Top 5 Books of 2011

On a regular basis, someone will ask me what books I am reading or have currently read.  I try to tweet each book, although tweeting is still a work in progress for me.  So I figured that I would answer these questions here in my blog.  I read many great books in 2011 but here is my list of the top 5 books from last year:

1.  Great By Choice (Jim Collins) - I have read every book that Jim and his research team has put out in the last 10 years and I thoroughly enjoy each and every one.  Great By Choice is an incredible book on leadership and I am looking forward to implementing these principles in my ministry both now and in the future.

2.  Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (Peter Scazzero) - Right time and right place.  This book greatly encouraged me in a time of great spiritual need in my life.

3.  Onward (Howard Schultz) - I read this book on my summer vacation.  You just can't go wrong with a leadership book by the founder of Starbucks.  Before you read Onward, I would encourage you to first read, Pour Your Heart Into It. That would give you a good base line for Onward.

4.  The Principle of the Path (Andy Stanley) - This book was packed full of great reminders.  I encourage everyone under the age of 25 to read this book now.

5.  Deep Church (Jim Belcher) - I am thankful for the approach that Belcher took in writing this book.  It cleared up some confusion and encouraged me to strive for balance.

How about you?  What are your top 5 books of 2011?

Book of the Month

Since I get asked by people what books I am currently reading, I have decided that each month, I will show you a book I have read or am reading for the month.

So the book for month that I would encourage you to read is: 'Sun Stand Still' by Steven Furtick. This book has encouraged and challenged me more than any other book I have read in the last year. As I finish the last few chapters, I have been challenged to pray a 'high-risk' prayer and live a life of faith believing that God wants to accomplish the extraordinary in my life/ministry.

As we embark on HBC Saturday Night, I'm believing God will do the extraordinary in our ministry!!