My Reading List for 2010 - At Least a Start

Since my last blog several have asked about my current reading list. Here is a look at what is on the list for the start of the year. The easiest way to get a chapter to download is to “google” the title.

Holy Bible – I have the NIV (new one for Christmas) and NKJV at my reading morning place.

Devotional – Streams in the Desert by L. B. Cowman, edited by Jim Reimann. The Exec Leadership team of Seismic Publishing Group decided that we would each use this devotional in 2009. I am continuing with the same one this year.

Books

Men of Honor Women of Virtue, Chuck Stecker, 2010, Seismic Publishing Group. I am re-reading what I wrote. It is not an ego trip but I did a lot of research for this book and I am refreshing to keep myself fresh – if that makes sense. One of the changes in the book is that we have moved the study guides from the end of the book to having them follow each chapter. Should be available at the end of January @ www.achosengeneration.org

Master Leaders, George Barna, 2009, Barna Books (an imprint of Tyndale House) – This is really a great book and one that needs to be processed. A very good book for small group study as well. You may download a chapter at:

Leadership as an Identity, by Crawford W. Loritts, Jr, 2009, Moody Publishers – Crawford Loritts has long been one of my favorite speakers at men’s events. His messages are always worth the time and hit me right between the eyes. This book is no different. He identifies four traits that leaders have; 1) Brokenness 2) Uncommon Communion 3) Servanthood as an Identity and 4) Radical, Immediate Obedience. Filled with “Notes on Leadership.”

What Americans Really Want…Really, Dr. Frank I. Luntz, 2009, Hyperion Books. This book helps us understand and then develop strategies to reach this generation. “No one in America has done more observing of more people than Dr. Frank I. Luntz. From Bill O'Reilly to Bill Maher, America's leading pundits, prognosticators, and CEOs turn to Luntz to explain the present and to predict the future. With all the upheavals of recent events, the plans and priorities of the American people have undergone a seismic shift. Businesses everywhere are trying to market products and services during this turbulent time, but only one man really understands the needs and desires of the New America.”

Think Orange, Reggie Joiner, 2009, David C. Cook. An amazing book that speaks to the very issue of “InterGenerational Ministry” in youth ministry. It is a book that needs to be read by every pastor, youth leader and parent. What Joiner advocates is the power of church and family combined in a young person’s life.

Lost and Found, Ed Stetzer, 2009, B&H Publishing Group. The sub-title is “The Younger Unchurched and the Churches That Reach Them.” Stetzer and the co-authors have researched and share some very good insights, not the least of which is the power of “intergenerational” relationships. This is a very important book for church leaders.

The Intergenerational Church, Peter Menconi, 2008, Mt. Sage Publishing. Pete has done a great job in analyzing the generations within this current generation. Pete has been doing “Intergenerational” ministry for many years and his book is a foundational look at the world we live in today. You can get this book from www.achosengeneration.org.

Good Day! The Paul Harvey Story, Paul J. Batura, 2009, Regnery Publishing. Billie and I listened to the author at a local book store several months ago and after hearing the author, we both wanted to read the book.

In addition to the books listed, I have several books from Search Institute. This organization primarily targets schools, but has some great materials for teens and pre-teens. I am reviewing a few of the books including; Parenting Preteens with a Purpose, Empowering Youth, Launching Your Teen into Adulthood and Engage Every Parent. Find them at: http://www.search-institute.org/

This is a start for 2010. There are so many good books and resources. As the year progresses, I will share other books and resources that find their way to my reading table. Happy reading. Have a great year!

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?

What Are You Going to Read in 2010?
Perhaps the first question should be, "Are you going to read anything in 2010?" I think your answer to that question will be foundational to your decision to grow or just "tread water" in this New Year.

Late in 2009, there was a statistic floating around that stated many men do not read another book after finishing high school. Wow!! I did not know we had to read any in High School. Frankly, I am not sure whether or not the statement is with or without any valid authentication. I do know this--It is virtually impossible to grow if you do not intentionally read.

Three questions deal with the real issue:

1. Do you want to grow in 2010?

2. If you want to grow, have you decided to read for that growth?

3. If you want to grow and have decided to read--What will you read?

I have a few suggestions and these apply first and foremost to me.

1. Daily read God's Word. It does not have to be a set amount of chapters or verses. It must be a daily decision that becomes as natural as eating. People do not decide to eat every day. That is a given! In fact, we must make a deliberate decision "not to eat." Eating is natural. Therefore, reading God's word must become the natural thing to do each day.

2. Read for Growth. Women do this so much better than us guys. Yet, as men, we are not excused from this requirement. We must be deliberate and set time aside for this area of our lives.

3. Read something for pleasure. Several years ago my younger brother, who is a staff pastor in Omaha, NE, challenged me to read for pleasure. It was a good call. In fact, he sent me a book to start the process. I read it and he sent me a second one.

Now comes the critical question.... How do you actually do this?

Here are some of the steps that have been helpful to me. First, I want you to know that I was not a "reader" growing up in my early to mid-years. I read what was necessary. I made a decision to change.

1. Place to read. This has been significant. I have a chair with books all around. It is my place and I love it. I start my mornings in my chair.

2. Time to read: When it comes to my devotional time and reading the Bible, I do best in the morning. Then I read at other times as well. Think about this: the amount of TV that we Americans watch is staggering. If you made a decision to skip one show and read, your reading skills and amount you read would make a quantum leap.

3. What to read. Do not wait until you are ready to read before you decide what to read. I created a reading list, acquired several of the books which are then readily available for reading. Some books are for pleasure, others for personal growth and still others research for ministry issues.

4. Be accountable with others. It is great to read books with others. It creates an atmosphere of accountability; and men especially do much better if they know that on a given day, a group is going to be discussing the first 4 chapters of any given book. I have read several books this way and even with my sons who live in different states.

My good friend and author, Ken Larson, is the go-to guy when it comes to LifeWalking. He is always quick to ask men, "Are you going to learn to dance or just move with the music?" That statement really speaks to the issues of life.

Are we just going to slide through life and let things happen to us or did God create us to make things happen?

I think my ability to make things happen may be directly tied to reading and growing.

Finally in the words of my friend and leadership development pastor, Mac Lake--"Leaders are readers and readers are leaders."