Book Review: Monuments by John Sherrill

Monuments by John Sherrill is more than a book — it’s an awakening. Read this heartfelt review on purpose, calling, and the story your life is telling.

A Monumental Calling

Every once in a while, a message comes along that doesn’t simply encourage — it awakens. That was exactly my experience with John Sherrill’s Monuments.

I consider myself genuinely blessed to have heard this message firsthand through John’s sermon series at Declaration Church last summer. From the very first sermon, it was clear this wasn’t just another teaching series. It was an intense call — a deeply personal invitation to reconsider how we view our lives, our purpose, and our significance in God’s greater story. And, honestly? I needed that. Yes, even at my age!

What struck me most was the ripple effect of the message. I watched it resonate not only with the congregation as a whole, but especially with the teens who attended Camp 220 that summer. The themes of identity, calling, and intentional design landed with unusual clarity. You could almost see lightbulbs switching on. And when I say that our altars were full that summer, I mean it. The response was life-changing for many.

Because of that experience, I had high expectations for the book.

And I’m happy to say, Monuments delivers.

You were Created On Purpose, For a Purpose

Reading through the pages felt like revisiting those powerful moments — only deeper, richer, and more reflective. I found myself stopping often, highlighting passages, and jotting down quote after quote. John has a remarkable way of articulating truths we often sense but struggle to put into words. I’ve seen it from the pulpit, and now I’ve witnessed it in his writing.

This is not a passive read. It’s important that you know that, going in.

This is one of those books that gently but firmly stirs you to action.

At its heart, Monuments reminds us of something we desperately need to hear:

Our lives are not accidents.
Our stories are not random.
Our significance is not self-generated.

We are intentionally created by a loving God who is actively invested in the story our lives are telling.

One line, in particular, captured the essence of the book for me:

”Every person God creates is created on purpose and for purpose. Our lives have deep meaning, genuinely matter, and will represent something. And finally, we were born for significance, and we all have a story to tell.”

You matter. And your life’s purpose matters.

In a culture obsessed with striving, proving, and performing, the message of Monuments feels both countercultural and deeply healing. Instead of pressure, John points readers toward purpose. (And, hey. . .isn’t that what we all long for?) Instead of anxiety, he offers assurance. Instead of self-reliance, he calls us back to trust in the One who created us, loves us, and knows us best!

Most of all, Monuments inspires readers to respond to the holy call of God on their lives — not with fear or hesitation, but with confidence and expectancy.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of purpose, identity, or significance, this book will speak directly to your heart. I know it spoke to mine. And I’m thrilled to add that it spoke to the hearts of my granddaughters, who attended Camp 220 and heard the sermon series firsthand. (What more could a grandmother want, right?)

If you’re already walking in your calling?

It will remind you why your story matters.

It does, you know.

And so do you.

Highly recommended.

Get your copy of Monuments here!