I'm in a bit of a reading daze these days:) I'm averaging about three books a week. Most of them have been required texts for class. And fortunately most of them have been helpful.
I've always been a reader, but I've never pushed myself this hard to read and grow. And without something as structured as my Master's Program, I don't think I would. Even though each syllabus feels like an uphill treadmill climb, I'm thankful for the push to become a better leader.
Thankfully my time spent on school hasn't diminished my passion to lead our church. The opposite has actually happened. My love for local church ministry is intensifying. And my understanding of who God has called me to be as a pastor/church planter/leader is growing.
For what it's worth, here are the four books I've enjoyed the most so far this fall:
- The Celtic Way of Evangelism: This book combines two things I love, theology and history. It's the story of how Patrick's communal church planting movement reached the barbarians, a group the book compares to postmoderns.
- Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: I can't believe I never got around to reading this classic before. Such a solid book. I can't stop drawing the diagrams:)
- Leadership Coaching: There's alot I like about the coaching model of developing leaders. It's a skill I'm starting to practice.
- The Shape of Practical Theology: Long and heady. A few of the chapters went totally over my head:) But the big idea of the book really resonated. Practical theologians climb down from the ivory tower to interpret the Word of God through the Work of God.
I'm just glad Leah is also in a graduate program. I don't feel as bad about doing homework on our dates!
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