My Short Book List
Oh, how I wish I had time to do more reading! I’m not the kind of person who likes to sit around alot. I learn better in seminar environments. Martin asked in a prior post what books I’m reading. Here’s a list of some of the books I’ve read and want to find time to read:
Living Your Strengths, Albert L. Winseman, Donald O. Clifton, and Curt Liesveld, Gallup Press, 2003-2004
Last week, I attended the faith-based Strength’s Coaching training at the Gallup headquarters in Omaha. It was one of the most energizing things I’ve done. I’ve been coaching people through my church now for 4 years in helping them understand their strengths for leadership and marriage (pre-marital counseling). This has been a good experience. Many young adults seem to like this approach to understanding how God has wired them much better than the traditional spiritual gifts approach. I’m recommending this book for the Annual Conference Bookstore.
If you’ve done the Gallup Strengths Finder survey, please let me know about your impressions!
The Relevant Church: A New vision for Communities of faith, Edited by Jennifer Ashley with Mike Bickle, et. al., Relevantbooks, 2005
This is a book with each chapter written by an emergent church pastor. It looks good. I picked it up at the National Pastor’s Convention.
Vital Signs: A Pathway to Congregational Wholeness, Dan R. Dick, Discipleship Resources, 2007 <just off the press!>
I attended a meeting at the Discipleship headquarters of the United Methodist Church this Spring. We were handed a copy of this book before it was sent-out to book stores. The author studied over 700 United Methodist congregations. From his study, he divides them into four categories: decaying, dystrophic, retrogressive and vital. I’ve not read the whole book, but it looks VERY interesting and helpful!
Web-Empower Your Church: unleashing the power of internet ministry, Mark M. Stephenson, Abingdon Press, 2006
For any of you who have websites or thinking of creating one, this is a MUST have! For more information about this book and the author go to http://webempoweredchurch.com/index.php?id=379. Here you’ll find a video-streaming presentation about the topic.
They Like Jesus But Not the Church: Insights from Emerging Generations, Dan Kimball, Zondervan, 2007
I like any book by Dan Kimball. More than any other emergent author, I like the practicality of the information he shares.
The following are books I have, but haven’t taken time to really look at:
Just Walk Across the Room:Simple Steps Pointing People to Faith, Bill Hybells, Zondervan Press, 2006
The Power of Asset Mapping: How Your Congregation can Act on Its Gifts, Luther K. Snow, Alban, 2004
Systems-Sensitive Leadership: empowering diversity without polarizing the church, Michael C. Armour and Don Browning, College Press, 2000
Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures, Eddie Gibbs and Ryan K. Bolger, Baker Academic, 2005
The Gospel According to Starbucks: Living with Grande Passion, Leonard Sweet, Waterbook, 2007
The Blogging Church: Sharing the Storyof Your Church through Blogs, Brian Baily with Terry Storch, Jossey-Bass, 2007
Blessings to you!
Jeff Glass
15 May 2007 Jeff Glass
I have read the book by Armour and Browning and I have talked with one of the authors about the book. It will be a love or hate for this book. I have convinced several ‘leaders’ to read the book.
On the ‘Strengths’ vs ‘Gifts’ – I do not favor either and I understand both concepts. Perhaps I am imagining it, but it appears to me that God uses people who are not “gifted or strong” to accomplish significant tasks. Seems to me – when we are more than able do it on our own (because it is a strength or giftedness) – we struggle more with giving God the glory. Moses ended up leading Israel, much to his objections. Leadership skills: He was a murderer, rather than a diplomat. His leadership experience: sheep. Confidence – nope. Good speaker – not if you list to Moses. Convincing – no again – needed not one sign, but several. Well respected by Israel – no. Well then what were his strengths?
-Steve Williams
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