Ah, summertime. Time to shake off winter's effects, wind down, find a comfortable spot, relax, and read or listen. Five books that are worth your holiday time this summer.
Mind Your Mindset – Michael Hyatt, Megan Hyatt Miller (2023)
Father and daughter lay a path to change how we think about things. Thinking drives our actions.
This is not a Bible study or an overtly Christian book. However, you'll be reminded of Bible passages emphasizing the importance of faith and thinking.
The stories we tell ourselves about reality.
All My Knotted Up Life – Beth Moore (2023)
Beth's memoir. You may want to listen to this book. The hard copy is expensive, but you can listen for free on Amazon Audio Books. Pastor Patti Miller wrote, "I've nearly finished listening to Beth Moore's 'All My Knotted Up Life.' Wow. I've snorted laughing, right out loud, all by myself. I've wept. Cussed a little. And been comforted. If you are a Christian leader - particularly if you are a male Christian leader - I dare you to read her book."
Hero Maker – Dave Ferguson (2018)
One of those books I wished I'd read 40 years ago, but it wasn't published until 2018. I see myself in some of the values and practises not to follow. Faith is the wounds of a friend, the Bible says. Dave is your friend, helping you maximize your leadership impact and shift your church culture to a model of reproduction and multiplication.
This is your blueprint for how to invest in younger leaders and build a leadership culture in your church.
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus – Nabeel Qureshi
A timeless classic. The late Qureshi wrote the book to tear down walls between two of the world's major religions by giving non-Muslim readers an insider's perspective into a Muslim's heart and mind.
Read To Lead – Jeff Brown (2021)
Have you heard that leaders are readers? No need to belabour the point. However, Jeff Brown promised we would learn how to absorb a book into our bloodstream. I want that superpower. He also promised to teach a technique that can double (or triple) reading speed. You can source worthwhile reads on Jeff's Podcast, where he introduces you to a new book every week.
Another trick I learned from Jeff is the Readwise app.
This app makes it easy to revisit and learn from your digital hi-lite. I was able to sync my hi-lite from Kindle. And if you use Instapaper, Pocket, iBooks, etc., they are all linkable. The best part of the app is the DAILY email that reminds you of the best hi-lite you made in your digital accounts.
The first 30 days are free. No credit card is required. It's worth a try.
What other suggestions do you have? Please leave a comment below.
Happy reading and leading!
Bob Jones is the founder of REVwords.com, an author, blogger, and coach with 39 years of pastoral experience. Bob is also an Advance Coach with the ABNWT Resource Centre. You can connect with Bob here.