Edwards
Agape Leadership – Robert L. Peterson & Alexander Strauch
My Utmost for His Highest – Oswald Chambers (referenced indirectly)
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy – Eric Metaxas (referenced generally)

4. Classic & Biographical Works
Pilgrim’s Progress – John Bunyan
Spurgeon’s Sermons – Charles Spurgeon (63-volume set, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit)
Biographies of Francis & Edith Schaeffer – (specific title not named)
Biography of Martin Lloyd-Jones – Iain Murray (assumed)

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

Church leadership isn’t about chasing a platform, it’s about humility, submission, and faithfulness. In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be called, how to grow in character, and why developing within a local church matters far more than bouncing from one opportunity to the next.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

Is it possible to be bold in truth without becoming divisive? In this episode, we explore the roots of Christian fundamentalism and where it went wrong, not in its theology, but in tone and application. From doctrinal triage to cultural engagement, the conversation traces how conviction can turn into isolation when discernment is traded for dogma. Learn why biblical faithfulness doesn’t require angry separatism, and how to stand firm without burning bridges. 

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

Most Christians deeply love Jesus… but many will still go their entire lives without ever sharing the gospel. Why? In this episode of Christianly, we dive into the real reasons believers stay silent. From fear of man and bad theology to a lack of worldview training, we explore why evangelism often stalls at friendship, and never reaches the finish line of gospel proclamation.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

Is daily Bible reading a necessary spiritual discipline, or is it just legalism? Many believers struggle to maintain a daily habit of Scripture reading, but what if skipping time in the Word leads to a distorted view of God? What if neglecting the Bible leaves us spiritually weak, vulnerable to deception, and making life-altering mistakes? In this episode, we tackle: Does God want us to read our Bible every day?

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

In this episode of Christianly, Pastor Tony and Pastor Dean dive deep into the ongoing “worship wars” inside the church. From the regulative principle to LED screens, from suits and ties to jumping in unison in remote villages, they unpack what really matters in corporate worship.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

In this episode of Christianly, we tackle the ongoing debate about church size and structure. While large churches have existed since the early church (think Jerusalem, Spurgeon, and even Antioch), the modern megachurch often follows an attractional model—raising concerns about biblical fidelity, church growth methods, and spiritual maturity. 

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

As churches grow, dynamics inevitably change. What once felt like an intimate, tight-knit community can become a structured, system-driven congregation. But is this a bad thing? 

In this episode of Christianly, we dive into the challenges and blessings of church growth. 

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

What makes a preacher truly effective? Is it talent, charisma, or something deeper? 

In this episode of the Christianly Podcast, Dean Defuria and Tony Wood discuss the lost art of biblical preaching—what it means to preach with authenticity, conviction, and faithfulness to Scripture.  They explore the qualifications of a preacher, the dangers of seeking influence over holiness, and the importance of expository preaching. Why do so many people with social media followings suddenly become “experts” on preaching? How can young preachers develop their own style while staying faithful to the Word? What separates a man of God in the pulpit from someone just working through their notes?

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/

In this episode of Christianly, Tony Wood, Teaching Pastor of Mission Bible Church Costa Mesa, and Dean Defuria, Executive Pastor of Mission Bible, discuss how social media has given Christians an incredible opportunity to share the gospel, but it comes with significant challenges. In this episode, we explore the spiritual cost of chasing the algorithm and how it can harm both pastors and congregants. Are influencers unintentionally competing with local church leaders? Is the pursuit of followers overshadowing faithfulness to God? We unpack the dangers of prioritizing platforms over character, the impact of algorithm-driven fear and insecurity, and how to maintain accountability in the digital age.

If you’ve ever wondered how to apply your faith to daily life, this episode will equip and encourage you to live out your beliefs with clarity and purpose.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider liking this video and subscribing. If you'd like to watch this episode, click here. If you have any questions or topics you would like us to discuss on the show, message us on Instagram or comment on YouTube.

Follow us on social media:

Youtube: @christianlypodcast
https://www.youtube.com/@Christianlypodcast

Christianly: @christianlypodcast
https://www.instagram.com/christianlypodcast/

Instagram:  @tony.g.wood
Pastor Tony Wood: https://www.instagram.com/tony.g.wood/

Instagram:  @deandefuria
Pastor Dean Defuria: https://www.instagram.com/deandefuria/

Mission Bible Church: @missionbiblechurch
https://www.instagram.com/missionbiblechurch/