My 2012 Reading List
More than anything else, I use this blog to review books – especially those that I find particularly interesting or I think will most significantly benefit those of us who occupy the second chair. I have assembled quite a large stack of books that will be on my 2012 reading list. Here is a partial list – in no particular order:
- Becoming a Coaching Leader, Daniel Harkavay
- The Litigator, John Grisham
- I Am A Follower, Len Sweet
- Search & Rescue, Neil Cole
- Coaching 101, Logan & Carlton
- Bloodlines, John Piper
- Tipping Point, Malcom Gladwell
- Switch, Heath & Heath
- blink, Malcom Gladwell
- Leaders Who Last, Kraft
- Real Marriage, Driscoll
- not a fan, Idleman
- Made to Stick, Heath & Heath
- Reimagining Church, Viola
- Foregiveness Formula, Hitz & Hitz
- War Room, Dawson
- Gracenomics, Foster
- Spiritual Conversations, Rohrmayer
- The Way of the Wild Heart, Eldridge
- Dug Down Deep, Harris
- Generous Justice, Keller
- The Reason for God, Keller
- Assured of Heaven, Ricker
- Connect, Perry
There are a few others that I am looking at but haven’t put in the stack just yet. Any suggestions?
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Jon, I consult with churches to help them develop small group systems. I find that many small group champions work with Second Chair leaders and the express frustration that they report to bosses who do not understand the nature of how effective small group systems work. Might I suggest two very different kinds of books:
Small Groups on Purpose by Steve Gladden
and
MissioRelate: Becoming a Church of Missional Small Groups by … well it’s by myself.
Whatever you review, I know that if there is a way to help Second Chair leaders better understand how effective small group systems work, I know of a lot of small group champions who will be very grateful.
Oops, just saw the typo. It should read “Joe.” Sorry.
Scott,
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, several of us Second Chair leaders have responsibilities for small groups and small group leaders. Helping us become better coaches of those leaders will do much to encourage and strengthen small group ministries.
Hey there Joe, Glad to see an emphasis on reading, but was disappointed in your list. It seems limited only to the newest books. I’m utterly convinced that my personal and professional development has been best advanced by a balance of reading “old” and new works. TWO types of “older” books I’d recommend are those classics which all in ministry should read (such as HOLINESS by JC Ryle), and then, there are so many insightful biographies as well — such as that of CH Spurgeon, who ran or started more than 60 ministries in addition to his own pulpit, and did so in an age of great cultural change. I hope this prompts a few additions to the list — or better yet, a resolve to read at least one “older” book for every couple of new ones. db
David,
Thanks for the good word. I really should read more from dead authors. Languishing on my Kindle are three that I’ll work into the 2012 rotation:
The Heidelberg Catechism
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, Bunyan
John Newton, Aitken
I also have a copy of the 2-volume set of Edwards complete works but doubt I’ll conquer that this year! Maybe I should make that part of a 2012-2020 reading list!
Joe
Hey Joe,
We’re honored to be on this list with War Room (#16). For all interested, this is a resource for starting and leading a small group of men. Effectively. The print version, written by 10+ authors (aka “men just like you”), was published recently, and we’re receiving an amazing response from men’s ministry leaders as well as men who are fed up w/ the status quo of America Churchianity. Here’s the official book site: http://www.warroombook.com
To the King,
Evan Dawson & Third Option Men