Okay, confession: I read A LOT. Okay, second confession: I do not like to read…
I have often heard that “Leaders are readers and readers are leaders.” I have found this to be true in my life as well.
In fact, few things have helped me grow personally and in my ministry more than reading.
The habit and discipline of reading is not and has not been one that comes naturally for me. It has been one that I have had to cultivate over the years. Part of that has been crafting a reading list of books to read throughout the year.
I have written before and given five books every Youth Worker should read. I have read (and reread) these books throughout the years as a part of my annual reading lists.
I typically have no less than twelve on my list, but always end up reading more as the year goes on. Having the goal of twelve from the outset though helps me tremendously. Having the list also keeps me moving from one book to the next.
Along with the actual reading, I have often found great help in accountability when it comes to following through with my reading. With that said here are a couple of things:
First of all, below you will find my reading list for 2015. To be totally honest, I have more than 12 already targeted. Nevertheless, here are the top 12. I would love for you to read them along with me. This leads me to the second thing…a book club.
I would like to invite you to not only just read the books, but to read along with me and others by joining the book club. But not just any book club…The Longer Haul book club.
What is The Longer Haul book club you say? Well, it’s pretty simple. Each month those who join the book club will get an email from me telling you what the book to read for the next month is, as well as, a recap and lessons learned from the previous book.
If you want to me effective in ministry and in life, the answer is simple…read more. If you want some help, encouragement, and accountability along the way; why not join the book club?
Here are the books that are on my list this year. I have included an affiliate link for each. Use it if you choose, or find them helpful. I do get a very small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
The main thing for me is that you read (and these are some really great books). So, get them wherever you can; however you can. Oh and join the book club…it’ll be fun, even if you don’t like to read.
So, join the book club, grab the first book, “Bruchko”, and get started!
Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray
Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
Creature of the Word by Matt Chandler
Rees Howells: Intercessor by Norman Percy Grubb
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Spurgeon by Arnold A. Dallimore
Preaching & Preachers by D. Martin Lloyd Jones
Manhood Restored by Eric Mason
The Conviction to Lead by Albert Mohler
Here’s my current list of what I plan on reading next. https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/19297061?shelf=next-up
Awesome @cwhisonant:disqus I’ll check them out too. I always end up added more as I go. Maybe some of these will find their way onto my “extra” list. Thanks for sharing Chris!