MY TOP TWELVE BOOKS

I just read two brief chapters [they’re all brief] from Eugene Peterson’s THE WISDOM OF EACH OTHER, in which he encourages his friend, Gunnar, to get a list of good books from his pastor and begin reading to nourish his newfound faith.

This got me to thinking. I’ve long referenced having a list of books (besides the Bible) that significantly impacted my life. Why not share them with others in hopes that these books might continue their work in the lives of those I know and love?

So, that’s why I’m writing.

Now, I must add, any pastor that has read regularly throughout his/her season of leadership would likely have a similar list – and it would probably differ from mine. However, let’s keep in mind that I began in 1975 and ended in 2016 – that’s my season of active service.

At least two are classics – even though one was only written in 2002 [by Rick Warren and is one of the best-selling books of all time]. Two are very small. Only one is a biography. Two were written by missionary wives – one of these is the biography of her husband. Another was written by the leader of a para-church organization; he was raised as the child of missionaries in Africa [Wes Stafford]. Two are by the same author [Bruce Wilkinson]. Several were written by denominational leaders. The rest were written by pastors that I have come to trust and respect. A couple of these pastors – like me – spent time on the mission field as well.

They should all be available in ‘used’ form for a fair price, since they’ve all been out there for a good while. One was originally published in 1925.

The list is in no particular order.

• THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE by Rick Warren

Easy reading and highly inspirational. The book includes over 1200 scriptural quotes and references! Great for new believers!

• STREAMS IN THE DESERT by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

This classic book of devotionals is designed to help us through the dry times of our lives with assurance that our God never abandons us!

• EXPERIENCING GOD by Henry Blackaby & Claude V. King

This is probably the book that impacted me most! It’s somewhat theological, but not in a hard-to-understand way! The subtitle: “How to Live the Full Adventure of Knowing and Doing the Will of God.”

• TOO SMALL TO IGNORE by Dr. Wes Stafford

The former leader of Compassion International shares his inspiring boyhood adventures growing up in an African village and challenges us all to change the world one child at a time!

• SHAPED BY GOD’S HEART: The Passion and Practices of Missional Churches by Milfred Minatrea

This book is the result of two years of intensive research on 200 churches of different denominations and geographical areas. In my copy, at least a third of this book is marked up, noted or underlined!

• A LIFE GOD REWARDS by Bruce Wilkinson [Short book]

Subtitle: “Why Everything You Do Today Matters Forever”. This book rattled my cage and initiated a course of personal study and research that produced two sermon series: “Heaven On My Mind” and “Eternal Rewards for Holy Living!”.

• CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH KINDNESS by Steve Sjogren

A pastor leads his church to impact their community through servanthood! Amazing stories that instruct and motivate!

• SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth Elliot (his wife)

I read this biography as a young pastor, and it ignited a fire in my spirit! Jim was one of five missionaries killed during Operation Auca, an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador in 1956. His wife and son returned to finish his work!

• SEIZING YOUR DIVINE MOMENT by Erwin Raphael McManus

This pastor encourages us through biblical example and personal stories to step up and embrace each moment of life as a divine moment! Passionate book!

• EXPERIENCING SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGHS by Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson

Another heavily underlined book that produced a sermon series that initiated change in many lives! Transformational stuff! [Brenda Young introduced me to this book through a series she preached at Cornerstone Church!]

• A WORK OF HEART by Reggie McNeal: Understanding How God Shapes Spiritual Leaders

Brenda Young also introduced me to this book through our staff training times at Cornerstone Church. Very biblical and insightful! Some chapters are heavily marked up!

• A RESILIENT LIFE by Gordon MacDonald

All of his books are worth reading! This one is about perseverance in adversity and will inspire you to move ahead – no matter what may come! I’ve read it numerous times!

There it is! Now it’s time to get online and do some shopping! If you do read one and benefit from doing so – let me know so I can celebrate with you!