Joseph's Multiply Site

I'm really behind on this. I was hoping to blog what I'd been reading per month, but things have been really busy. The first version of this can be found here. And these are the books I've read since then. There's quite a lot this time because it's been two and a half months, and I had to read a lot for the school I attended.

1. The Life You've Always Wanted
This is a book about developing spiritual disciplines like praying, reading the Bible, etc. I loved it because it approached the topic from a very liberating perspective. Instead of coming away feeling like there's SO MUCH I have to do, the book made me want to do those things. You'll have to read it to know what I mean, but it's definitely worth it. The language is light but the ideas are great. This is something for anyone who wants to mature spiritually. A great book!



2. Everybody's Normal Till You Get to Know Them
This book is about developing real relationships. It talks about encouraging intimacy and closeness in relationships. I realized that while I've got many (many many) friends, I can't leave it at that. I must also intentionally build intimacy with people. (Not with everyone, of course. That's ridiculous.) It was a very insightful book, and while we read it in the School of Campus Ministry as fulltime ministers, I think it's something any human being can benefit from.



3. The Revolutionary Communicator
I LOVED this book! This is all about Jesus and the way He communicated. Jesus is such an amazing guy. Besides being the Son of God, Savior of the World and Ruler of Nations (which are impressive credentials in themselves), He is also a brilliant communicator. I got sooo convicted about how little I take the time to listen and pay attention to people. Great book, loved the ending... Read it if you want to know how to speak in a way that matters.



4. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
A super great book about teamwork! This book was such an easy read because it's written like a story, but the lessons are so rich. I can't do it justice here. If you are leading a team and you want to succeed, then read this book. It's that simple.





5. Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team
Well, if the previous book was a must-read, then this one probably is too, huh? It gives you practical advice on how to get that team working together. Very practical and informative, I'm so glad I bought a copy for myself. I can't wait to share this with our campus ministers back home.





6. Becoming a Contagious Christian
This book is kinda a classic, but I never read it before. Bill Hybels writes with a very practical and compelling drive to share the Christian faith with others. I love how he makes it simple enough for anyone to do, because he takes into consideration the different personalities of people. So quite simply the book shows why EVERYONE SHOULD and how ANYONE CAN share their faith effectively.



7. 7 Practices of Effective Ministry
I loved this book too. It raises more questions than it answers, I felt. But they are the right kind of questions that lead you to the right answers. It's all about being purposeful, intentional, and strategic in ministry planning. This is a must-read for any person leading any sort of ministry.



8. The Master Plan of Evangelism
Another classic! This is a book I always heard about growing up, but never bothered to read. But I'm so glad I read it now. This is an excellent book about Jesus' method of mentoring, training, and discipling his.... um, disciples. Within 3 years, Jesus took a ragtag group of followers and put in them the beginnings of a world-changing movement. The author scans the Gospels for Jesus methodology and comes up with some very insightful and practical principles.  This book is a must-read for anyone who seriously wants to obey God by "making disciples of all nations."




9. The Shack
This book was recommended to me with very glowing words. One of the comments on this book went so far as to compare it to Pilgrim's Progress, one of the greatest works of Christian fiction ever. So I was a little skeptical when I read it, but it certainly did not disappoint. Only two other books have been so emotionally moving for me: the Bible and Les Miserables. While I don't think I agree with every little detail of the book, it certainly was life-changing. This is a great book for anyone who wonders how to relate to a loving God in a pain-filled world.



10. The Prehistory of the Far Side
After all the Christian living and ministry books, I was glad to have this for a breather. I read like I eat, and I love to vary my cuisines and genres. Gary Larson is a genius in my opinion. So this book, which showed his comments and thoughts behind his cartoons, was like reading Da Vinci's notebook.






So there you go... I'm reading a bunch of really good books right now too. Hopefully, I finish them soon. "Leaders are readers" as they say. What good books are you reading?