Just added a few more books to my 2008 read list. Here are a few thoughts.
The Courage to Teach: The book has become somewhat of a classic for teachers who are interested in the holistic development of their students. I thought it was okay. The chapter on paradox was worth the book to me.
The Art and Craft of Preaching: Probably the most comprehensive resource on preaching that I've ever read. I'd encourage every preacher to get a copy and keep it on their desk. The chapters are written by excellent communicators like Haddon Robinson, Craig Brian Larson, Bill Hybels, Rob Bell, John Piper, and Tim Keller. And for a textbook with over 700 pages...surprisingly inspiring.
The Multiplying Church: Wow. I told Leah the other day that this is the book I wish I could have written:) It is a fantastic description of the dream that I have for Metro Detroit. It's must reading for anyone who loves the church.
Just updated the book list on my sidebar. The majority of the books I've read have been required reading for my graduate studies. While my class reading has felt a bit overwhelming at times, I'm thankful that school has pushed me to be a better reader. And fortunately, I've found most of the books to be helpful. I've also been able to squeeze in a few by choice.
Here are some notables:
Most Interesting Story-Line: Out of the Silent Planet (What if there is life on other planets, and what if those people never chose to sin?)
Most Underlined: The Leadership Challenge (It will stay on my frequent resource shelf)
Every Church Planter Should Read: Leading at the Speed of Growth (I wish I'd read it six years ago)
Could've Gone Without: Leading Turnaround Churches (Wake me up when I'm done)
Most Intellectually Stimulating: The Reason for God (It shows up again on this list)
Most Feminine Cover: Becoming Naturally Therapeutic (It took a lot to take it out in public)
Fastest Page Turner: The Kite Runner (Incredible story of guilt and redemption. Couldn't put it down)
Best Overall: The Reason for God (Seriously, this one vaulted to my top five all time. It's a brilliant apologetic for postmodern skeptics).
I'm in a bit of a reading daze these days:) I'm averaging about three books a week. Most of them have been required texts for class. And fortunately most of them have been helpful.
I've always been a reader, but I've never pushed myself this hard to read and grow. And without something as structured as my Master's Program, I don't think I would. Even though each syllabus feels like an uphill treadmill climb, I'm thankful for the push to become a better leader.
Thankfully my time spent on school hasn't diminished my passion to lead our church. The opposite has actually happened. My love for local church ministry is intensifying. And my understanding of who God has called me to be as a pastor/church planter/leader is growing.
For what it's worth, here are the four books I've enjoyed the most so far this fall:
The Celtic Way of Evangelism: This book combines two things I love, theology and history. It's the story of how Patrick's communal church planting movement reached the barbarians, a group the book compares to postmoderns. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: I can't believe I never got around to reading this classic before. Such a solid book. I can't stop drawing the diagrams:) Leadership Coaching: There's alot I like about the coaching model of developing leaders. It's a skill I'm starting to practice. The Shape of Practical Theology: Long and heady. A few of the chapters went totally over my head:) But the big idea of the book really resonated. Practical theologians climb down from the ivory tower to interpret the Word of God through the Work of God.
I'm just glad Leah is also in a graduate program. I don't feel as bad about doing homework on our dates!
One of these days I'm going to update the books on the sidebar of my blog:) In the meantime let me recommend one book I read on the islands.
What is the What is the story of a Sudanese refugee named Valentino Achak Deng. As a boy he was forced to run from his small village in Southern Sudan when the Murahaleen attacked from the north. I was interested in the story because of all the press the Civil War in Darfur has received. What I found out is that the attention given to the conflict is not near enough.
Achak's story gives a personal face to a political conversation. I'll never have the same perception of a refugee camp again.
It's also a profound example of the insanity that is racism and the extreme capacity in the human heart toward both love and hate.
Most of all, this is a story of deep suffering. Achak wouldn't consider himself a Christian. His experiences actually cause him to ask difficult questions about God. But if you're interested in watching one remarkable young man walk a raw road between doubt and faith this story is worth your time.
Let me just begin this post by mentioning that I have a thing for Mitch Albom. I spent my high school years reading his column in the Free Press over breakfast. It was the first one I looked for when I picked up the paper. I read Fab Five right after it came off the press...back when Chris Webber's name didn't make Michigan sports fans cringe. I loved Tuesdays With Morrie. The Five People You Meet in Heaven was a step down in my opinion but still made me think.
When his newest novel came out I picked it up right away. It's a moving story about family and the values that add up to a no regret exit from life.
I read most of it in one sitting. It took me awhile to get back up. When I did I gave a shout out to my parents for giving their very best to me.
Don't want to take that one for granted:)
I'm almost one year into this blogging thing, so I've got to stop and give credit where credit is due. Mark Batterson was one of the primary inspirations for me to give this a try. He's been blogging since before blogging was big, and he's really perfected the art:)
That's why I can't wait to dig into his brand new book. I've already read the first chapter. If the rest of the book follows then I can tell you it oozes inspiration and conviction.
If your intent is to play the rest of your life safe by avoiding opportunity oriented risks then DON'T CLICK HERE!
Thanks Mark for inspiring me to write. I hope you'll be doing a book signing at some Metro Detroit Barnes and Noble stores soon:)
Yesterday I picked up a book at Borders to supplement some research for my message on Sunday. I love the title: Can a Smart Person Believe in God? The author is Michael Guillen. He's a theoretical physicist. In other words, he is a smart person.
The book is fascinating. I'm going to use some of it in my teaching on Sunday. I just hope all of our smart people are there :)
In chapter 3 he talks about superstitions. Wade Boggs, the former Red Sox star, had a few that I thought were interesting. He insisted on running his wind sprints at precisely 7.17 pm. He ended his ground ball drill by stepping on the bases in backward order. He never stepped on the foul line when taking the field but always stepped on it returning to the dugout. And finally, he ate chicken before every game.
I'm officially declaring Wednesday, April 26 as Embrace Your Idiosyncracies Day. It is a day to be weird with pride.
See you at Boston Market :)
