Looking for the best Christian biographies out there? Look no further.
I love how John Piper describes the value of reading biography:
Biography is such an efficient way of study. It’s got history. It’s got theology. It’s got psychology. It’s got counseling. It’s got politics. It’s got economics. It’s got geography. It’s got devotion and piety all wrapped into one good book, so it’s really valuable to our faith and life and thinking.[1]
In other words, Christian biographies offer us more than most other books. It’s one thing to learn the ins and outs of a topic, say prayer, it’s another thing to see how prayer drove the ministry of George Müller.
Over the past couple of years, I have been asked for recommendations of the best Christian biographies. Those questions gave me the idea to create the huge list of Christian biographies and autobiographies that you see below.
Praise the Lord for the wealth of biographies that testify to His faithfulness and power!
A few things to consider:
- The categories below are artificial. The Apostle Paul was a preacher, theologian, and missionary; but was only included under one heading for practical purposes. I also have a separate category for women. That doesn’t mean they do not fit in other categories—this is to serve those specifically looking for biographies of Christian women.
- This is an eclectic and broadly evangelical list, meaning it contains people who I differ with on some theology. I hope this list will serve a wide range of evangelicals and interests.
- By no means do I consider this list comprehensive or perfect. Since I live in the US, this is admittedly a western-focused list. If I’m missing anything, email me and I may update this page.
- I include links to free online Christian biographies (Kindle and PDFs) when I can. I will also try to link to movies of Christian biographies for your viewing pleasure.
- While reading biographies of famous Christians can be extremely edifying, avoid these dangers.
**The links on this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small cut of purchases at no extra cost for you. This helps me cover escalating blog expenses. Thanks for understanding! 🙂
6 Reasons to Read More Christian Biographies
Best Christian Biographies of Pastors and Preachers
Billy Graham (1918–2018) – Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham, A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story by William Martin (Justin Taylor’s top book on Graham)
Calvin Miller (1936–2010) – Life Is Mostly Edges: A Memoir by Calvin Miller (a favorite of Trevin Wax)
Charles Simeon (1759–1836) – Charles Simeon by Handley Moule (a favorite of Fred Sanders), Charles Simeon of Cambridge by Hugh Evans Hopkins (Nathan Finn calls this “required reading for pastors”)
D.L. Moody (1837–1899) – A Passion for Souls by Lyle W. Dorsett (a favorite of Jason Cook)
David Wilkerson (1931–2011) – The Cross and the Switchblade (Autobiographical; see full movie on YouTube)
J.C. Ryle (1816–1900) – Prepared to Stand Alone by Iain Murray, Bishop J.C. Ryle’s Autobiography
Jack Miller (1928–1996) — Cheer Up! The Life and Ministry of Jack Miller by Michael A. Graham
Jerry Bridges (1929–2016) – God Took Me by the Hand: A Story of God’s Unusual Providence by Jerry Bridges (Memoir)
John A. Broadus (1827–1895) – The Life and Letters of John A. Broadus by A.T. Robertson (free download)
John Bunyan (1628–1688) – Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Autobiography; free for Kindle; recommended by Mark Dever), Fearless Pilgrim: The Life and Times of John Bunyan by Faith Cook.
John MacArthur (1939– ) – John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock by Iain Murray (a favorite of Tim Challies)
John Newton (1725–1807) – John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace by Jonathan Aitken (a favorite of Randy Alcorn), Out of the Depths: The Autobiography of John Newton, John Newton (Bitesize Biographies) (recommended by Elyse Fitzpatrick)
John Stott (1921–2011) – Godly Ambition: John Stott and the Evangelical Movement by Alister Chapman (a favorite of Kevin DeYoung), The Early Years and The Later Years by Timothy Dudley-Smith
John Wesley (1703–1791) – John Wesley: A Biography by Stephen Tomkins, Wesley and Men Who Followed by Iain Murray, The Burning Heart: John Wesley: Evangelist by Skevington Wood
Oswald Chambers (1874–1917) – Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God by David McCasland
Robert Murray McCheyne (1813–1843) – Robert Murray M’Cheyne by Andrew Bonar (free Kindle version)
Warren Wiersbe (1929–) – Be Myself: The Autobiography of a Bridge Builder by Warren Wiersbe
William Still (1911–1997) – William Still: Dying to Live by Sheana Brown (a favorite of Bryan Chapell)
William Tyndale (1494–1536) — William Tyndale by David Daniell (recommended by Albert Mohler)
Best Christian Biographies of Theologians from Church History
Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920) – Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat by James D. Bratt (James K.A. Smith calls this “masterful”)
A.W. Pink (1886–1952) – The Life of A.W. Pink by Iain Murray
Carl F.H. Henry (1913–2003) – Recovering Classic Evangelicalism: Applying the Wisdom and Vision of Carl F.H. Henry by Gregory Thornbury
Charles Hodge (1797–1878) – Charles Hodge: The Pride of Princeton by W. Andrew Hoffecker (Recommended by Michael Krueger), Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy by Paul Gutjahr (recommended by Kevin DeYoung)
George Eldon Ladd (1911–1982) – A Place at the Table: George Eldon Ladd and the Rehabilitation of Evangelical Scholarship in America by John D’Elia (recommended by Tim Keller)
J. Gresham Machen (1881–1937) – Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America by D.G. Hart (recommended by Albert Mohler)
J.I. Packer (1926–2020) – J.I. Packer: An Evangelical Life by Leland Ryken
James Petigru Boyce (1827–1888) – James Petigru Boyce: A Southern Baptist Statesman by Thomas J. Nettles
John Murray (1898–1975) – The Life of John Murray by Iain Murray
John Owen (1616–1683) – God’s Statesman: The Life and Work of John Owen by Peter Toon, John Owen: Prince of Puritans by Andrew Thomson, John Owen: Reformed Catholic, Renaissance Man by Carl Trueman
Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) — Jonathan Edwards – A Life by George Marsden (recommended by Albert Mohler, Ray Ortlund, Mark Dever and others; also see A Short Life), Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray (recommended by Mark Dever)
R.C. Sproul (1939-2017) – R.C. Sproul – A Life by Stephen J. Nichols
Richard Sibbes (1577–1635) – The Affectionate Theology of Richard Sibbes by Mark Dever
Best Biographies of Christian Apologists
Christopher Yuan – Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son’s Journey to God. A Broken Mother’s Search for Hope (Autobiography)
Cornelius Van Til (1895–1987) – Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman by John Muether
Lee Strobel (1952– ) — The Case for Christ (Autobiographical journey to faith and movie)
Other Christian Biographies (Musicians, Politicians, Athletes, etc.)
Charles Wesley (1707–1788) – A Heart Set Free: The Life of Charles Wesley by Arnold Dallimore
Ira “Teen” Palm – Hitler in the Crosshairs: A GI’s Story of Courage and Faith by John Woodbridge and Maurice Possley
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) – Isaac Watts: His Life and Thoughts by Graham Benyon, The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts by Douglas Bond
Johnny Cash (1932–2003) – The Man Called CASH: The Life, Love, and Faith of an American Legend by Steve Turner
Lecrae Moore (1979– ) – Unashamed (Autobiography)
Louis Dooley – Prison Saved My Life
Louis Zamperini (1917–2014) – Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resiience by Laura Hillenbrand (a favorite of Trevin Wax)
Manny Mill – Radical Redemption: The Story of Manny Mill (Autobiography)
Mosab Hassan Yousef – Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal, Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices (Autobiography)
Nick Vujicic (1982–) – Life without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life (Autobiographical)
Rich Mullins (1955–1997) – Rich Mullins: A Devotional Biography: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven by James Bryan Smith (Movie)
Steven Curtis Chapman (1962– ) — Between Heaven and the Real World: My Story (Autobiographical)
The Best Missionary Biographies (and International Category)
Andrew Fuller (1754–1815) – Andrew Fuller: Holy Faith, Worthy Gospel, World Mission by John Piper (free PDF)
Brother Andrew (1928– ) – God’s Smuggler by Andrew Van der Dijl, John and Elizabeth Sherill
Brother Yun – The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun by Paul Hattaway
C.T. Studd (1860–1931) – C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer by Norman Grubb
David Brainerd (1718–1747) – The Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards (recommended by Fred Sanders)
Eric Liddell (1902–1945) – Eric Liddell: Pure Gold: A Biography of the Olympic Champion Who Inspired Chariots of Fire by David McCasland (also see Chariots of Fire movie)
Henry Martyn (1781–1812) – The Life of Henry Martyn, Missionary to India and Persia by Sarah J. Rhea (free for Kindle), For the Love of India: The Story of Henry Martyn by Jim Cromarty
Hudson Taylor (1832–1935) – Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Frederick Howard Taylor (free audiobook), J. Hudson Taylor: An Auto-biography, Hudson Taylor: In Early Years – The Growth of the Soul by Howard Taylor
John G. Paton (1824–1907) – John G. Paton: The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New Hebrides, John G. Patton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas by Paul Schlehlein, The Story of John G. Paton by John G. Paton (free Kindle), You Will Be Eaten By Cannibals! by John Piper (free eBook)
John Stam (1907–1934) and Betty Stam (1906–1934) – John & Betty Stam by Vance Christie
Nik Ripken – The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected by Nik Ripken (see movie by same name)
Richard Wurmbrand (1909–2001) – Tortured for Christ (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)
Stan Dale (–1968) – Lords of the Earth: An Incredible but True Story from the Stone-Age Hell of Papua’s Jungle by Don Richardson
Stephen Lungu (1942–2021) — Out of the Black Shadows by Stephen Lungu and Anne Combes. One of my personal favorites! Watch Stephen tell part of his story (spoiler alert).
St. Patrick (385–461) – Patrick of Ireland by Michael A. Haykin
William (1829–1912) and Catherine Booth (1829–1890) – Blood and Fire: William and Catherine Booth and Their Salvation Army by Roy Hattersley
Xi Shengmo (1836–1896) – Pastor Hsi: A Struggle for Chinese Christianity by Geraldine Taylor
Compilation: From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya: A Biographical History of Christian Missions by Ruth Tucker
Best Christian Biographies of Women
Abby Johnson (1980–) – Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye Opening Journey across the Life Line by Abby Johnson
Anne Bradstreet (1612–1672) – Anne Bradstreet: Pilgrim and Poet by Faith Cook
Ann Judson (1789–1826) – My Heart in His Hands: Ann Judson of Burma by Sharon James
Katharina Luther (1499–1552) – Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk by Michelle DeRusha
Elizabeth Elliot (1926–2015) – These Strange Ashes: Is God Still in Charge? (Autobiography; recommended by Courtney Reissig)
Fanny Crosby (1820–1915) – Fanny Crosby: Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer
Gladys Aylward (1902–1970) – Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman (Autobiography)
Hannah More (1745–1833) – Fierce Convictions: The Extraordinary Life of Hannah More: Poet, Reformer, Abolitionist by Karen Swallow Prior
Helen Roseveare (1925–2016) – Give Me This Mountain (Autobiography)
Isobel Kuhn (1901–1957) – By Searching: My Journey Through Doubt Into Faith (Autobiography)
Jackie Hill Perry (1989– ) – Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was, and Who God Has Always Been
Jane Grey (1537–1554) – The Nine Day Queen of England: Lady Jane Grey by Faith Cook
Joni Eareckson Tada (1949–) – Joni: An Unforgettable Story (Autobiography), Joni and Ken: An Untold Love Story (Autobiography)
Laura Perry – Transgender to Transformed: A Story of Transition That Will Truly Set You Free by Laura Perry
Lilias Trotter (1853–1928) – A Passion for the Impossible: The Life of Lilias Trotter by Miriam Huffman Rockness (missionary to Algerian Muslims)
Mary Slessor (1848–1915) – Mary Slessor of Calabar Pioneer Missionary by W.P. Livingstone
Mary Winslow (1774-1854) – Life in Jesus: A Memoir of Mary Winslow by Octavius Winslow
Sarah Edwards (1710–1758) – In Love with Christ: The Narrative of Sarah Edwards by Jennifer Adams, Marriage to a Difficult Man: The Uncommon Union of Jonathan & Sarah Edwards by Elizabeth Dodds
Sophie Scholl (1921–1943) – Sophie Scholl and the White Rose by Annette Dumback and Jud Newborn (watch full movie on YouTube of Sophie Scholl: The Final Days)
Susannah Spurgeon (1832–1903) – Free Grace and Dying Love: Moring Devotions by Charles Ray and Susannah Spurgeon
Susannah Wesley (1669–1745) – Susannah Wesley: The Mother of John and Charles Wesley by Arnold A. Dallimore
Virginia Prodan – Saving My Assassin
Best Biographies of Biblical Figures
Abraham – Abraham: The Obedience of Faith by F.B. Meyer
David – David: Shepherd, Psalmist, King by F.B. Meyer, David: A Man of Passion and Destiny by Charles Swindoll
Elijah – Elijah and the Secret of His Power by F.B. Meyer, Elijah: A Man of Heroism and Humility by Charles Swindoll
Esther – Esther: A Woman of Strength and Dignity by Charles Swindoll
Israel – Israel: A Prince with God: The Story of Jacob by F.B. Meyer
Jesus – One Perfect Life: The Complete Story of the Lord Jesus by John MacArthur, The Jesus Story: Everything that Happens in the New Testament in Plain English by Dr. William Marty
Job — Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance by Charles Swindoll
John the Baptist — John the Baptist by F.B. Meyer
Joshua – Joshua and the Land of Promise by F.B. Meyer
Moses – Moses: The Servant of God by F.B. Meyer, Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication by Charles Swindoll
Paul – The Apostle: A Life of Paul by John Pollock (a favorite of Tim Challies), An Illustrated Life of Paul by Charles L. Quarles, Apostle of the Heart Set Free by F.F. Bruce (a book D.A. Carson assigns to students), Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit by Charles Swindoll
Samuel – Samuel the Prophet by F.B. Meyer
The Thief on the Cross — Heaven, How I Got Here by Colin S. Smith
The Best Christian Biographies for Children and Teens
Christian Biographies for Young Readers by Simonetta Carr
Little Lights Complete Box Sets One and Two (individual titles also available)
Good for Teens: The Christian Heroes Then & Now Series
Compilation Book: Everyone a Child Should Know by Clare Heath-Whyte
Books Sharing Various Christian Biographies
50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren Wiersbe
Eric Metaxas’ 7 Men and 7 Women
Feminine Threads: Women in the Tapestry of Christian History by Diana Severance
Foxe’s Book of Martyrs (a favorite of Randy Alcorn)
Iain Murray’s 7 Leaders: Pastors and Preachers
More Than Conquerors: Portraits of Believers from All Walks of Life by John Woodbridge
John Piper’s The Swans are Not Silent Series
People who (unknowingly!) helped with this list:
Albert Mohler, Bruce Ashford, Bryan Chapell, Elyse Fitzpatrick, Fred Sanders, James K.A. Smith, Jason Cook, Justin Taylor, Kevin DeYoung (1,2,3,4), Mark Dever, Melissa Krueger and friends, Nancy Guthrie, R.C. Sproul, Randy Alcorn, Ray Ortlund, Russell Moore, Tim Challies, Timothy George, Trevin Wax (1, 2, 3, 4).
Phew! That list took me a while. I hope it encourages your heart as you contemplate God’s grace in the lives of His servants across the centuries. What a mighty God we serve!
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
[1] John Piper in “Will You Write More Biographies?” https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/will-you-write-more-biographies.
