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: Birds

240 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication 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

[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!

[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.