Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Books On My Reading List



From time to time I mention books that I am reading or have recently read. The following is a list of my most enjoyed:

SIMPLE CHURCH – by Thomas Rainer
The book is built around the premise that the local church can accomplish more by doing less. Excellent for church leaders.

GO BIG – by Bill Easum & Bil Cornelius
This little book is only 126 pages long, but it is the BIGGEST little-book I have ever read! In fact, I bought it 2006 and I still read it. I have re-read the book about ten times! The theme of this book is we serve a big God and offers pastors some real nuts-and-bolts instruction on how to lead a church to explosive growth. This is an excellent book for church leaders.

SURPRISING INSIGHTS FROM THE UNCHURCHED – by Thomas Rainer
Church leaders - especially those interested in reaching irreligious people - will find this book to be a helpful resource for developing a congregation and ministry style that actually evangelizes. As the title suggests, it lets church people know what unchurched people are thinking about these days. Very helpful for me.

THE CREATIVE LEADER – Ed Young
I enjoy Ed's writings more than his preaching - and this book was a home run for me. He offers insights into his own church, leadership style, staffing, etc. This book is a "call for change" in the local church - that is, getting off the dead horse of tradition, getting creative, and being a high-impact church in the community. I loved it.

FINDING THE FAVOR OF GOD – Dr. Ronnie Floyd
Yep, that's what I'm talking about - the favor of God. Nehemiah prayed, "Remember me, my God, WITH FAVOR" (Neh. 13:31). This book captures the essence of what God is trying to tell us about the favor He bestows upon His children. It was a devotional read for me and has prompted me to think deeply, and ponder its insights. I am seeking God.

THE MIRACLE OF LIFE CHANGE – Chip Ingram
A book about metamorphosis or transformation. How God changes us from the inside out. A good read.

CONFESSIONS OF A PASTOR – Craig Groschell
Don't read this unless you want your notions of a pastor to be shattered! In this book Craig confesses to all his weaknesses, shattering the illusion of the "mystical pastor" who is a "spiritual giant." As the Bible says of Elijah, (who was one of the greatest prophets who eve lived), "Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are..." (James 5:17), Craig admits his own.