12.26.2010

3 Books Read in 2010

A few years ago (13 already?!?!?) Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline really challenged me about my desire to read the latest material out there. It pushed me towards reading classics and things I really need to know instead of merely "keeping up." 

I didn't read a ton in 2010 because Shoreline Leadership College, the Easter play, Summer Camp/Conference, Fall Retreat, the Christmas play, and new youth ministry responsibilities kept me pretty busy. I read more than three, but these books helped keep my soul resourced, fed, and floating.

The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction

  • This year I went through Eugene Peterson's practical advice on the kind of person pastors should be. I read this every year. The Contemplative Pastor gave me the vocabulary to describe myself as unbusy, subversive, and apocalyptic. These words are not often used to describe pastors and I have not become the kind of pastor Peterson describes with these words, but they are what I aspire to. 

Spiritual Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence for Every Believer 
  • I think I was supposed to read this book at Oral Roberts University. For whatever reason, I just got around to picking up this book. I wish I read it sooner. The advice found within is a must read for any Christian that wishes to serve in any capacity. Dads, Moms, Pastors, or whatever/whoever should read this book. 


The Emotionally Healthy Church: A Strategy for Discipleship That Actually Changes Lives


  • Peter Scazzero's bold and honest account of his personal journey towards emotional health. As a direct result of this book I was able to deal with interpersonal conflict, process negative emotions in a more positive way, and establish better personal boundaries. He also suggests a new paradigm for discipleship within the local church that will take me a while to chew on.



2 comments:

Peter said...

I read Contemplative Pastor for the first time a couple months ago. That was a paradigm-changer for me. Really timely, too.

Me and Eugene are best friends. He just doesn't know it yet.

Unknown said...

I'm going to take classes from him when I get to heaven. I think that's the only way I'll ever get to meet him.

Loved the unbusy part! as a 20 something, when I read the book for the first time, I used it as an excuse to be lazy. As a 30 something, I see it in a completely different light!

You guys will be good friends, I think!

swidget