WHAT ARE YOU READING??

I grew up loving books. While in grade school, I frequented the local library to check out American history texts and read every volume in the "Hardy Boys" series. I'm not much of a novel reader today.

E-books have now become popular. While on vacation, I just finished my first one on a Kindle app on my Blackberry. My wife, Phyllis, loves her Nook. But I prefer "real" books. I want to hold them, highlight them, write in them. (I make note of illustrations that can later be used in speaking and writing.)

Years ago I learned that "leaders are readers!" So what are YOU reading?? My choice of books usually focuses on themes of missions, leadership, church growth & outreach, and spiritual formation. I often have several books going at once--at home, in the office, in the car (while I'm waiting, not driving). My travel schedule often allows me to read 2-3 books on a trip while waiting in airports, on flights, relaxing at night, etc. These days I invest much more time in reading than in watching TV. How about you?

Churches should provide their pastors with book allowances as a way of encouraging personal and professional growth for more effective ministry. Does your church make that benefit available??

Here's a list of books I've read thus far in 2012. Some are old...some are new.

• Orthodoxy (G.K. Chesterton)
• The power of a whisper: Hearing God, having the guts to respond (Bill Hybels)
•  Practicing greatness: 7 disciplines of extraordinary spiritual leaders (Reggie McNeal)
•  Introducing the missional church: What it is, why it matters, how to become one (Alan   Roxburgh & M. Scott Boren)
• The art of mentoring: Embracing the great generational transition (Darlene Zschech)
• Untamed: Reactivating a missional form of discipleship (Alan & Debra Hirsch)
• Churchmorph: How megatrends are reshaping Christian communities (Eddie Gibbs)
• Choosing to preach: A comprehensive introduction to sermon options and structures (Kenton Anderson)
• Rumors of God: Experience the kind of faith you’ve only heard about (Whitehead & Tyson)
• All that Jesus Asks: How his questions can teach and transform us (Stan Guthrie)
• America: The last best hope, v.2-From a world at war to the triumph of freedom (William J. Bennett)
• The irresistible church: 12 traits of a church heaven applauds (Wayne Cordeiro)
• The gospel commission: Recovering God’s strategy for making disciples (Michael Horton)
• Paul the missionary: Realities, Strategies, and Methods (Eckhard Schnabel)
• Maximize: How to develop extravagant givers in your church (Nelson Searcy)
• Radical together: Unleashing the people of God for the purpose of God (David Platt)

All of these books can be ordered from Kris at CGGC Publications. Email her at publications@cggc.org
 
So...what are YOU reading???