The Top 2 Books That Have Influenced My Ministry – Josh’s Picks
When Kurt and I came up with the idea of sharing a couple books that influenced us the most in ministry my mind immediately thought of a dozen books that have significantly shaped me as a youth worker. Without a doubt I am a better leader, husband, parent and youth pastor because of the influence of incredible men and women who have shared their hearts, learnings and failures with me over the past 15 years.
As for the Top 2 … well, these are the best of the best. If you haven’t read them, I can’t encourage you enough to pick them up and let the authors pour into you like they did me. Here’s the 2 most influeintial in my life personally, and a list of runners up you may also want to check out:
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LIVE Curriculum
2, 4, and 6 year Plans
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The Heart of a Pastor – HB London
I remember reading this book while I was serving in my first church. Ministry then was a series of extremes. It was extremely rewarding and I had a front-row seat to life change for the very first time as a pastor. And was extremely challenging and difficult to figure out how to do youth ministry for the first time. If it wasn’t for a grace-filled pastor and elders I would have (and possibly should have) been long gone. I read this book and one particular phrase continued to stand out to me as a stark reminder of my calling: bloom where you are planted. No excuses, no wandering eyes, no wishing you were somewhere else – God has called you HERE so until you hear from Him, act like it. So I did. Fantastic book.
Purpose Driven Youth Ministry – Doug Fields
This book came at another crucial time in my youth ministry experience. My wife and I had actually resigned our youth ministry position and were finishing up the summer out before leaving “to go to seminary” – translation: we wanted out, and this was the nice way of saying goodbye. During our final months I happened to stumble on Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren and eventually this, Doug Fields’ student ministry version of the book. As I devoured the pages, it felt like what he was saying was what I had always felt – even intrinsically know – about how church could be. We went back to our church that summer and God blessed us with 4 more incredible years at that same church we had resigned from, and the student ministry became something really special. This book played an eye-opening role in my journey to become a real youth pastor. An absolute must-read.
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LIVE Curriculum
2, 4, and 6 year Plans
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Runners-Up
First Two Years in Youth Ministry by Doug Fields
Sustainable Youth Ministry by Mark Devries
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn
Grace Awakening by Charles Swindoll
Bringing Up Boys – James Dobson
Handbook on Counseling Youth – Josh McDowell
What books have shaped you? I’d like to read them next!
Conversation
THE TOP 2 BOOKS THAT HAVE
THE TOP 2 BOOKS THAT HAVE INFLUENCED MY LIFE.
EXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY: ROBB THOMPSON.
FOREWARDED BY PASTOR ROBERT KAYANJA.
When i read this book i was so moved by it.It explains excellence as a journey and not a destination. I learnt that when it comes to serving God we ought to live with an inner drive to pursue excellence in the ministry every moment continually pressing on to the next level in our walk with God according to His command in Jeremiah 29:13.In life we shall only possess what we are willing to persue, especially when it comes to this particular journey we are in.Success depends entirely on our passion for persuit.I suggest you check this book out and your life will never remain the same.
THE 21 IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF LEADERSHIP: JOHN C. MAXWELL
This book is a must read book for anyone in a leadership position.Many times leadership is often misunderstood.When people hear that someone has an impressive title or an assigned leadership position, they assume that individual to be a leader.Sometimes thats true.But titles don't have much value when it comes to leading.True leadership cannot awarded, appointed or assigned.It comes only from influence and that cannot be mandated.It must be earned.The only thing a title can buy is alittle time- either to increase your level of influence with others or to undermine it.No matter what anybody else may tell you, remember that leadership is influence-nothing more, nothing less.
NB: One of my favourite books i often read is entitled "I VISITED HEAVEN" by Apostle Julius Peter Oyet.In it he narrates about what he witnessed about heaven and hell.I hope to send it to you because its very touching,inspiring and awakening us to live a holy life.
Thank you so much for the
Thank you so much for the recommendations, very much appreciated!
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