Books I've Read In 2016
Below, you will find a list of some of the recent books I have been reading or listening to on audible that I feel would be beneficial to share with you.
Discerning Your Call to Ministry - jason allen
"This book fills a vacuum in present ministry circles. How does a person know if they are called to the ministry? The structure of the book is 10 questions to ask yourself if you may have a call to ministry. It perhaps overplays the importance of seminary and underplays the role of the pastor in your life, but certainly provides an exploratory track to run along. Pastors would find this resource beneficial to ministerial candidates in the churches they serve. (*Allen is also a Baptist that doesn’t believe that women should teach or preach.)" -Ron Lichtle
Discerning Your Call to Ministry will help you know the difference. A tool for seminary students, pastors-in-training, and even current pastors, it serves to confirm or prompt deep thought about the calling to ministry through 10 probing questions.
killing jesus - bill o'reilly
"O'Reilly has created a biographical niche in his 'killing' series. 'Killing Jesus' is not a religious book as much as a clear historical look at Jesus and His world. There is a trove of history that the 21st century western mind is unaware of. Of particular interest is the barbarism and far-reaching influence and decadence of Rome. Included are valuable biographical sketches of different characters and moments referenced in the gospels. Christians will find valuable insights in O’Reilly’s book." -Ron Lichtle
Now the anchor of The O’Reilly Factor details the events leading up to the murder of the most influential man in history: Jesus of Nazareth. Nearly two thousand years after this beloved and controversial young revolutionary was brutally killed by Roman soldiers, more than 2.2 billion human beings attempt to follow his teachings and believe he is God. Killing Jesus will take readers inside Jesus’s life, recounting the seismic political and historical events that made his death inevitable – and changed the world forever.
The Wright Brothers - david mccullough
"McCullough is a fine historian that chronicles the amazing, blazing vision of Orville and Wilbur Wright as they do the impossible in creating a flying machine. The ingenuity, drive and relentless singular passion of these brothers ushered in a new world of technological progress. McCullough gives historical breadth and depth to their invention. What a story!" -Ron Lichtle
The #1 New York Times bestseller from David McCullough, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize—the dramatic story-behind-the-story about the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly—Wilbur and Orville Wright.
We Preach - jerry jones
"Jerry Jones is among the finest Apostolic preachers of our generation and is thus qualified to share the vitality, function, and fundamentals of biblical preaching. Jones breaks down many of the important aspects of preaching into very usable chapters: preparing a sermon, presentation, keeping attention the anointing and much more. 'We Preach' will sharpen the effectiveness of your pulpit ministry; it has benefited mine (I hope the saints I pastor feel that way)." -Ron Lichtle
This book sets out to answer some fundamental questions regarding Apostolic preaching: What is preaching? Why do we preach? Is our preaching biblical? Is it still relevant today? Jerry Jones lays the theological groundwork for the basis of preaching, presents the case for the priority of preaching, and demonstrates the fundamental necessity of preaching in the church.
H3 Leadership - Brad Lomenick
"Brad Lomenick, as the leader of Catalyst, specialized in top shelf conferences on church leadership. H3 communicates his leadership paradigm of humble, hungry and hustle. Each value is assigned a number of sub points that are stand-alone lesson materials for leadership training (such as “a habit of self discovery” “… of inspiration”, “…of margin”). H3 will be a valuable leadership reference book in your library." -Ron Lichtle
In H3 Leadership, Brad Lomenick shares his hard-earned insights from more than two decades of work alongside thought-leaders such as Jim Collins and Malcom Gladwell, Fortune 500 CEOs, and start-up entrepreneurs. He categorizes twenty essential leadership habits organized into three distinct filters he calls “the 3 Hs”: Humble (Who am I?), Hungry (Where do I want to go?), and Hustle (How will I get there?).
The Most Excellent Way to Lead - perry noble
"This is a Christian leadership book built on the most solid premise of I Corinthians 13. Noble posits that the basis for all leadership should be based on love. He breaks down each portion of the I Corinthians 13 passage and relates it to church and leadership. Each chapter ends with applicable questions and summary points. Very good, practical and thought-provoking." -Ron Lichtle
Speakers often use the words vision, boldness, and influence to describe the characteristics of effective leaders. Perry Noble makes the case that the heart of great leadership lies elsewhere. In this groundbreaking book, Perry walks us through that leadership chapter, describing the fifteen qualities of an inspirational leader.
taking your church to the next level - gary mcintosh
"McIntosh does a good job of assessing and addressing five church life cycles. He also identifies congregation size and corresponding church structure. This book is a tool for a local church leader to see and implement ideas for transitioning from one size to further growth. Pastor, you will find yourself in this book. Take courage to apply the necessary changes to take your church to the next level.” -Ron Lichtle
All local churches experience a predictable life cycle of growth and decline. But if a church is on a downward trend, how can it turn around? Taking Your Church to the Next Level explains the impact of age and size on churches and outlines the improvements that must be made at each point for a church to remain fruitful and faithful to its mission. McIntosh deftly describes the cycles of fruitfulness and the importance of continual improvement to diminish destructive forces that keep a congregation from its mission. Church leaders, pastors, and all who care about the church and desire to see it experience biblical growth will benefit from the sage wisdom offered in these pages.
Cracking your church’s culture code - samuel Chand
"Culture is king in any organization. 'Culture eats strategy for lunch'. Chand’s analysis outlines five culture categories: inspiring, accepting, stagnant, discouraging and toxic. This book is diagnostic as well as prescriptive. The author provides a valuable assessment tool along with practical ideas and solutions for transforming your church’s culture." -Ron Lichtle
Why is it that the best strategic plans and good leadership often are not able to move churches in the desired direction? Sam Chand contends that toxic culture is to blame. Quite often, leaders don't sense the toxicity, but it poisons their relationships and derails their vision. This work describes five easily identifiable categories of church culture (inspiring-accepting-stagnant-discouraging-toxic), with diagnostic descriptions in the book and a separate online assessment tool.
From the ground up - Daniel davy
"Davy is a preacher and apostolic leader, but most importantly a practitioner of church growth through consecration, faith and spiritual leadership. Bro. Davy tells his story and the birth and growth of New Life Tabernacle in Tampa, FL. The church has grown into an Apostolic powerhouse. 'From the Ground Up' is a great narrative and a quick, easy read." -Ron Lichtle
Embark on New Life Tabernacle’s 24-year trek from the University of South Florida to Williams Road, where nearly 1,500 people call home. In From the Ground Up: The Makings of a Vision, readers are given an account of the ministerial life of Pastor Daniel Marvin Davy. Discover the methods and mindset of a man driven by a vision in spite of conflicts, disappointments, and trials. If you have been called and chosen by God in any ministry, this book is for you; for with the Lord’s help, you have the ability to make manifest your vision, from the ground up.
The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive - PATRICK LENCIONI
"Lencioni writes yet another leadership parable that outlines the crucial role a leader plays in building a healthy organization. The last part of the book fleshes out the principles. The four principles are: build and maintain a cohesive leadership team, create organizational clarity, over-communicate organizational clarity, and reinforce clarity through human systems. Good stuff!" -Ron Lichtle
In this stunning follow-up to his best-selling book, The Five Temptations of a CEO, Patrick Lencioni offers up another leadership fable that's every bit as compelling and illuminating as its predecessor. This time, Lencioni's focus is on a leader's crucial role in building a healthy organization--an often overlooked but essential element of business life that is the linchpin of sustained success. Readers are treated to a story of corporate intrigue as the frustrated head of one consulting firm faces a leadership challenge so great that it threatens to topple his company, his career, and everything he holds true about leadership itself. In the story's telling, Lencioni helps his readers understand the disarming simplicity and power of creating organizational health, and reveals four key disciplines that they can follow to achieve it.
death by meeting - Patrick Lencioni
"Lencioni writes another leadership parable about the power of meetings. He admits that dreaded and dead meetings are pointless and paints a powerful alternative. As in most of his books, he discusses the specific points after the story. The end of his book contains some very good suggestions for improving meetings for organizational progress." -Ron Lichtle
In his latest page-turning work of business fiction, best-selling author Patrick Lencioni provides readers with another powerful and thought-provoking book, this one centered around a cure for the most painful yet underestimated problem of modern business: bad meetings. And what he suggests is both simple and revolutionary.
The five dysfunctions of a team - Patrick Lencioni
"Lencioni teaches the five dysfunctions in story form. This book is an easy read illustrating five simple building blocks for enhanced team building. The five dysfunctions are: Absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results. These simple truths require difficult and intentional focus, but yield a tremendous treasure of unity and progress." -Ron Lichtle
Kathryn Petersen, Decision Tech's CEO, faces the ultimate leadership crisis: Uniting a team in such disarray that it threatens to bring down the entire company. Will she succeed? Will she be fired? Will the company fail? Lencioni's utterly gripping tale serves as a timeless reminder that leadership requires as much courage as it does insight.
Sleeping giant - Kenny luck & Tom crick
"This is a men’s ministry book exploring the unique value that strong spiritual men have in our culture. Kenny Luck also provides a pathway for a strong local church men’s ministry. His practical passion to see men engaged and healthy in the local church is inspiring. This book has it’s place in the 'ministry to men' genre." -Ron Lichtle
Many pastors see the need but are at a loss for how to really engage men in their culture and church context. Deep down they know they haven’t yet inspired men into the mission and vision of the local church on the same scale as women. Meanwhile, most men feel further detached from worship, left only with worldly expressions of manhood to fuel their identity. Sleeping Giant is a punch in the gut and pat on the back for pastors and men worldwide, a powerful biblical approach that will bring them together and awaken some serious ministry potential.
Protege - Steve saccone
"Steve Saccone is a practitioner and has spent years 'mentoring' or coaching young leaders. Protégé provides groundwork for regular and intentional leadership development. This book fills a needed niche in that it provides content to share in helping to influence growing Christian leaders in a relational context." -Ron Lichtle
Have you as a leader ever wished for more hands-on development and mentoring from a ministry veteran? Wouldn't that kind of investment accelerate, deepen and intensify your leadership skills and impact? God is raising up a generation of young ministry leaders―protégés―who need guidance in their calling to serve and lead people in the pursuit of God. These protégés need our help.
Titanic's last secrets - Brad Matsen
"This book reads like a riveting mystery/action story. New technology and rigorous research has revealed fresh information as to why the Titanic sank and why so quickly. The secret flaw in Titanic’s hull cost 1,504 people their lives. I won’t divulge the punch line, but it’s a fascinating read." -Ron Lichtle
Titanic's Last Secrets is a rollercoaster ride through the shipbuilding history, the transatlantic luxury liner business, and shipwreck forensics. Chatterton and Kohler weave their way through a labyrinth of clues to discover that Titanic was not the strong, heroic ship the world thought she was and that the men who built her covered up her flaws when disaster struck. If Titanic had remained afloat for just two hours longer than she did, more than two thousand people would have lived instead of died, and the myth of the great ship would be one of rescue instead of tragedy. Titanic's Last Secrets is the never-before-told story of the Ship of Dreams, a contemporary adventure that solves a historical mystery.
God's Lesser Glory - Bruce Ware
"Bruce Ware is a Calvinist that tackles the idea of 'Open Theism'. Open Theism is considered by some to be on the far edge of free will Arminianism and deals specifically with God’s foreknowledge. Specifically, what does God know? Does God know all future free will decisions? I disagree with Ware’s conclusions (especially as a Calvinist), but nonetheless find his writing informative and thought-provoking." -Ron Lichtle
Christians throughout history have been strengthened by their confidence that God knows everything about the future. But consider this: What if it simply is not true? What if God can only rely on His best guess about tomorrow--just as you and I do? Would it not affect your trust in Him, your confidence in facing the future, your worship, and your motivation to leave everything in His hands? And yet this is the consequence that has to be faced if you trust what a number of leading voices in evangelicalism are proposing under the doctrine of open theism.
Between the World and Me - Ta-Nehisi Coates
"This is probably the most personally informative book I’ve read on racial issues from the perspective of an African American growing up in America. It is a personal story he writes to his son. I don’t agree with all of his conclusions, but gained a much greater understanding of the problems facing the black community and race relations. He frequently used the term “my body” beginning with slavery, to presently wrongful police violence as well as person-to-person assault. It brought home the great concern for safety in the inner city." -Ron Lichtle
In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of “race,” a falsehood that damages us all but falls most heavily on the bodies of black women and men—bodies exploited through slavery and segregation, and, today, threatened, locked up, and murdered out of all proportion. What is it like to inhabit a black body and find a way to live within it? And how can we all honestly reckon with this fraught history and free ourselves from its burden?
Killing Reagan - Bill O'Reilly
"My recent visit to the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, CA reminded me that he was one of the greatest U.S. Presidents of modern times. Killing Reagan is a gripping, interesting and inspiring biography of the 40th President. O'Reilly has delivered! Do yourself the favor and read this book." -Ron Lichtle
Just two months into his presidency, Ronald Reagan lay near death after a gunman's bullet came within inches of his heart. His recovery was nothing short of remarkable -- or so it seemed. But Reagan was grievously injured, forcing him to encounter a challenge that few men ever face. Could he silently overcome his traumatic experience while at the same time carrying out the duties of the most powerful man in the world?
Arminian Theology - Roger Olson
"'Arminian Theology' along with 'Against Calvinism' are good counterparts in delving into the Calvinist/Arminian debate. Olson lays out 10 myths, and deals with them biblically and rationally. This book is very informative and provides a good framework for studying Arminianism as contrasted with Calvinist Theology." -Ron Lichtle
In this book, Roger Olson sets forth classical Arminian theology and addresses the myriad misunderstandings and misrepresentations of it through the ages. Irenic yet incisive, Olson argues that classical Arminian theology has a rightful place in the evangelical church because it maintains deep roots within Reformational theology, even though it maintains important differences from Calvinism.
Against Calvinism - Roger Olson
"Olson provides a great overview of Calvinism and it’s logical and biblical fallacies. Calvinism, at its heart, attacks the very essence of God’s mercy, nature and justice. Reformed Theology/Calvinism seems to have a contemporary resurgence and demands well-thought biblical rebuttal. 'Against Calvinism' provides a wealth of solid points for undergirding free will theology and the universal availability of Christ’s amazing salvation." -Ron Lichtle
Calvinist theology has been debated and promoted for centuries. But is it a theology that should last? Roger Olson suggests that Calvinism, also commonly known as Reformed theology, holds an unwarranted place in our list of accepted theologies. In Against Calvinism, readers will find scholarly arguments explaining why Calvinist theology is incorrect and how it affects God’s reputation. Olson draws on a variety of sources, including Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience, to support his critique of Calvinism and the more historically rich, biblically faithful alternative theologies he proposes.
Freakonomics - Steven Levitt
"Steven Levitt writes in a similar vein to Malcolm Gladwell by asking unique questions and analyzing data. Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? What do sumo wrestlers and teachers have in common? Levitt is an economist that arrives at compelling conclusions by applying unconventional approaches, and thereby proves that economics will provide the proofs. He does so with the use of stories, data and unique logic." -Ron Lichtle
Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? How much do parents really matter? These may not sound like typical questions for an economist to ask. But Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life, from cheating and crime to parenting and sports, and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head.
The Fine Art of Small Talk - Debra Fine
"Many people are not gifted at chit-chat, but it is the appetizer preceding a good conversational meal. Debra Fine was a woman who did not thrive in social environments, but eventually overcame her challenges. The result is a great resource with very real suggestions for small talk in social situations." -Ron Lichtle
Nationally recognized communication expert Debra Fine reveals the techniques and strategies anyone can use to make small talk--in any situation. Do you spend an abnormal amount of time hiding out in the bathroom or hanging out at the buffet table at social gatherings? Does the thought of striking up a conversation with a stranger make your stomach do flip-flops? Do you sit nervously through job interviews waiting for the other person to speak? Are you a "Nervous Ned or Nellie" when it comes to networking? Then it's time you mastered The Fine Art of Small Talk.
The Coaching Habit - Michael Stanier
"Often times, leaders mistake endless talking with effective teaching or mentoring. 'The Coaching Habit' is a short, quick read that offers 7 simple questions to crystallize conversation, get to the heart of the matter, and help you offer better advice to those you lead." -Ron Lichtle
Coaching is an essential skill for leaders. But for most busy, overworked managers, coaching employees is done badly, or not at all. They're just too busy, and it's too hard to change. But what if managers could coach their people in 10 minutes or less? In Michael Bungay Stanier's The Coaching Habit, coaching becomes a regular, informal part of your day so managers and their teams can work less hard and have more impact.
Man's Search for Meaning - Victor Frank
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl's memoir has riveted generations of readers with its descriptions of life in Nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Between 1942 and 1945 Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, while his parents, brother, and pregnant wife perished. Based on his own experience and the experiences of others he treated later in his practice, Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose. Frankl's theory-known as logotherapy, from the Greek word logos ("meaning")-holds that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.
Fixing My Gaze - Susan Barry
"Since the author had the same condition that I currently have, this book had a very personal effect on me. I had four eye surgeries as a child because my eyes were crossed. The result was that I don’t have stereopsis, more commonly known as binocular or 3D vision. The author is a neuroscientist and also had the same condition. The most interesting thing is that through vision therapy, she was able to correct this condition, and one day, her vision just 'popped' into 3D. That part of the story was amazing from the viewpoint of a person whose vision was previously impaired, as she 'saw' the world in a brand new way." -Ron Lichtle
When neuroscientist Susan Barry was fifty years old, she took an unforgettable trip to Manhattan. As she emerged from the dim light of the subway into the sunshine, she saw a view of the city that she had witnessed many times in the past but now saw in an astonishingly new way. Skyscrapers on street corners appeared to loom out toward her like the bows of giant ships. Tree branches projected upward and outward, enclosing and commanding palpable volumes of space. Leaves created intricate mosaics in 3D. With each glance, she experienced the deliriously novel sense of immersion in a three dimensional world.
Living and Leading in Ministry - J. Mark Jordan
Pastor Jordan shares thirty-one short chapters for anyone currently leading a ministry, a business, or a team. Drawing upon a lifetime of experience, these chapters are spiced with personal stories of Jordan's finest (and not-so-fine) moments to illustrate such topics as: Ask Forgiveness, Permit Questions, Do Your Homework, and Honor Former Leaders. Perfect for taking a month to read and pondering a chapter each day or sharing with your church and/or Sunday school staff.
Presence - Amy Cuddy
"Cuddy’s presentation is one of the most-viewed TED talks online. She experienced a traumatic brain injury that rattled her for years, more specifically, her cognitive ability and confidence. This book is about personal confidence, i.e “Presence”. She has lots of studies, data and practical suggestions to being the true and best you. It’s not touchy-feely as much as it helps a person to be at ease, comfortable and representing their truest self everywhere. I highly recommend to anyone developing personal confidence or working in challenging new social or business environments." -Ron Lichtle
By accessing our personal power, we can achieve "presence," the state in which we stop worrying about the impression we're making on others and instead adjust the impression we've been making on ourselves. As Harvard professor Amy Cuddy's revolutionary book reveals, we don't need to embark on a grand spiritual quest or complete an inner transformation to harness the power of presence. Instead, we need to nudge ourselves, moment by moment, by tweaking our body language, behavior, and mind-set in our day-to-day lives.
The Ideal Team Player - Patrick Lencioni
"A fable that teaches principles of being a team player. The value in this writing style is that it provides context for the lessons being taught. The ideal team player has 3 characteristics: Humble, Hungry and Smart. The last segment of the book goes deeper into these 3 principles and also references diagnostic materials that are available." -Ron Lichtle
Lencioni presents a practical framework and actionable tools for identifying, hiring, and developing ideal team players. Whether you’re a leader trying to create a culture around teamwork, a staffing professional looking to hire real team players, or a team player wanting to improve yourself, this book will prove to be as useful as it is compelling.
The Last Generation of Truth - Daniel Butler
"This book is a must-read for every preacher and saint. It lays out the historical case for religious movements and how they eventually drift. The Sectarian Cycle describes how revival transfers to the second and third generations, and the ultimate impact of the death of a movement. It is very applicable to the Apostolic movement. The good news is that Pentecostalism has a built-in cure: a personal experience with God and the regular inner-working power of the Holy Ghost!" -Ron Lichtle
An explanation of the historical significance of the sectarian cycle as regarding the characteristics of the first, second, and third generations in the church.
The President's Club - Nancy Gibbs
"This book provides a provocative and compelling behind-the-scenes look at U.S. Presidents and their difficult relationships in and out of office. It is chock full of stories of the worlds most powerful men, and their dealings with one another in this very small fraternity of former Presidents." -Ron Lichtle
The New York Times bestselling history of the private relationships among the last thirteen presidents—the partnerships, private deals, rescue missions, and rivalries of those select men who served as commander in chief. The Presidents Club, established at Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration by Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover, is a complicated place: its members are bound forever by the experience of the Oval Office and yet are eternal rivals for history’s favor. Among their secrets: How Jack Kennedy tried to blame Ike for the Bay of Pigs. How Ike quietly helped Reagan win his first race in 1966. How Richard Nixon conspired with Lyndon Johnson to get elected and then betrayed him. How Jerry Ford and Jimmy Carter turned a deep enmity into an alliance. The unspoken pact between a father and son named Bush. And the roots of the rivalry between Clinton and Barack Obama.
The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians - William Barclay
A Tale of Three Kings - Gene Edwards
"This short book is a classic that is a must-read for any Christian. It will leave you searching your own heart, and determined to pass the test of humility, brokenness and the proper usage of authority. It tells the story of Saul, David and Absalom and their response to wrong treatment as well as power. Simply soul-searching and life-changing!" -Ron Lichtle
This best-selling tale is based on the biblical figures of David, Saul, and Absalom. For the many Christians who have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing, and hope. Christian leaders and directors of religious movements throughout the world have recommended this simple, powerful, and beautiful story to their members and staff. You will want to join the thousands who have been profoundly touched by this incomparable story.