If you want to know what I’ve been reading, here’s a list of the last 15 books I’ve read. The Format is Title (author) [score from 1-10] synopsis
Taking Flight With Creativity: Worship Design Teams That Work
(Len Wilson and Jason Moore) [7] I picked this book up because we’re trying to kick start a regular worship planning team at our church. It’s a great resource for that but because of the complexity of churches (they are so different from small to large) there are no “7 steps to planning excellent worship.” If you want a foundation for planning worship with some ideas on philosophy and structure then this is a great pick up.
The Absolute Value of Mike
(Kathryn Erskine) [10] Erskine’s follow-up after her brilliant Mockingbird delivered as well. At first I thought much of the dialogue was silly but I reminded myself that this is written for the 10+ crowd. So if you child liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid, I think they’ll like this slightly more serious book whose characters were eclectic enough to remember and enjoy.
The Final Storm: A Novel of the War in the Pacific
(Jeff Shaara) [6] I’ve read every Shaara book (by both Jeff and his father) and have loved them. So I don’t know if I’m tiring of reading the same thing in different locations and wars or if his writing is becoming boring. I find he’s strongest when he puts voice to military leaders during their deliberations of major decisions.
Your Calling as an Elder
(Gary Straub) [10] Straub does an excellent job of preparing and equipping elders in the local church, particularly in my tradition, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), with this concise book. We’ll be bringing our elders and elder candidates through this in the near future.
The Founders’ Key: The Divine and Natural Connection Between the Declaration and the Constitution and What We Risk by Losing It
(Larry Arnn) [10] See Book Review Here.
The Naked Gospel: Jesus Plus Nothing. 100% Natural. No Additives.
(Andrew Farley) [5] I yawned throughout…intentions were good but didn’t connect…at all.
Ephesians (Reformed Expository Commentary)
(Bryan Chapell) [8] Chapell was my homiletics professor and seminary president while I was at Covenant. As usual his writing and exposition are good. Not your typical “commentary” but excellent for the student or pastor going through the book of Ephesians.
Thirteen Reasons Why
(Jay Asher) [9] Some of the best writing is being done by YA authors. Another book every 8th grade and older youth should read…and their parents.
Living Close to God (When You’re Not Good at It): A Spiritual Life That Takes You Deeper Than Daily Devotions
(Gene Edwards) [4] See my review here.
Clean
(Amy Reed) [7] This YA fiction has great characterization of teens in rehab.
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything(Joshua Foer) [8] This book won’t really help you remember things better like I had hoped but it is a fascinating journey into the reality behind our memory (or lack of). Foer goes to write about memory but then challenges himself to compete in the National Memorization Championship.
Missional Worship: Increasing Attendance and Expanding the Boundaries of your Church (Cathy Townley) [9] Townley’s voice is much needed and hopefully heeded in mainline churches. While she really didn’t add a lot of “new” information, she succeeded in keeping Christ first and worship as more than a corporate weekly event.
I.O.U.: Why Everyone Owes Everyone and No One Can Pay
(John Lanchester) [6] If the book had just been chapters 2-5 I would have loved it. Still worth reading those chapters but Lanchester’s love for government regulation ruined his opening and closing.
Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive
(Noah Goldstein, etc.) [7] Interesting read but little applicable to everyday life.
Jesus Manifesto: Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ
(Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola) [9] The book started slow for me but the writing is SO poetic in terms of its description of my Lord Jesus that at times I simply had to re-read a page several times to bask in its beauty.
What’s a good book you’ve read lately and can recommend?
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I can’t beleive you read the Twilight series!!! I just would not have pictured you reading them, but I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought…I loved them, of course, and I also made Jared read them. I really had to push him throught the first one, but by the third one he was hooked…He to complained about 100 pages of Bella going on about how beautiful Edward was…
N-E-way I just got through reading One Heartbeat Away, Your Journey Into Eternity by Mark Cahill. I really liked it.
Yes Amanda…I try to stay on everything that pop culture brings. A pastor shouldn’t just figure out what the Bible’s saying but what the popular culture is saying so that he/she can figure out how they can intersect. Plus, Reagan has already asked if she can read them. I have to admit that I liked them more than I thought and I understand particularly why women find them appealing. Now if I can just figure out how to be more like Edward.
I read several books of late. I was going through some of my dad’s stuff a couple of weeks ago and found some books. Dad loved to read Louis L’Amour westerns (me too for that matter). I still miss dad a lot so I grabbed two of them and read, kinda with him in mind. Quick, easy,and just for fun. It got the reading juices flowing again. I then read “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle. I’ve never used a highlighter so much while reading a book. It has to do with how the brain learns.
A ten I thought.
Hey Marcus
I read the Traveler’s Gift and the Noticer. Both are parables with life lessons sewed in. Many lessons people might say “I knew that”. But I think you only know it if you live it. These books are good for reflection and to check in to see if you are really living a life on purpose.
Keep up the good work!
Chris
Worshipping Trinity, by Robin Parry. Amazing. Since God is Trinity, how should that affect our worship? This book looks at the importance of worship leaders and pastors using Trinitarian vernacular and being intentional about incorporating Trinitarian elements into worship– a lot of churches today have somehow come to primarily exalt Jesus alone, sidelining God the Father and the Holy Spirit. Or being basically unitarian in practice– using just generic names for God like “Lord, God, Lord God, etc.”– which are fine of course– but not as your ONLY way of addressing God. Great stuff, great challenges.
(By the way, you may not remember me– we’ve met a time or two– I’m the Children’s Pastor at Versailles UMC.)
I certainly do remember you!
“Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom. A 10 for sure. I read it so fast the first time (couldn’t put it down) that I immediately read it a second time, more slowly, to capture more nuggets of wisdom. It recounts his relationship over the course of eight years with two very different “men of God”. One is his lifelong rabbi, who at age 80 asks if Mitch will give his eulogy. The other is a former drug dealer who finally commits his life to God at a moment of crisis. His resulting ministry is inspiring.
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. Another 10. It brought back memories of the women my grandmother often hired (Thelma and Bessie) to help with parties. Made me wonder what they would have said about our family. The book is written from three different character’s perspectives. All are very colorful and funny.
“Uglies”, “Pretties”, “Specials”, and “Extras”, YA. 8. I read this series a few years ago with Ellen, and just reviewed them again recently to make sure they were age-appropriate for Charlie. Set in a future world in where everyone is turned “Pretty” by extreme cosmetic surgery when they reaching age 16. The series is fun to read (They ride on hover boards!) and thought-provoking (What would happen to society if cliques were taken to the extreme?). Excellent material for conversations with your teenagers.
I’ll have to check those out Jane, especially the YA books. I’ve only read one Mitch Albom book and thought it was OK. But when I was in high school and college I read him religiously as a columnist for the Detroit Free Press Sports section. He’s certainly great with an economy of words.