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 and the depth of Scripture 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, Considering Sparrows transforms both how we see birds—and how we see God.

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

Audible Audio

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

[BookLoverAmanda]

Considering Sparrows by Kevin Burrell
4 Stars
Blog Post: https://bookloveramanda.blogspot.com/...

I heard about this book from my friend Keisha and I am so glad I read it. If you’ve ever looked at birds and thought they were just background noise, this book will completely change your perspective! This was so fascinating to me! I don't know a lot about birds so I loved how Kevin blending scripture, theology, science and bird behavior and characteristics together in a very meaningful way!

I read half of this while I was out at an anniversary getaway with my hubs at a cabin and it was perfect to read on the back porch in the rain, listening to the birds.

It truly felt like an invitation to pause, look around, and notice the ways God speaks through creation too. The illustrations were beautiful too.

While some details/chapters went over my head a bit, this is definitely a book I’d recommend for readers who enjoy nature, birds and Christian non-fiction. Thank you to the publisher for a e-book to read for review. I purchased a physical copy also to mark up, as it had some good nuggets to remember. :) All thoughts are my own.

[Christine Gustin (christinebookstagram)]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Lena]

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!

[Caitlin]

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.

[Katie Betts]

Birds teaching us theology. Sounds a bit kooky until you realize that anything and everything God created declares His glory, so of course there are awe-inspiring truths feathered creatures can reveal about Him.

Using Philippians as his guide, Kevin Burrell connects fascinating bird behaviors with timeless biblical truths. Each chapter explores a different feathered creature, showing how God's creation echoes His Word and inviting readers to slow down, look up, and rediscover the wonder of the Creator through His creation.

The writing is funny, the information eye-opening, and the insights packed with wisdom. You won't look at birds the same way again—even seagulls

Thank you @prhchristian for the book! And big thank you to @rebecca_publicist for recommending! I loved it!

Perfect for you if you like:
Nature
Biblical insights found in creation
Wit + clever prose
Engaging theology illustrations

Similar:
God of All Things by Andrew Wilson
Consider the Lilies by Jonny Ardavanis
Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren

[Elizabeth]

Journeyed one chapter a day through this book and absolutely adored it.

•••

“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.”

“Meanwhile, while ornithologists wrestle for the perfect name, the birds go about their lives, business as usual, presumably calling each other whatever they feel like.”

[Megan]

Delightful and very encouraging. I’ve always just been annoyed by the 4:45am mockingbirds right outside my window but I’ll appreciate them more now as a picture of maturity. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on crows and vultures, after knowing a special black vulture named Jeff at a birds of prey rehab center where I volunteered years ago. The epilogue about the dawn chorus was also particularly lovely. Amen!

[Zoey Fountain]

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.

[Amy Nguyen]

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.

[Michele Morin]

Burrell was inspired by the influential English theologian John Stott, also an avid birder who coined the term ornitheology to describe “the interplay between creational attentiveness and biblical teaching, or specifically, the study of birds and the study of God.” For the believer, it’s easy to see how the two intersect.

Considering Sparrows weaves unique observations from birdwatching with meaningful insights and applications from Scripture. Working from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Burrell considers the birds as they teach us important lessons about the gospel. Alongside Aedan Peterson’s illustrations, the book is as delightful as it is edifying.

I learned from Considering Sparrows that the Peregrine Falcon is the fastest animal on the planet. They also model a slow discipleship with their young that the church would do well to imitate. From now on when I see flocks of birds coordinating themselves in a midair, winged dance, I’ll be reminded of Paul’s description of the church’s unity as we “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). I want to live in the strength of contentment and the power of longterm endurance like the Mallard duck who is at home in the air, in the water, and on the land.

If you’re looking for joy, open the book of Philippians—and then open a window and listen for the pure worship of the bird chorus.

[Katie]

Bought as a gift and wanted to read it first before I passed it on. Usually I am not a fan of themed devotionals where the author presents his or her area of expertise or interest and attempts to connect these thoughts to passages of scripture with varying degrees of success or relatability. But I was pleasantly surprised by this charming and thought-provoking book. I have always enjoyed the songs and antics of the plethora of birds who live in the tree line that runs up and down our backyard — I definitely don’t need a forest-scented candle or bird-call white noise app around here! 🤣 — and reading this devotional each morning heightened my joy and awe at the variety and splendor of God’s creation, just here in my little acre.
As with any devotional relying on created beings to convey the character of the Creator, some chapters are more successful than others, but highlights for me included the Mockingbird (be a lifelong learner, beyond what songs you heard as a chick), the Arctic Tern (seek the Light. Always), and the Honeyguide (being a follower of God is an active, not a passive, role). And the concluding allusion to the “cacophony of devotion” to come in the end days gave me happy chills as I looked up from the page and listened to the dawn chorus ringing from the trees all around me.

[Sarah]

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.

[Leah]

“Consider the birds” through the lens of the book of Philippians. This introduction to ornitheology was a journey of laughter, common bird knowledge, extraordinary bird behavior, and breathtaking wonder. Philippians will now be bird shaped for me, and I’m not sad about that. It means when I see a bird, I will remember something about Jesus that now has a richer hue and leads me to sing a more beautiful song.

Also, a book ending with a reference to lyrics from a song by Rich Mullins and a quote from P.D. Eastman (whose book The Best Nest may have been the way I first learned to love birds) shows it has not missed the mark. Seriously, even the acknowledgments at the end of the book were satisfying.

This book was wonderful and highly recommended to people who currently love the Lord and the birds He has made. But who also to those love the gospel and how all creation testifies to Him.

[Rhonda Hensarling]

One of my favorite books of this year! Interesting, encouraging, uplifting! Creatively written and enhanced with many fun facts about different birds, the author highlights various verses and ideas from the book of Philippians to weave a fascinating devotional-type of book that is full of biblical truth. Read it with a highlighter in hand if you, like me, enjoy marking things you want to remember. I will definitely be coming back to this one and recommending it to others.

[Rogers lewis]

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]

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]

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

[Sarah Mcdonald]

OF COURSE I WAS OBSESSED WITH THIS!!! Up my alley in every way. Highly recommend for bird and Jesus enthusiasts!

[Leann Fuelling]

Very interesting and compelling to consider the birds and all we can learn from them. God teaches us in so many ways 💗

[Darla]

Birds and scripture and real life ! Yes please!

[David]

What a great read. I learned a lot about birds and a very different perspective on a book of the Bible that I'd read many times. This book is well worth reading and marking up and writing in.

[Emma Hughes]

I enjoyed this a lot! simple but thoughtfully-put Gospel truths illustrated with stories about birds. I wound up using it as more of a devotional, which made sense since each chapter was basically a mini sermon. would recommend for anyone who likes birds and loves Jesus ;)

[Ervina Yoder]

Thoroughly delightful. Who knew ornithology was a thing (an interplay of the study of birds and the study of God). Almost I’m convinced to become a birder.

[Amanda (aebooksandwords)]

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]

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