Since many of us are ordered to remain in our homes except for essential reasons, it might be a good time to think about reading that book you've been putting off because you've been too busy. Or, if you don't have a book you've been wanting to read you may be wondering what would be a good one,
This year has gotten off to a slow start for me, and my wife and I have been staying in for the past two weeks already, so I've read a lot more than usual this year. I've already read 20 books this year, about to complete a couple more and have three more on order. Let me suggest four books for you to consider from the ones I've read this year. I will warn you, Amazon is focusing on shipping essential items first, and instead of getting a book you order in 2-3 days it may take 2-3 weeks. I've actually received used books from third party sellers quicker than I've got new ones from Amazon.
One book I enjoyed reading is The Pastor as Public Theologian: Reclaiming a Lost Vision by Kevin VanHoozer and Owen Strachan. While many pastors view their ministries as counselors, leaders or motivational speakers, the authors remind us that our most important role is that of theologian. We are called to help our congregations think theologically about all aspects of their lives. We also serve the same role as we relate to our communities. As we relate to persons within our communities we have the opportunity to speak to the issues important to them through the eyes of sound theology. I would certainly recommend this book to any pastor who has not read it.
Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith is another book I found very interesting and helpful. The authors conducted a survey of 2,000 white Evangelicals and an additional 200 face-to-face interviews to gather their views on the racial issues affecting our nation. The results were quite interesting and helps us to better understand the racial divide that exists in this country.
Those who know me won't be surprised that John Maxwell's latest book, The Leader's Greatest Return: Attracting, Developing, and Multiplying Leaders is on this list. I often write and talk about the importance of developing leaders. This book provides a lot of helpful information on how to identify potential leaders and develop them. No organization can rise above its leadership so it's important to constantly be seeking and developing leaders.
The final book I'll recommend you consider reading is The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek. He begins the book by describing finite games and infinite games, Finite games have fixed rules and an agreed-upon objective that when reached ends the game. Infinite games are played by known and unknown players, lack fixed rules and have no finish line. So often people talk about winning or being the best. The problem with such language is that it suggests that they are playing a finite game, and business and ministry neither one is a finite endeavor. The book is written for business people, but I found so much in it that spoke to ministry.
Let me share an early quote in the book that really struck my interest. Sinek wrote, "In the Infinite Game, the true value of an organization cannot be measured by the success it has achieved based on a set of arbitrary metrics over arbitrary time frames. The true value of an organization is measured by the desire others have to contribute to that organization's ability to keep succeeding, not just during the time they are there, but well beyond their own tenure." To me, this should speak to every pastor, every church leader, every denominational leader. We get so caught up in buildings, budgets and baptisms (all of which are important), but we forget that we are in this until Jesus comes. What is ultimately important is not just what we accomplish this year but what we are accomplishing for the Kingdom of God for all eternity.
Happy reading!
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