Connections

Books that Make You Go Hmmm...

People ask me all of the time, "What books would you recommend?" There are many books that have changed my life...or at least changed my mind on some things. You may not agree with all the authors, but surely you can learn from people that you don't agree with. Right? Here's the bookroll (at least what I could think of)....enjoy!

1. Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets
2. Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
3. Purple Cow by Seth Godin
4. When Heaven Invades Earth by Bill Johnson
5. The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero
6. In a Pit With a Lion by Mark Batterson
7. Red Moon Rising by Peter Greig
8. Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
9. Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting by Dereck Prince
10. Good to Great by Jim Collins

Looking forward to Groeschel's new book Going All the Way on stands October 2. If this book is anything like Chazown or Confessions of a Pastor, it will be off the chain. Reading Jay's blog this morning reminded me that Leaders are Readers.

"Take a look, it's in a book....the reading raindow.....the reading rainbow." Now you sing it.

Oldie but a Goodie

Years ago I read this book and it gave me a fresh perspective on engaging culture with the Gospel. There has been a ton of work done on "The thin line between sacred and secular", but this was one of the first I read and I still look at the check list from time to time to keep me challenged.

Take the following test by answering each statement Yes or No, then check your score at the end.

1. I have attended a school board meeting within the last year.

2. I have as many close friends outside the church as within.

3. I own at least one original piece of art.

4. In the last year I have written a letter of praise to a network or sponsor of a television program.

5. I support decent movies by attending wholseome ones and avoiding unwholsome ones.

6. I consider careers in the arts, journalism, literature, film, and television to be as important for the kingdom as pastoral ministry, or foreign missions.

7. I have written at least one letter to the editor of my local newspaper in the last year.

8. I have read at least one book on the New York Times Bestseller List in the past year.

9. I am active in the civic affairs of my community.

10. I have talked with at least one non-Christian about my relationship with Christ and what it means to be His follower.

If you answered Yes to:
8-10 — A bona fide Roaring Lamb
5-7 — Watch out, they’re starting to listen
2-4 — Mouth open, no sound
0-1 — B-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a

There are many who are embracing social justice and leading the way with redeeming the culture for the Kingdom. Among those who are leading the charge are Imago Dei. Rick Mckinley, Pastor of Imago has written a few books on this issue. They are This Beautiful Mess and Jesus in the Margins.

Books that Changed Me

It's been a pretty lazy day aroud here so I began to think about some books that have inspired me and flat out changed me. In case you are wondering what these books are, here's the list:

1. Purple Cow: Seth Godin
Why: It challenged me on the process of creating an atmosphere of remarkability.

2. Informed Intercession: George otis Jr.
Why: Intercession without information is speculation. It's exciting to deconstruct strongholds in your city when you know what they are and how they got there.

3. All Marketers are Liars: Seth Godin
Why: Because all of our churches tell stories. We all market, whether we know it or not. We don't buy a product, we buy a story....this was a lighbulb on for me!

4. Intercessory Prayer: Dutch Sheets
Why: I never understood intercession and what the purpose behind it was. When you understand the basics, you understand your position and power.

5. Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership: by Gary L. McIntosh, and Samuel Rima
Why: All leaders have a dark side (personalities, overcompensations and other weaknesses that can become detremental to their leadership.)

As Levar Burton of the Reading Rainbow always says, "Don't take my word for it."