Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us About Who We Are, Where We're Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus

by Kevin Burrell

Birds don’t just sing—they preach.

Pastor and birder Kevin Burrell takes readers on a one-of-a-kind journey of theology, nature, and wonder that reveals God’s truth through the lives of birds.

The world is loud, life is fast, and wonder is slipping through the cracks. But Jesus gave a simple command—consider the birds. Pastor and birder Kevin Burrell takes that call literally, weaving together the beauty of creation, the depth of Scripture, and stunning illustrations from artist Aedan Peterson in a way that is insightful and delightfully unexpected.

From the Arctic Tern’s relentless migration to the Satin Bowerbird’s obsessive collection of blue trinkets, Kevin shows us why these feathered creatures illustrate timeless truths found in Philippians. A Western Scrub Jay’s funeral echoes Paul’s perspective on life and death. An albatross’s lifelong commitment mirrors the call to steadfast faith. Even the sparrow—once deemed a pest—reminds us why anxiety has no place in the kingdom of God.

This book is more than ornithology. It’s more than theology. It’s an invitation to slow down, look up, and rediscover the Gospel written in the wings of creation. With wry humor, fascinating science, and rich biblical insight, In Consideration of Sparrows transforms both how we see birds—and how we see God.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Birds, Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2026

About the author

Kevin Burrell is the co-lead Pastor of StoneBridge Church Community in Charlotte, North Carolina. An avid birder, Kevin’s pastoral heart and avian interests united in 2020 with the formation of his blog, Ornitheology (where he utilizes birds as illustrations of the Christian life), and more recently the book Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us About Who We Are, Where We're Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus (releasing March 24, 2026). As a result, his pastoral responsibilities have begun to include an increasing number of “Hey, what bird is this?” inquiries. He lives in Charlotte with his wife Beverly, three children, and five birdfeeders.

Reviews

[Christine Gustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

You guys. This book is absolute GOLD!

I’ve spent most of my life watching birds and following Jesus; this book gave me an ever deeper love for both.

It’s part bird book, part reflection on Philippians. Excellently written, funny, Biblically sound and just delightful.

I laughed, I reflected, I shed some happy tears, I shared countless reflections & bird facts from this book with my husband and teenage kids as I read it.

Age recommendation: everyone.

I can’t wait to get my hands on a paper copy of this book when it comes out in March. Spoiler alert to all of my fellow Jesus-loving, bird-watching friends—this is the book I’ll be gifting you from now until forever 😆

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC of this book! All thoughts are my own.

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most refreshing books on spiritual development I've read in years! I wouldn't consider myself a birder, but I might be one after reading this. What a unique lens by which to gain a greater understanding of the Biblical text. I especially liked the focus of studying Philippians through the characteristics of birds. I must buy a physical copy once it is published! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this eARC.

[Elaine Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book through NetGalley, but I will be buying a physical copy for my own library. It is just that good! Kevin Burrell is a PCA minister & also an avid birder. (He combines those 2 aspects on his blog Ornitheology.) Burrell walks you through the truths found in Philippians, illustrating his points with a variety of interesting (& uninteresting) birds. This book is such a fun read. I was laughing out loud multiple times. At one point, he's guessing what each American denomination would choose as a their avian mascot & assigns the Baptists "a diving duck...the sort of bird that's most comfortable in an environment that allows full immersion." As a fan of immersion myself & current member of a Baptist church, I thought that was particularly funny. The humor, the Gospel-rich insights into Paul's letter to the Philippian church, the lessons from nature--all of it make this a book I would highly recommend!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin Burrell invites us on a unique journey through the book of Philippians by comparing many of the passages with the lives of different species of birds. This book continually points us to Christ and causes you to marvel at the perfect design of our amazing Creator. You will be moved to tears and to worship. Hopefully you, like I, will never look at birds the same way again. Thank you, Kevin for this beautiful book…Soli Deo Gloria!

*On a side note…I may have now purchased a few books on birds for further study :) and…be sure to check out the author’s blog: Ornitheology.com

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a gal whose ideal Friday night involves cozying up on the couch with a glass of wine and watching anything narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this book was destined to hit the bullseye for me. With insights into bird antics that would make Sir David proud and a devotional depth that engages the soul, it’s rich with wisdom and beauty. It warmed my heart and nudged me toward awe. I don’t often add my nonfiction reads to Goodreads, but this one is too good not to share—an easy, enthusiastic five stars for me.

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a unique and well-written book! I’ve never read anything like it. Both a pastor and birder, Kevin Burrell accomplished something truly powerful in this book — admiring creation while glorifying the Creator — and I loved every minute.

I learned much about a variety of birds, but beyond just birds, I enjoyed Jesus while reading this book. I didn’t expect this to be a loose study of Philippians, but I thought it was an interesting angle. Also, Burrell is an incredible writer! His writing style was refreshing to read, and his evident knowledge and appreciation of both theology and ornithology simultaneously is something special.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Jesus and birdwatching (or if you like the board game Wingspan). Five stars from me! (Releases March 2026)

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Christian Publishing for an advanced e-copy of this book. Truly loved it, and all opinions are my own!

[Zoey Fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thoughtful, beautifully written, unique bird-forward study of scripture. Burrell does an exceptional job reflecting on God's creation, by taking readers through a study of the book of Philippians. I found this book leading me to reflect on scripture and remain in awe of God's creation. In the best way this book truly balances biblical truth, plenty of bird facts, and quite a few jokes that had me wishing the book kept going! A must read - even better is to read alongside with Google images to be able to picture the birds referenced throughout the book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pure delight to read. I love bird watching and I learned many new and interesting facts from the author’s research and stories. He does an excellent job of pulling spiritual truths from the lessons birds teach us. His writing style is winsome with warmth and humor. I feel inspired and uplifted after reading, and I highly recommend it even if you aren’t yet a birdwatcher.

I received a preview copy from NetGalley.

[Rogers lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a joy to read. I was surprised to find it walks through verses of Philippians as he makes theological reflections on birds. It was a natural fit to see the authors joy of bird watching and the deep joy of the Gospel.

[Len Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. It might be best read as a devotional, taking your time to read through and enjoy one chapter at a time. I’m not sure the experience would be the same if a person tries to power their way through the book quickly.

I’d read it again.

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! And also it’s a gorgeous book with all the black and white water color.

[Amy Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced e-reader copy of this book compliments of Netgalley.

Not often do I pick up a nonfiction book and feel drawn to worship. What a gift it is when it happens. And this book absolutely did. It consistently filled my heart with reverence, joy, and wonder. Each chapter gave me a new arsenal of bird facts, a deeper, richer theological understanding of scripture, and a general sense of wonder and worship. I just loved it. I savored it over the course of a month and now feel sad that it’s over. I definitely plan to read it again in the future.

[Amanda (aebooksandwords) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those who know me, it is no secret that I love birds. I also love that Jesus mentions birds in His well-known and formational teaching, the Sermon on the Mount, as He encourages us not only to cease from worry but shares about who our heavenly Father is. Because of that, Kevin Burrell’s Considering Sparrows quickly drew my attention.

Burrell writes that “every one of us should make some sort of attentive effort toward some aspect of God’s creation.” Birds, as part of God’s creation, have much to teach us about who we are and our journey of life in Christ. In observing and learning about them, we find delight, joy, and even aspects that open our eyes to characteristics about ourselves, our Lord, and the church.

“Like all creation, the birds have something to say about truth, beauty, and a crazy-creative God.”

Calling us to consider the birds, he takes us on a long distance flight through Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Joining us for the trip are fully committed albatrosses, humble treecreepers, and our generous but perplexing partners, the honeyguides.

I found this book to serve not so much as a call to simply birdwatch, but as a call to find “a window through which the character of God is illustrated.” It contains moving reminders of His goodness, provision, and kindness while witnessing to the fascinating lives of birds. I observed how His careful creation of them serves as a thoroughfare toward noticing how He also made and cares for us.

This book is filled with Scripture and its applications for our lives in Christ alongside the beauty found in God’s birds. I highly recommend it!

Highlights:

“All truth is God’s truth, good stories tell the great story, and every corner of God’s creation is a window to the gospel if we have the eyes to see it.”

“Sometimes God opens prison doors. Other times He works through closed ones.”

“Let’s be gut-honest: If the story of the Bible was based on our commitment to God, it would only be three chapters thick. It reads much better as the story of his commitment to us.”

“Your Sunday morning gathering of everyday people may seem ordinary in isolation, but the invisible realities that hold it together are astounding. This is the invisible church. Listen carefully and you may hear the murmuring wingbeats of the saints.”

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[John Davis]

Advanced Publishers Copy

Kevin Burrell is our pastor at StoneBridge Church. Therefore we have a certain bias toward anything he says or writes. So with this mindset we dove into Considering Sparrows. We were not disappointed. As the title would suggest, we learned some of the peculiar habits of various species of birds some of which we had never met. But much more important we glimpsed the great variety in God's creation. The book illustrates God's love for his creation and particularly his love for the people created in his image. Do you sometimes feel that God has no interest in you? Read this book! It will point towards the Truth that everything in God's world is important to him. John and Kathy Davis

[Kelly Bruce]

I’ve never been a bird-watcher, so I honestly wasn’t sure I’d even like this book…but let me tell you, it was AMAZING. ✨
And now? I kinda want to be a bird watcher. 🐦💛
I’ve spent so much of my life following Jesus, and this book somehow made me fall even more in love with Him.
The way the author walks through Philippians is just so beautifully done—rich, simple, and full of heart.

I received my copy through a GoodReads Giveaway, and I’m so grateful—this one’s a treasure.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The annotations you mark in an ebook tell an evidence-based story about your reading adventure. I just finished Considering Sparrows and the data shows I marked 189 highlighted sentences. Since these highlights are grouped by chapters, I can easily pick out my three most favorite chapters. Each of these favorites has twenty or more highlights. No chapter was sans highlights. This data proves beyond a doubt, I loved this book!

Bible and birds; you might think there’s not enough material on these two topics together to fill a 240-page book. But Kevin Burrell, a pastor and birder, has authored a book that sings like a nightingale and soars like an eagle. His knowledge of scripture and ornithology is extensive and accurate. From beginning to end, the book is filled with insightful analogies. Each of them are pearls of wisdom to treasure. The book’s layout is enhanced by Burrell’s focus on the book of Philippians. Each chapter begins with a selected verse from this scriptural letter and then in the following paragraphs Burrell expands on themes related to this verse.

Readers can invest confidently in Burrell’s conclusions since his experience with birds is current and wide-ranging. He references the highly popular Merlin app, thousands of individuals around the world use to accurately identify birds. The retelling of his field experiences across the globe solidifies his credentials. He includes references to birding in India, Costa Rica, Spain, Mexico, and Panama to name just a few.

Burrell’s thoughtful book is a pleasure to read. His style includes humor, popular references, and draws quotes from both religious giants and illustrious avian writers.

As a former twenty-year librarian, I think I might be hard pressed to figure out the best place to shelve this book. Should it be assigned to the religion section or nestled in the non-fiction books on birds. I’ve decided the best place I would shelve Considering Sparrows once it’s spot on the new books section expired, is to give it a perpetual “Staff Picks” favorite designation.

Considering Sparrows by Kevin Burrell will appear in bookstores and online on March 24, 2026. I read an advanced readers copy supplied by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. #ConsideringSparrows #NetGalley

[Danielle Holc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad this book caught my eye on Netgalley! While I read a lot of fiction, I’ve also spent a lot of time listening to sermons and teaching science and simple theology to children, while also embracing humor. So I really appreciated what the author did here! If only every non-fiction book read so easily as this!

The beautiful cover caught my eye first, then the unusual caption “Orintheology.” (Say it 10 times fast, I dare you!) however the writing quickly drew me in and kept me captivated.

Each chapter highlights a bird / bird category about which you learn some really cool and weird facts. Then the author ties it in to a spiritual truth. I absolutely love how this was done - down to earth, funny, interesting. I feel like many authors or pastors might inflate the story at some point, but I love how we visited some spiritual topics without getting unnecessarily lengthy or wordy. It was almost like we just let the birds speak.

Would I recommend? Yes
Would I read again? Yes
Would I give as a gift (to people I liked)? Also yes

Some favorites for me - Swift fans, I’d the non-Taylor variety? Slow clap, sir. That was brilliant. 😂
Raven being provided for and being used to provide, though being unclean / dirty. Just… I’ll be soaking that in for a bit.

What could have made it better? Geese. Volume 2 maybe? Just kidding… sorta. 😂

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for the absolute privilege to read this in advance.

[Cheryl Balcom · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of both Jesus and birds, I eagerly picked up *Considering Sparrows* by Kevin Burrell—and it did not disappoint. Burrell takes readers on a delightful and fascinating journey through the world of birds, weaving together both familiar and lesser-known species with the theme of joy found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians in the Bible. Walking verse by verse through the book, he uncovers rich truths and illustrates their life application through the unique and often surprising characteristics of birds. Such a creative and refreshing way to engage Scripture!

The book is as enriching as it is enjoyable. Alongside Burrell’s insights are beautiful elements that enhance the experience, including a foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, lovely illustrations by Aeden Peterson, and poetry from John Piper. Each piece adds depth and beauty to an already meaningful message. I came away not only with new knowledge about birds, but with a renewed sense of awe for their Creator.

More than anything, this book gently challenges readers in their walk with Christ—I won’t soon forget the reminder that, as part of the church, I need to be both a penguin and a hummingbird (you’ll have to read Chapter 8 to understand!). Thoughtful, creative, and joy-filled, this is a book I would gladly recommend. And may we all live like the Arctic Tern, as a lover of the light, keeping the Son ever before us.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All truth is God’s truth, good stories tell the great story, and every corner of God’s creation is a window to the gospel if we have the eyes to see it. Think of these chapters as a collection of extended sermon illustrations. With feathers.”

This quote from the introduction perfectly sums up the masterpiece that is Considering Sparrows. I loved it so much, and here are a few reasons why:

-It’s funny. The author uses humor that sometimes borders on cringey dad jokes, but I loved it. (Maybe that says something about my humor haha)
-Of course, the birds. I am whatever the opposite of a bird expert is, but learning about birds both familiar (hello, pigeons) and previously unknown to me made me feel smarter and notice the birds around me.
-The illustrations by Aedan Peterson (Andrew Peterson’s son!).
-What I’m left with after reading this is the encouragement to not only consider the birds, but to look for how God might want to speak to me through every part of the world that he made.

This book is the perfect blend of beautiful and practical. I received a complimentary ebook version from Netgalley and the publisher, but I had a feeling it would end up being one I’d want on my shelf. I was right, and I’m so glad I can revisit it in the future (+ convince my husband to read it for sermon illustrations 😉)

*Similar to: Rembrandt is in the Wind and Van Gogh has a Broken Heart by Russ Ramsey, God of All Things by Andrew Wilson, and Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren

[Bianca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book — and for a debut, Kevin Burrell has done something truly wonderful. Considering Sparrows is part bird book, part reflection on Philippians, and wholly delightful.

It is beautifully written, light but also deeply reflective, and firmly rooted in Scripture. The author has a rare gift: he writes about birds in a way that is genuinely interesting (never dull), and he weaves biblical reflection into everyday life so naturally that many familiar passages come alive afresh. Few people can write well about birds; even fewer can do so while illuminating Scripture. Burrell manages both with warmth and clarity.

I especially loved the suggestion that this book is best read outdoors — or at least surrounded by some form of nature. It truly enhances the experience and makes the reflections feel even more alive and grounded.

Who would have thought that birds could teach us so much — about faith, joy, attention, trust, and what it means to follow Jesus? I thoroughly recommend this book. A gentle, joyful, and enriching read from start to finish.

I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to review Considering Sparrows through NetGalley. It’s been a joy to share my thoughts on such a delightful and enriching read.

[Claire Stanovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Live up to what you have already attained. So by all means, live in the light of righteousness, determined to glorify God with your life. And live in the light of honesty, free to admit where you regularly fall short of His glory. But most of all, live in the light of the Gospel, the good news that frees us from shame and to the pursuit of holiness. May yours be a pole-to-pole commitment to the Gospel, allowing its radical promises to wow you. Jesus entered the judgment of polar darkness to give you the hope of perpetual light. Keep telling yourself the good news, and let others speak it to you regularly, until the day when Christ becomes so fully our light that no migration will be necessary: 'Night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light' (Revelation 22:5)" (129).

WOAH!!! I love a metaphor, and I love reading about His good creation of the natural world. Grateful for the birds and grateful for the Gospel truth threaded throughout this book. He's too good to us.

disclaimer: did not love all of the modern day references/humor, but not letting that diminish how often I'll be singing the praises of this book.

[Aimee Routon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ironically enough (though not ironic at all if you truly consider it), God dropped this book in my lap at the perfect moment: a few months after my revelation of the deep worship found in nature - specifically in birds and their song!

“Considering Sparrows” is a joyful and thought-provoking read that speaks plainly yet beautifully to the genius of God’s nature and His creation. I laughed - frequently - and caught myself grinning on more than one occasion.

I appreciated how gently direct Kevin speaks to the reader - about birds, about God, about Paul, about life, about simplicity. And - maybe more than anything else - I appreciate how deeply Kevin speaks to the heart of God. This book isn’t ‘preachy’, it isn’t ‘commanding’, it isn’t snubbing its nose or judging - its reminding us to *truly* hear God’s message, to take from nature and birds what He implores on us: love one another, walk boldly, live joyously, trust obediently, believe fervently.

I will hold onto this book forever and share with everyone I can around me. 5 star read, hands down!

[Becka · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Considering Sparrows by Kevin Burrell

Bird lovers and bird watchers will delight in Burrell’s book, Considering Sparrows, in which he uses the avian world to exemplify aspects of the Christian life. I especially enjoyed the chapter in which he ponders possible bird mascots for the Church in different situations (Don’t be a penguin or a potoo!). There were times where I felt the bird analogy to be a bit of a stretch in a chapter or two, but overall I was challenged to examine my own actions and motives and learned some fascinating lessons about both the bird and human worlds.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Solomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

paying attention to creation is not a hobby for soft people in expensive fleeces. It is a call back to sanity and scale. It is part of discipleship, and sits at the base on which our joy rests. How do I remember how big God's world is, how small I am, and how important that makes me to Him anyway? This is a book that makes you think about your relationships in big and small ways.

Burrell makes you want to pull the car over and take a walk and ask God why He made all this, yet still paused to make you.

Read it, recommend it, have a Bible study about it. A thousand books are out there droning on about how important you are, but few that make you feel both small and special at the same time.

Highly recommended. Would read again.

[Sarah Fowler Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a creative, thorough, and practical (commentary? devotional?) on Philippians using different species of birds for observation and illustration. It is well written, thought out, and researched with a pleasant sprinkling of quotes from theologians, pastors, and authors throughout. It is good and right for us to observe Creation to better understand the Creator, and there's particularly thoughtful and joyful observation here. The theology and biblical themes are taken realistically and practically, which is both enjoyable and edifying. Plus you're likely to learn quite a few ornithological tidbits (never too technical or heavy-handed) along the way.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like being reminded of the character and work of God and his people through things we see in nature, especially birds and so when a friend made me aware of this book, I knew it was one I wanted to pick up. I read another similar book last year that I connected with a bit more but there was lots to enjoy about this one. It began a little dry for me with an abundance of bird facts but as the author began to incorporate more personal stories as well as parallels with lessons he sees in the book of Philippians, I began to enjoy it more. The bird funeral and humility chapters were my favorite. It gives the reader good food for thought.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that encouraged my heart through a fascinating exploration of birds and a tour of Philippians. Each chapter brought a new topic that held my interest, taught me a lot about birds, and challenged me to keep looking to Jesus. While Pastor Burrell draws from many great resources (I added several to my "Want to Read" list), he also provides fresh insight and humble offerings from his own experiences. I've already given one copy away and plan to share with others. I'd highly recommend.

[Lou Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering Sparrows is a treasure to help us laugh, learn, and marvel at the God who cares for his people as he cares for the unique needs of each variety of birds. Kevin matches his witty and whimsical writing style with his pastoral heart, and uses "literary binoculars" to teach deep truths of God's faithfulness and provision to us as he points out the details of the tern, raven, albatross, humble sparrow, and more. Whether read devotionally or for pure enjoyment, this book is a keeper to be enjoyed again and again.

[Schlabach Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a pretty satisfying devotional look at birds and the book of Philippians in the Bible. The bord stories were quite randomized but worked with each chapter and verse, the alternating of bird facts to biblical facts made the book balanced, making it an easy and engaging read. Thank you netgalley for ARC this is my honest review.

[Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kevin for using your gift with words and knowledge of birds to bring a clearer understanding of the book of Philippians. I have been challenged to learn who my neighbors are, encouraged to view life outside of my small lens, and reveled in the joy of my Savior. I recommend this book to any all readers who enjoy bird watching or who want to learn more about the Creator!