Reading good books spurs on thinking. It gives me ideas to share. It’s a fun way to spend downtime. Here are my annual lists from the last few years, and below this small list of quotes are the books I’ve read for 2019.
“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.”
– Jim Rohn
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
– Margaret Fuller
“Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.”
– Emilie Buchwald
“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”
– Mortimer J. Adler
“Wear the old coat and buy the new book.”
– Austin Phelps
TWENTY BOOKS I’VE READ THIS YEAR
GROWING WITH
This is an awesome book for parents who need to learn to be teachers for their 13-18 year olds, guides for their 18-24 year olds and resources for their 24-29 year olds.
Read: Three Stages Of Parenting
THE POWER OF OFF
This is a much-needed read for anyone who is missing real life which may be sabotaged by digital addiction.
Read: Teach Your Students The Power Of Off
POWER OF MOMENTS
This book is really powerful and would be great for any worship coordinator, hospitality director or church staff. People remember the best, the worst and the last moment. How can create moments for people to meet with Jesus.
Post: Quotes from the book
Post: Creating moments in student ministry
Post: The power of moments in worship
IT’S NOT TOO LATE
This is a must-read for any parent – small kids or older. Lots of practical advice for creating conditions for the faith of your child to grow.
Post: Three Goals For An 18-23 Year Olds Faith
Post: Five Factors Influencing The Faith Of Young Adults
Post: One Great Ingredient To Growing The Faith Of Your Teenager
DAVID AND GOLIATH
Lots of great concepts in this book about the challenges in life that help us overcome!
Post: Your Child Needs The Struggle
SUSTAINABLE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
This book is a great read for any children’s ministry worker or volunteer!
Post: Three Systems For Church Staff Leaders
FULLY ALIVE
I’ve heard Ken Davis speak at various functions for years, so it was fun to read this book and hear some of his journey.
Post: You’re Not Home Yet
UNQUALIFIED
A book about how God can use any of us!
Post: Impressions don’t matter to God.
THE TRAVELER’S GIFT
This book was from 2002, but it is a great story about a guys life and 6 decisions that helped change his life.
Post: How To Become A Person Of Action
THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF TIDYING UP
I’m not what you would call naturally tidy. I have a high tolerance for some chaos around me. But this book really brought up some great points on what an organized space does for your life!
Post: Does It Spark Joy?
MAKING VISION STICK
Making Vision Stick could easily be a classic. This small book is full of great thoughts for pastors and ministry leaders.
Post: Simplify and Repeat Your Vision
LEAD SMALL
This is a great book for any small group leader – of any age group!
HOW TO LEAD SMALL GROUPS
If you’re serving in small group leadership, this is a simple book to read with some great tips!
Post: Four Reasons For Small Groups
Post: How To Help Students Engage In Small Groups
THE POWER OF VISION
Post: Fatigue is a vision killer
VOLUNTEER REVOLUTION
Most ministry leaders are leading volunteers in some capacity.
Post: New Volunteers are fragile
PARKING LOT RULES
Parking Lot Rules, 75 Ideas for raising amazing kids was a fun book to read!
Post: Grow the tree you have
Post: Smile when you see them
THE POWER OF YES
There are lots of talk about saying “no” often these days. I understand that, but you also miss out on some important stuff when you don’t say yet.
Post: Say yes to great relationships, great health and God’s call!
365 THANK YOUS
This was the story of a man who embarked on a journey to write 365 thank you notes in a year.
Read a post: Thank you notes
A SENSE OF URGENCY
Post: The remedy for becoming complacent with success
HOSPITALITY MINISTRY
Intentional Hospitality Ministry is often under-rated in a church. This book gives the nuts and bolts for putting it all together.
Post: Quotes For Hospitality Ministry
Intentional Living
I always need to be reminded of this!
Post: Three to ask to see how ready you are for significance.
I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR…
Have you read any of these?
What books are you reading?
What should I add to my list for next year?
OTHER BOOKS FROM THE YEAR
How the Post Office Created America
52 Ways To Boost Your Child’s Self Confidence (read post)
20 Things I Need To Tell My Daughter
101 Ways To Reach Your Community
Help I’m A Sunday School Teacher (read post)
Kids Deal With Anger, Fear and Sadness
Legends, Lies & Myths Of American History
Inspire Your Kids To Greatness
Change Your Brain Change Your Life
How To Live 100 Years
Jesus Prescription For A Healthy Life
Light and Glory: From Sea To Shining Sea