Mar 12th, 09
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In classic insomniac fashion, I have been looking for a way to wind down tonight. Of course listening to Lee McDerment is probably getting me a little jacked up more than calmed down – so I grabbed my new book out of my man purse computer bag. The book is Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. While I would have loved a free copy for an endorsement like this, let me just say that everyone needs to grab this book.
It’s even ok if you’re not a pastor or leader, you still ought to pick this up. At the very least it may help you understand just a little more what your pastors are going through. I have seen burnout first hand. I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the coin, and its not fun. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who is leading (even if you are nowhere near ‘empty’ at the time) a church or ministry.
I’ll probably write more thoughts as I read through it… but I’m still behind on my promise to review Crazy Love by Francis Chan – so we’ll see how long it takes to get one up for this book when I’m done! Just go read it instead of waiting on the review. 
Nov 2nd, 08
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A good friend of mine handed me a copy of Crazy Love by Francis Chan tonight. I’ve always enjoyed listening to Chan and now I can take this book off of my wish list! I’ll share my thoughts on it when I finish reading it!
Oct 15th, 08
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I just read the sample chapters of Ed Stetzer‘s new book Lost and Found that I received at Catalyst Conference; and let me say that this book looks great. There are a lot of people preaching “doom and gloom” for this generation, but Ed (and friends) rightly point out that there are churches reaching the unchurched of this generation. Instead of giving you 3 steps to implement… they choose to share with you what churches are doing to reach them. So far it seems like a great read and this is definitely something we at Summit Church are committed to… reaching unchurched and people far from God.
I’ve have the opportunity to know
Ed, and have worked with him in the past… in fact, my church and a church he started just entered a partnership together.
If you are a church leader or pastor, go ahead and pre-order this book… or at least put it on your Wishlist (which is what church planters like me do until we have the cash to pick it up)!
Oct 4th, 08
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This summer I have been bad about reading as much as I ought to. I enjoy the weather and getting out too much. I enjoy Fall for everything, except for the fact that I know Winter is to follow. I hate cold weather… seriously, I hate it so much I live in Georgia and it’s too cold for me. What would happen if I was in the NE or Upper MidWest? Miserable.
Anyhow, here are a few books I’ve either got on my desk or on the way that I’m looking forward to knocking out in the month of October.
Death By Love by Mark Driscoll. I am excited about this book, but I love everything Mark writes. Honestly, I know it contains less of his humor… which is one thing I love about his books. But I’m still looking forward to it.
Contending For Our All by John Piper. At one point I tried to own every Piper book that existed, but he just writes faster than I can read. I’ve read the others in this series, which highlights 3 historical figures that were passionate about the Gospel. Definitely pick the series up. This book covers John Owen, Athanasius, and J. Gresham Machen.
Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell. I am a pseudo-fan of Rob’s. I dig his style, and interest in the Talmud. However, his theology is not the most solid (another blog for another day… in fact, I have blogged about it in the past) – and leaves much to be desired. But I’ll pick the book up for two reasons: (1) I’m OCD and have his other 2, and (2) I really am interested in what he has to say, whether I agree 100% or not.
Hopefully I’ll find time to dig a little into each one this month. I need a book fund!!
I think there is a huge danger in only reading from people that we know we agree with. It doesn’t stretch our faith as much. I prefer to read things that are very different than what I’m accustomed to in order to help me grow. Also as a hint, when you read something you disagree with – don’t just dismiss it, interact with it… it will help you grow without boundaries.
Oct 2nd, 08
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For all of us who spend way too much money on music and books (that’s definitely me) – Mark Driscoll is starting what could be a cool trend in book writing. He’s posting a book, chapter-by-chapter, a little bit at a time on a very practical book. The book (ebook? ibook?) is called Porn-Again Christian, and is a helpful resource for those who struggle with Pornography and it’s effects. When the book is completed, it will be available in .pdf form. You can check the book out here.
A few years ago churches were packing all of their resources in boxes and selling them for high premiums. Now there’s a new generation of churches that offers their resources for free (can anyone say Kingdom-minded?) and it is a MUCH healthier trend. Mark may be on the bleeding edge of writing. It may not be the best plan to make money, but it definitely would encourage me to buy more of his. (impossible for me… I pre-order them all, but you get the point!)
Feb 28th, 08
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I go through phases in reading. I read a ton sometimes, and then others I just can’t seem to pick a book up.
I’m finally getting to tackle some books, and I am reading one I got from my sister-in-law for Christmas. It’s called
Jim and Casper Go to Church. I am really enjoying this book. Jim is a former pastor, and Casper is a vocal athiest. They visit some of the most popular churches in the country (as well as some unknown ones). Other than the fact that he puts Mars Hill in the Emerging group, they had some VERY interesting findings. Jim’s history as a pastor had really sheltered him from seeing churches for what unchurched see them as. Pick it up… it’s an easy, but very educational read.
It also leads me to comment on how easy it is to think that this life is all about us. We create a bubble around us in much of Christendom, don’t we? ‘Christian’ music, ‘Christian’ clothes, ‘Christian’ Schools… I bet if there was a ‘Christian’ car out there we’d drive it. If you know me, I used to have a car we called affectionately “The Jesus Mobile”. I have YET to see a car as decked out as it was. (btw, I put Christian in quotes because this term really cannot be attributed to anything except a person. For instance, a shirt cannot be a Christian… however we use that phrase to identify this sub-culture)
So, I’ve been there. I too was steeped in the sub-culture of separating myself from the ‘world’ so much that I NEVER interacted with anyone who didn’t believe or think the way I did. We tend to forget the Great Commission. We tend to place ourselves on the throne of our lives, instead of literally
giving ourselves away for the sake of the Gospel. I honestly keep returning to one of
my favorite verses that reminds me of this very thing. This is EXACTLY why Summit Church exists. We are a church committed to people who are far from God. Why? Because that is EXACTLY how God has called us to love.
We follow in His example when we do this.
I’m looking forward to finishing this book, so I can start another one! I always get about halfway through and my ADD kicks in… and I’m already thinking about what’s next.
Dec 21st, 07
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A few months ago I pre-ordered Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll. It came with a free .pdf version and when the copy comes it will be autographed by Mark himself.
I honestly have a sort of man-crush on the guy. If you haven’t read anything by
Mark yet, you need to go buy his books now. Not only will you laugh the whole way through – he’ll also challenge your thinking and inspire you to become a missionary where you live. I passed out
Radical Reformission for my church leaders to read… and they love it. I think we have a habit to read for ‘the meat and throw away the bones’. Read his books with an open heart and mind. He’ll challenge you to think Biblically and Missionally.
Today was perfect timing. My .pdf of
Vintage Jesus just came in!! Now I have a little extra reading during the holidays (as if I have time!). One of these days my goal is to travel to Seattle and get to see the mother-land.
Oct 10th, 07
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I’ve read some pretty interesting books lately; just thought I’d recommend a few that I’ve read.
Humility by CJ Mahaney. This is a GREAT book. I needed this read right now, and it really stepped on my toes. Definitely read it if you get the chance.
The Dip by Seth Goodin. If you’re thinking of giving up, read this book first. It’s a short book (you can read it in an hour or so) and really challenges you to think about your decisions.
Basic Christianity by John Stott. I got this book to help a new believer at our church. It’s precise, but very helpful. John Stott is becoming one of my favorite authors very quickly. How did I miss this guy?
The Fulfilled Family by John MacArthur. We are using this book as a help for our current series. I’m not the biggest MacArthur fan, but this is a good little book that is very Biblical.
Sep 27th, 07
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At the Convergent Conference I heard Mark mention that he had over 5,000 books in his personal library. His church has given him an unlimited book budget. ”If you need it, go get it” is what they say. One can only wish that one day my church leaders will say the same thing. We’re not there yet, though.
Until then… I’ve got around 750 books, and counting.
