Summer Reading Time

I have been taking some time this summer to catch up on my reading pile. I know that this week all of you have anticipated the biggest release of the year. The book that is driving publishers, UPS delivery drivers and the media wild.

Yes, Beyond Megachurch Myths is about to be released.

(OK, some of you will think I am a heretic, but when Harry Potter came in the mail, I did skip to the end to read the last two chapters. A most Christian ending I thought. Those are the only chapters I have ever read in the series. But hey, I read a book once called The Revelation of John so I know how history ends as well. You can get that book here.)

Beyond Megachurch Myths is one that I co-authored with Scott Thumma and it is all about megachurches. Basic point – Megachurches Matter. And we back it up with lots of real research and statistics. You should get it. Buy it here for starters. I hope it sells as well as Potter.

    A fast read, but well worth it, is John Jackson’s Leveraging Your Leadership Style. John is the pastor of Carson Valley Christian Center in Nevada. He coauthored the book with Lorraine Bosse-Smith. It is short summary of Four Leadership Styles complete with inventory and ways to play to your strength.

My publisher gave me a gratis copy of The Culturally-Savvy Christian by Dick Staub. Several pastors in our Next Generation Leadership Community had mentioned it to me but I hadn’t picked it up. A good balance of cultural relevance and biblical fidelity. Written by “an old guy” but I think he understands the younger folk.

I had the opportunity to meet Phil Smith, one of the authors of “A Billion Bootstraps”, a new book about how micro-lending initiatives can help left many millions out of poverty around the world. For those with a missions heart, it is a good read. Phil is an oilman who has applied his business acumen and interests to helping raise money and awareness for micro-lending. He and his co-author, Eric Thurman, show how Christians can get engaged in these projects.

I am also working through The Reagan Diaries. These are the former President’s daily handwritten notes to himself about his activities and thoughts. I learned several things including – Even though you are the President, you have a lot of bosses. It seems that everyone has priorities other than yours and everyone has directions for you. I know a lot of leaders that feel that way. Apparently it also applies to President.

I’ll throw out a few more books along the way next week.