A friend of mine recently emailed with a great idea:
I was asked a good question last night by our lay elders: what can we be reading to better ramp us up to the trends and realities of the church today, which you [our pastor] intuitively pick up through connections and conversations, as well as your reading?
I started thinking of all sorts of things they could read, but don’t want to overwhelm them. If I’m overlooking a “Reader’s Digest” of church growth out there, worth sharing, what would you say -- maybe your top few books right now?
The best answer is: It all depends. An aging rural church might want to read a different set of books than an urban church that reaches young adults. My friend’s church is a growing, exciting, faith-filled group with thriving ministry in every area from prayer to youth to worship. What might help his board? Let me offer three books I helped compile, plus reference to two published series that Leadership Network has created.
1. Eleven Innovations in the Local Church
This book has been described as providing an outstanding overview of many directions various churches are exploring today in their effort to find new ways to reach people for Jesus Christ.
In this very readable book, two pastors each describe their own church journey toward developing a healthy culture in their respective congregations. The story-based narrative will help any church think through its current "atmosphere" in light of whatever particular mission God has given it.
3. Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture
This book-with-DVD comes out in November 2009. It's a story-based account of how to make God's Word come alive wherever it's read, but especially in worship settings. It contains 15 illustrations of how exactly to prepare a reading. We've tested it with seminary students and lay readers in churches, all with very positive responses.
Eight Additional Books
Leadership Network has partnered with Zondervan to create the Leadership Network Innovation Series. Books in this series offer real stories, about real leaders, in real churches, doing real ministry. A list of all titles, each a highly practical book, along with a free sample chapter from each, can be found at leadnet.org/books.
Twenty-Six Additional Books
Books in the Leadership Network Jossey-Bass Imprint Series present thoroughly researched and innovative concepts from leading thinkers, practitioners and pioneering churches. Again, a list of all titles along with a free sample chapter from each, can be found at leadnet.org/books.
What do you think? What additional books would you suggest for a church board like this one?
Warren Bird, Ph.D., is Research Director at Leadership Network, and co-author of 21 books on various aspects of church health and innovation.
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