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

ECPA BESTSELLER • 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, Considering Sparrows transforms both how we see birds—and how we see God.

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 with the formation of his blog, Ornitheology, where he utilizes birds as illustrations of the Christian life. He lives in Charlotte with his wife Beverly, three children, and five birdfeeders.

Aedan Peterson is an illustrator and visual developer born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. He’s been busy for the last few years, illustrating the new edition of Pembrick’s Creaturepedia, The Story of God Trilogy, The Tree Street Kids Series, and Dead-eye Dan and the Cimarron Kid. He’s also delved into the world of animation working as a character designer and background artist for The Wingfeather Saga animated series. When he’s not painting trees with his wife or playing with his daughter, he can be found bird watching, or eating chips and salsa, or doing both at the same time.