Five Mere Christians: Binge-Worthy Biographies That Show You How to Glorify God in Your Work

by Jordan Raynor

Experience the riveting true stories of five men and women who changed the world by following Christ in their careers—and discover practical applications for how you can, too.

Do you ever wonder what it means to truly glorify God in your work if you’re not a pastor, missionary, or religious professional?

Rather than offering theological exposition to answer that question, Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox use vivid, fast-paced storytelling to present the captivating lives of five “mere Christians” who will show you what it looks like to follow Christ wherever you live and

Fred Rogers, the TV host from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, demonstrates how your selfless service of others can reveal glimpses of heaven on earth.

Fannie Lou Hamer, the courageous civil rights activist, models how to pursue justice without hating the unjust.

Ole Kirk Christiansen, the founder of LEGO, shows how to persevere through life’s most difficult trials and find God’s purpose in play.

Hannah More, the audacious poet largely credited for abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire, exemplifies how to change the world through culture and not just politics.

C.S. Lewis, the literature professor and bestselling author of The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, invites you to embrace your unique opportunities to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples.

Unlike typical biographies that get bogged down in boring detail, each story in this collection is mercifully short, extremely entertaining, and profoundly helpful—providing clear takeaways for modern-day mere Christians looking to glorify God in their own everyday work.
 

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christianity

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2025

About the author

Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Creator in You, Redeeming Your Time, Master of One, and Called to Create), the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work.

In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup which Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own.

Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa.

Reviews

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short and practical book introduces five Christians who model through their lives how to practically glorify God in your work.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
✨𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬, TV host, shows how to glorify and love God by making time to truly experience the Lord while you work, and live at a pace that allows you to extend that love to others.

✨𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫, civil rights activist, models how to glorify God by working for justice without hating the unjust, and believing that God is creating an impact through work, even if that work appears to be in vain. *Note this story mentions sexual violence (not descriptive/detailed).*

✨𝐎𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧, the founder of LEGO, demonstrates how to persevere through life’s most difficult trials and find God’s purpose in play.

✨𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐞, poet credited for abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire, exemplifies how to make changes through culture and not just politics, modeling how to glorify and show humble confidence in God.

✨𝐂.𝐒. 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬, literature professor and bestselling author, displays how to glorify God by finding ultimate joy in Christ and not work, embracing the role as a Christian and the opportunities to proclaim the Gospel and make disciples.

I enjoyed learning more about these 5 individuals and seeing God work through each one. It puts work into a new perspective and demonstrates how you can glorify God in any type of work you do.

I liked that the chapters were short; if you want to jump around, you don’t have to read the biographies in order. Some of the chapters were a little jumpy at times, but overall, an easy and great intro for anyone wanting to read more biographies without being overwhelmed by the level of details/length.

Thank you to harvestpublishers for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Rhonnie Cough · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC from Harvest House.)

I have been so excited about this book!

They did a great job telling these five stories and I’m glad to read about plans for future volumes. I wish this one was 50 Mere Christians!

They delivered on the promise of “binge-worthy biographies” because I was sucked into every story. And I LOVE short chapters because, OK, let me just read one more chapter…and pretty soon you’re already 3/4 done with the book.

The storytelling reminded me a lot of Laura Hillenbrand, who is definitely one of my faves. All five stories are told in an inspiring and timeless way. I kept forgetting Hannah More lived 200 years ago! They really did the subjects justice.

I’ll be recommending this book to friends, especially my fellow mere Christians.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of short stories of people who made a difference in their everyday lives. You have heard of Fred Rogers and CS Lewis but there are little known nuggets here. The stories of Christiansen, Hamer and More are lesser known but still full of sacrifice and doing the right thing. It’s a very easy-to-read writing style that lets you read each person in a single sitting.
Great option for the beach or a rainy day.

[Hope Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Mere Christians made me pause to reflect on what it means to serve God through our everyday work. These biographies of real believers doing ordinary (yet sacred) work inspired me.

This book gave language to things I’ve felt for a long time, especially as someone who wants to do meaningful work that honors God but doesn’t always know what that looks like day to day.

Highly recommend this to anyone wrestling with purpose in their work or wanting to be encouraged that their 9–5 matters in the Kingdom.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an encouraging and convicting book. The stories of these five "mere" Christians show how our obedience and faithful walk with Christ has impacts that will not always be seen this side of Heaven. The book does a wonderful job of synthesizing the life of each to an impactful narrative that seems to go from peak to peak. In typical Jordan fashion the three key take aways are applicable and spot on based on the learning from each bio.
If you are looking to be inspired or challenged this is a book you need to read.

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. As the integration of our faith with our work is a passion of mine, I’ve read, and benefitted from each of his books. Raynor collaborated on this book with Kaleigh Cox.
The authors tell us that if you want to know what it looks like practically to glorify God, look first to Christ and second to Christ’s followers. And that’s what this book is designed to help you do.
In this book, the authors introduce you to five mere Christians whose examples we would be wise to follow because of how well they followed the example of Christ - five men and women who show us how to practically glorify God in our work.
The five short biographies that make up this book can each be read in under an hour. These biographies show us how to practically glorify God in our own work as a mere Christian today. Each of the biographies concludes with a section called “Three Ways to Glorify God in Your Work” to help us apply what we saw in each individual’s story.
I was familiar with Fred Rogers and C.S. Lewis, but not with Fannie Lou Hamer, Ole Kirk Christiansen, or Hannah More. I enjoyed reading these short biographies and the following practical ways to glorify God in your work sections, and would recommend it to others, especially to those who are just starting on their faith and work journey.
Below are a few quotes that I found to be helpful from the book:
FRED ROGERS: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD BY EMBRACING YOUR CALLING, EXPERIENCING YOUR BELOVEDNESS, AND ELIMINATING ALL HURRY
• The life of Fred Rogers is full of both delightful surprises and invaluable lessons. It’s a story of how all Christians—not just pastors and religious professionals—can glorify God in their work.
• As a member of the “royal priesthood,” Fred had worked wholeheartedly to restore creation, one small act of kindness at a time, in his own little neighborhood (1 Peter 2:9).
• Like Fred Rogers, you can glorify God in the “dark place” you work by embracing your position in the “royal priesthood” and viewing your job as a primary place God has called you to “let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).
FANNIE LOU HAMER: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD BY DOING JUSTICE LOVINGLY, TRUSTING WHILE HUSTLING, AND HOPING THROUGH FAILURE
• It’s a story that shows how mere Christians can glorify God by doing justice while refusing to hate the unjust, trusting God’s sovereignty while also working hard, and lamenting failure in this world while waiting with hope for the kingdom to come.
• Mere Christians glorify God by embracing the tension between trusting in God and hustling in the work God has called us to do.
• Even when you experience failure and setbacks in your work, so long as that work is done for God’s glory and the good of others, it will always have an impact in the seemingly distant land God calls the kingdom of heaven.
OLE KIRK CHRISTIANSEN FOUNDER OF LEGO: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD BY PERSEVERING THROUGH ADVERSITY, EMBRACING “USELESS” WORK, AND MASTERING YOUR CRAFT
• Pray and work. That simple motto guided Ole Kirk Christiansen through a complicated life filled with loss, grief, and trials but also laughter, love, and success.
• Christiansen had done what every mere Christian longs to do. In the face of great adversity, he worked with excellence, loved God, and loved people.
• Only the best was good enough because Christiansen understood that mere Christians glorify God through the ministry of excellence.
HANNAH MORE POET AND EDUCATOR: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD BY INSULATING WITHOUT ISOLATING, REDEEMING POP CULTURE, AND EXUDING HOLY AUDACITY
• More worked as a mere Christian leveraging the written word and education for the glory of God and the good of others.
• Together, and with God’s help, More and Wilberforce hatched a plan. Wilberforce would dedicate his political career to the cause of abolition while More would dedicate her pen to the very same cause.
• Whenever you see something at odds with God’s kingdom—abortion, racial injustice, gender transitioning, pollution, and so on—glorify God not just by working to change things politically but first and foremost culturally.
C.S. LEWIS AUTHOR OF THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: HOW TO GLORIFY GOD BY PURSUING JOY PROPERLY, CREATING KINGDOM CRAVINGS, AND PROCLAIMING CHRIST BOLDLY
• All throughout Scripture, we see humans evangelizing and bringing glory to God simply by how they worked.
• Everything you do at work testifies to the God you believe in—not just the words you speak.
• Don’t fall for the enemy’s lie that the Great Commission is only or even primarily for the missionaries pictured on your refrigerator. Every follower of Jesus is called to make disciples. And as a mere Christian, you are in an ideal position to do so today!
To find out more about Jordan Raynor (books, podcast, etc.), go to https://www.jordanraynor.com/

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend!

In a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to serve God through our careers, Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox highlight the lives of five remarkable individuals often overlooked in the context of traditional ministry. Through engaging storytelling, the authors detail how these “mere Christians” – including iconic figures such as Fred Rogers, C.S. Lewis, and Hannah More – have glorified God in their professions, demonstrating that every vocation holds the potential for divine service.

One of the standout features of this collection is its accessibility; each biography is crafted to be read in a single sitting, taking under an hour to complete. This makes the book an ideal choice for busy readers seeking inspiration. The authors weave together rich and nuanced portraits of their subjects, delving into the unique paths and contributions of these extraordinary individuals. Fred Rogers, with his gentle wisdom and commitment to nurturing children's emotional well-being, C.S. Lewis, whose profound theological insights continue to resonate, and Hannah More, a pioneering advocate for social reform, are presented in a way that is both entertaining and inspirational.

Additionally, at the end of each biography, readers will find thoughtful prompts designed to help them reflect on the lessons learned and apply these insights to their own lives. This practical approach encourages readers to consider how they can glorify God through their own work, regardless of their field.

I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The tough times I’ve been through … turned out to be times in which God’s presence was so clear.” Fred Rogers

A refreshing approach to biographies. That Raynor and Cox chose, with one exception, premier twentieth-century Christians makes the reading especially relevant. Each of the five provides a noteworthy example of faith in action. A good read.

“You can pray until you faint, but if you don’t get up and try to do something, God is not going to put it in your lap.’ Fannie Lou Hamer

The authors’ forty-page format targets a happy medium between brevity and thoroughness. Having read longer biographies of Rogers and Lewis, I attest this format is superior. Though each can be read in a single sitting, a slower pace is recommended. Twenty-first century jargon seems incongruous describing people, most of whom were best known for effective communication.

“Mischief … arises not from our living in the world, but from the world living in us; occupying our hearts, and monopolizing our affections.” Hannah More

[Pamela G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book collection of bite-sized biographies that somehow keep you engaged but not in the weeds. There is both heart and fluidity in the writing! I can tell there was incredible teamwork with both writers to do their best work to encourage believers in all things, especially in the workplace. Thank you for a great book (and great mere Christians discussed within) and I’m looking forward to sequels!

[Chelsi W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very approachable and easy to read. I especially enjoyed reading the sections about Ole Kirk Christianson and C.S. Lewis with my sons.

[David G · Rating 5 out of 5]

(NOTE: I received a free advance copy of the book)

Fantastic bite sized biographies of 5 remarkable humans. I really love the heart behind this book, looking to inspire Christians with the stories of "mere Christians" - those who do "secular" work - in a way that doesn't take too long with too much detail, painting with broad strokes while not being superficial, striking at the heart of each story.

Fred Rogers - wow. Being British I haven't had the exposure to Mr Rogers other than references strewn throughout pop culture, so this was particularly fascinating for me.

Fannie Lou Hamer - I love hearing stories of bravery in the face of injustice and have always loved hearing the stories of Martin Luther King Jr's remarkable life. Reading of FLH I am shocked I've not even heard her name before, what a woman!

Ole Kirk Christiansen - again remarkable to hear of someone I feel like we should all know about but didn't even know Lego was founded by a Christian! This does bring me to my one single complaint about the book though... I'm prepared for UK-US language differences when reading books like this, but... the end of chapter 21 has the phrase "pile of shiny LEGOs". Unforgivable ;)

Hannah More - delighted the last two are from this side of the pond, again a name I've not known and now feel ashamed that this was so. Just as FLH is often eclipsed by MLK, HM should also not be left in the shadow of her remarkable male contemporary William Wilberforce.

CS Lewis - the only one of the five that I've read a full biography of in the past. I still enjoyed the brevity and heart brought through this bio, excellent stuff.

All in all a great read that I'd recommend to any and all Christians

[Cloud Riser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five extraordinary people who are made so because of their faith. So many principles that do apply to the everyday life of so many. In a lot of ways, hearing these stories makes a calling feel more achievable.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so well written. I definitely recommend!!!

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read another book by Jordan Raynor and enjoyed it, I was excited to pick up Five Mere Christians. I’ll admit, I was extremely skeptical when I saw that he described the book as “binge-worthy”—since most biographies, according to the author's opinion, can feel dry or slow. That said, I’ve loved biographies for decades (ever since before my teen years), and I usually find them fascinating.

The first biography in this book caught my attention right away, and the third especially left me eager to read the full-length versions of both of their life stories. The way Jordan writes does make the stories engaging and easy to follow. I originally decided to read this book because it was chosen for Circle 31 Book Club, and I’m glad I did.

That said, if you’re already familiar with the biographies of some of these figures (as I was), you may find parts repetitive. And to be transparent, I’m not a fan of C.S. Lewis to begin with, so I didn’t personally enjoy that section—especially some of the details about his life after conversion. I know not every Christian is bothered by those things (many love Anna Karenina or Jane Eyre without concern), but I have a highly sensitive nature and try to avoid anything that doesn’t align with what I consider wholesome Biblical teaching. Others may not share that perspective, but it’s worth mentioning for readers like me.

What I appreciated most, however, was the teaching Jordan included after each biography. He connects the person’s life story to Scripture and draws out practical lessons for how we can live faithfully today. That was the real highlight for me—and honestly the best part of the whole book. I plan to go back, take notes, and reflect on how to put those lessons into practice.

Overall, I’d say this book is worth reading if you enjoy short, engaging biographies with biblical application. For me, the teaching sections at the end of each chapter made the book truly valuable.

[Lauryn Comer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly binge worthy biographies that inspire the life of a Christian. Stories I didn’t know, lives I’ve never considered, changing my life and my own pursuit of Jesus. 10 stars if I could.

[Lisa Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn in immediately by the story of Fred Rogers. I had no idea of the challenges he faced and how he continued to pursue his calling in the face of many obstacles, encouraging and touching countless lives along the way. Each of the stories challenged me in pursuing my calling as a “Mere Christian” and the last chapter on C.S. Lewis…wow! He is one of my favorite authors and getting a glimpse into his life was such a gift! Hoping to see more biographies from Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox in the future!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are lots of books that pontificate about the relationship between faith and work, but this book dramatizes it. Instead of exploring the subject from an intellectual angle, Jordan Raynor and his co-writer Kaleigh Cox give readers vivid examples of what it can look like for Christians to make a difference through a faith-driven approach to their everyday work. These short biographies pack a punch, each of them covering a notable Christian who made the world a better place through their jobs. 

The biographies cover the TV personality Fred Rogers; civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer; Ole Kirk Christiasen, the founder of LEGO; author, educator, and social reformer Hannah More; and author and apologist C.S. Lewis. The authors broke up each biography into short chapters, and the stories are fast-paced and engaging to read. Raynor explains that even though full-length biographies can be dry and way too detailed, there are lots of benefits to learning about other people's lives, and you just need the right delivery for it.

This book is a great example of how to tell someone's life story in a quick, engaging way that hits the high points and underscores the most crucial things from their legacy. The biographies are detailed, vivid, and extremely readable. Some readers will quibble with details that they think the authors either glossed over or overemphasized too much, but these mini-biographies are solid and well-researched, and they also include source notes. Each chapter also includes a few pages of summary at the end, highlighting the takeaway messages that readers can apply to their own work.

Five Mere Christians is a fast-paced, engaging read that will appeal to people who enjoy reading biographies, and to people who don't normally like that kind of thing, but who may find these life stories compelling. This would also make a great selection for a book club, or for a group of employees at a Christian organization to read together. I really enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to people who appreciate powerful life stories and want to feel inspired in their vocational work.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 5 Mere Christians, Jordan Raynor and Kaleigh Cox present binge-worthy biographies that show how to glorify God through your work. This book shares the lives of Fred Rogers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ole Kirk Christiansen, Hannah More, and C. S. Lewis in a quick and compelling way, along with practical takeaways.

I was most moved by Fred Rogers’ biography. Rogers is a personal hero of mine, and Raynor wrote the familiar parts of his story in a fresh and exciting way. He also included new details I hadn't known, and I was pleased to see my esteem for Rogers grow. His takeaways are as follows: (1) Mere Christians glorify God by embracing their position in God’s “royal priesthood," (2) Mere Christians glorify God by making time to experience their belovedness, and (3) Mere Christians glorify God by working at a pace that allows them to extend God’s love to others.

Inspiring and Encouraging

After Rogers, I was most interested in reading the biography of Ole Kirk Christiansen, the founder of LEGO. What stood out to me was how prayer played a part in his story. Against the backdrop of World War II, God’s providence is on full display. His takeaways are as follows: (1) Mere Christians glorify God by persevering through trials in faith, (2) Mere Christians glorify God by embracing play and “useless” work, and (3) Mere Christians glorify God by committing themselves to the ministry of excellence.

Most biographies I read are about pastors and preachers. With short chapters that highlight the can't-miss moments in these lives, Raynor’s book is a breath of fresh air. Seeing mere men and women of faith who did meaningful work in the world is both inspiring and encouraging. No matter your daily work, this book will make you want to live a life that counts for good in this world.

I received a media copy of 5 Mere Christians and this is my honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book about 5 extraordinary people who all had the same thing in common. Glorifying God in their works and they were very humble people doing amazing things for other humankind and they didn’t want credit for it the credit they wanted it to go to God. I’ve always respected and admired Fred Rogers (Mr Rogers) and watched him on TV as a child. His story was incredible about all the people he helped behind the scenes and didn’t want it made public. His story is remarkable and I encourage you to read it. So is the story of Fannie Lou Hamer and all the adversity she went thru. Just reading how badly she and others like her were treated makes me despise the color of my skin. Nothing like that should ever have happened but yet it’s still happening today. She persevered thru death threats and carried on until the day she passed away. A remarkable woman. Ole Kirk Christiansen the founder of LEGO his story is equally amazing how he persevered thru 3 fires that burned down his house and workshop and the mother of his sons passing away and his infant child being born as still born but he persevered. Hannah More was equally remarkable in the way she educated others and spread God’s love and word and how she fought to end slavery. CS Lewis the author, his story was also remarkable how he started out, went to war, saw friends die and became friends with JRR Tolkien who were in a writing group together helping each other with their stories. I’m glad I read this. I highly recommend it.

[Kelli V Spann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What about the product or process of your work is creating a craving in others that will only be fully satisfied in Christ?

A wonderfully, inspiring book of the true stories behind five men and women who changed the world by following Christ in their careers. It doesn’t end there, between the lines, and in chapter synopsis, I was inspired with practical ways that I, too, can make a difference in my own life to serve others through God.

I’ve often wondered and been somewhat defeated in knowing that life has rushed by and I have not made any difference and feel it is too late, yet . . ..

In lieu of using theological exposes and philosophical terms to say how it’s never too late, our lives are not too small, the authors give us differing life examples from those who took their ordinary lives, with seemingly wildly differing challenges, to honor God and show Christianity in action.

What a joy to read about this subject in entertaining and interesting stories of real life, ordinary people who changed the world.

Highly recommend in text and audio.

[Detta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught me totally by surprise, I expected a preachy book on the does and donts with these people. You know, if things are like this then this is what they did to succeed,
Boy was I ever wrong, The book starts with Fred Rogers and it will end with CS Lewis. Its an honest first person look at their lives, their struggles and their accomplishments, There are five Christians that are featured In this book. It's an incredible account of those that we have heard of, and those we may have missed. I have to be honest when I say, I checked it out digitally through Hoopla, and got it free with my audible subscription. After reading the first three stories, I had to share this book with others. It is a non biased look at each individual. Their experiences throughout life and the turning point in their history. None of them are grandiose, but all are incredible. It is a must to read! I ended up buying a physical copy to share. Honestly I cannot recommend this book high enough..

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend any of the books and resources that Jordan Raynor has produced. His main point is that by reading about others and learning about their lives you can live out your faith as well no matter what occupation or season of life you find yourself in. On his podcast each week he interviews guests across a wide variety of vocations to found out how they glorify God through work. In this book I learned a lot about each of the five people highlighted. The shortness of the book lends itself to easy reading, yet you get a detailed glimpse into their life and how God used them to glorify Himself. After each chapter the authors invite you to explore how you can apply what you have just read about in the person's life to your own life. Good stuff!

[Erin Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A telling of the lives and works of Fred Rogers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ole Kirk Christianson, Hannah More, and C.S. Lewis. The book tells of the individual's life and work and how they wove their Christian beliefs into their work. Then, it gives you points of emphasis on how to take what that individual did and apply it to your own work. I found two of the stories a little less engaging, but all were worthwhile. I was not familiar with Christianson or More and found Christianson's story extremely compelling. Even if you think you have nothing to learn from these individuals (you do), the narration of their lives is worth the read.

I listened to this book on audio. It is read by the author. While he isn't a superb narrator, he doesn't detract from the stories.

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jordan's approach to these 5 influential Christians through a mini biography format.

I'd heard of 2 of those names, and another one by his craft but the other 2 people were wholly unknown to me, despite both being extremely influential in abolition of slavery.

I enjoyed the recap at the end of each chapter, offering at least 3 practical ways to apply what you learned from these faithful men and women. Although written to adults (with at least 2 biographies including mature content that was applicable to the person's history), this could be edited to share with teens as well.

If you like biographies or even just learning about other influential Christians, I recommend you give this book a try! It might just be one of my top reads this year!

[Benay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great introduction to a few mere Christians I have never heard of, and inspires me to find out more about them.
I feel like this would be a good book to use in a youth group setting. It seems to be written for High School or Middle School level. And students in that part of life are often bombarded by questions of their future. “What do you want to be?” “Where are you hoping to go to college?” Even taking personality tests to discover their “best fit” for a career choice. If they are torn because they love God but can’t really see themselves in full-time ministry, these stories shared by Jordan and Kaleigh could be a great relief and encouragement.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, short readable bios about five amazing people. I still think my favorites are Fred Rogers and Fannie Lou Hamer, but honest, where would we be without any of the five?

I love how each short bio has a section with 3 ways making it relatable to you. Was Mr. Rogers perfect? No, but here’s 3 things he did that we can do to help make life easier and/or connect more with the Lord.

It’s one you can suggest to adult or teens. There is rape mentioned in Hamer’s story, so keep age in mind.

This is a book I’ll keep in case my kids want to read or I want to reread. I think I’ll eventually read more on Rogers and Hamer as well.

[Mark Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of my pre-order, I received an advanced copy so I could review before the book officially hits the shelves. So far..... WOW! In the subtitle it says "binge-worthy" and for someone who struggles with ADHD, this has actually been binge-worthy. I finished Mister Rogers and I'm already halfway through Fannie Lou Hammer in less than 3 hours. For me, that is WOW!!! I can't wait to continue this book and pass it on to my friends and my pastor and anyone else willing to take the time to read this. Believe me, GET IT!

[Rita Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read biographies but this one I read in a bookclub (Circle 31). Jordan Raynor & Kaleigh Cox have glorified God in their work.

The 5 Mere Christians are Fred Rogers the creator of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Ole Kirk Christiansen founder of LEGO, C.S. Lewis author of Mere Christians & The Chronicles of Narnia, Hannah More a poet largely credited for abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire, Fannie Lou Hamer, the civil rights activist who stood up to President Johnson on national TV. This is a 5 star read.

[JaTara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! Biographies are usually boring but they kept it interesting. I have always loved Fred Rogers. C.S.Lewis’ work Mere Christianity bored me but I loved the stories from Narnia. I never saw Aslan as a comparison but I would need to go back and read those books to see how I feel. Fannie Hamer and Ole Christiansen fascinated me the most. They both rose again and again from tragedy in an effort to help others.

[Rachel Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prior to reading "Five Mere Christians," I would have answered "yes" to these questions:
"Is your mood perfectly correlated to whether you're winning at work?"
"Do you spend less time with the Lord when things aren't going your way?"
"Are you unable to enjoy God's gift of rest from your work?"

Praise God - reading this book has changed the way I view work and think about God! Thank you, Jordan and Kayleigh, for faithfully sharing stories of humor, humility, and holiness.