Year In Review: Books

I love me some books. While it’s true that I’ve loved me a brand new daughter this year more than I’ve loved me some books and therefore I’ve loved me a lot less books than usual, I still love me some books.

Here’s my top ten from this year, in no particular order. How about you? What did you read that I should read that’s not on this list? Comment below.

• The On-Time, On-Target Manager: How A “Last Minute Manager” Conquered Procrastination, Ken Blanchard & Steve Gottry. I meant to read this book on procrastination years ago, but just got around to it (ba-dum-bum!). Great book. Easy read. To the point. Don’t put off reading it.
• Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life, Gary Thomas. A top ten book list without a Gary Thomas title is an incomplete list. Gary’s Authentic Faith is a marvelous treatment of how the Christian faces suffering.
• Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know, Wayne Grudem & Elliot Grudem. Grudem’s brief work is an abbreviated version of an abbreviated version of a much larger book of systematic theology. It’s a simple read that boils down big ideas.
• Jim & Casper Go To Church, Frank Conversation About Faith, Church, & Well Meaning Christians, Jim Henderson & Matt Casper. An incredibly intriguing, convicting book written by a Christian and an atheist. Jim & Casper traveled to churches across America, leading Casper (the atheist) to ask: “Jim, is this what Jesus told you guys to do?”
• Dig Deeper: Tools for Understanding God’s Word, Nigel Beynon & Andrew Sach. Like Christian Beliefs above, Dig Deeper is a seminary class in 200 pages or less. Beynon & Sach give easy tips and tools on how to interpret scripture.
• Leading On Empty: Refilling Your Tank & Renewing Your Passion, Wayne Cordeiro. If you have ever dealt with burnout – or think you might in the future (hint: you will) – this book needs to be on your shelf. Cordeiro walks us through his own personal journey and how he came back healthier and stronger.
• Adopted For Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families and Churches, Russell Moore. For obvious reasons. Chapter 3 was a game-changer in our decision to adopt our sweet Haven.
• Cure For The Common Life: Living In Your Sweet Spot, Max Lucado. Undoubtedly one of America’s best loved writers, Lucado tackles life purpose and mission in a way only he can. If you’ve ever struggled with figuring out how God wired you, read this one.
• How To Wow Your Church Guests: 101 Ways to Make a Meaningful First Impression, Mark Waltz. My friend Mark compiled some of the best practices of churches from around the country…including some stuff we do at the Summit. If you’re a pastor, guest services director, or whatever, you need this book.
• Gospel: Recovering the Power That Made Christianity Revolutionary, J.D. Greear. You’d expect that I’m just enough of a suck up to have my lead pastor’s book on this list. You’re right. But beyond being material for brownie points, Gospel will encourage your walk with Jesus. Yes, I’ve memorized most of the teaching in this book, because it’s stuff I’ve heard in J.D.’s sermons for years. But to have it in written form where I could interact with it took the teaching to a new level. Buy it.