On with the list...
Top 6 Personal Growth Books:
1. I am not, but I know I AM by Louie Giglio
God brought this book into my life at the right time. At the beginning of the year, I felt so inadequate to be "lead pastor" of a North Point affiliated church. Moses didn't feel adequate either. The concept of a "little leader" has stuck with me all year.
2. The One Thing You Need to Know by Marcus Buckingham
The "one thing" is actually three things, but they're all helpful. As a manager, my job is to discover what is unique about each person I manage and help them capitalize on it. As a leader, my job is to provide a clear vision of the future. For personal success, I need to discover what I don't like doing and don't do well and stop doing it.
3. (TIE) Confessions of a Reformission Rev by Mark Driscoll & Confessions of a Pastor by Craig Groeschel
I absolutely loved both of these books. I laughed out loud during both, especially Driscoll's. More importantly, I found encouragement from two guys who shared their stories with honesty and transparency. Driscoll and Groeschel are two leaders worth following...their books show why.
4. It Came from Within by Andy Stanley
I learned so much about the true condition of my heart by reading this book. The things Andy talks about - guilt, anger, greed, jealousy - really are monsters that lurk within and can destroy every other part of our lives. Andy writes as well as he speaks, so reading his stuff is always enjoyable. Be careful if you read this one...you will feel led to do some tough things like forgive, confess, give, and celebrate others successes.
5. In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
This book fired me up! Mark's writing style is so creative and fresh...it's as if you're sitting down at Ebeneezer's talking with him. I think of myself as a risk taker, yet I realize there are so many opportunities day after day that I miss - lions that I should chase that instead, I hide from. This book says..."Chase the Lion!" Great stuff - I'd give it to anyone I know. Again, be careful. Reading this book will lead to risk-taking!
6. About My Father's Business by Regi Campbell
Over the last year, I have gotten to know Regi pretty well. This guy is fired up about influencing people around him. Using a tool he calls the IMAP, Regi gives you a great plan for thinking intentionally about all of your relationships. I keep my IMAP on my desk as a way of reminding me of the most basic part of "my Father's business" - intentionally investing in people around me.
My goal was to read 26 books for the year. All total, I read 32. Which is odd...I used to HATE reading. I mean, seriously hate it. I don't think I read any books in high school, but I almost owned stock in Cliffs Notes. Now, there's hardly a day that goes by that I don't spend at least an hour reading. I really buy into the adage that "leaders are learners," and I do think developing the discipline of reading is essential to developing as a leader.
Out of each book, I try to find 3-5 key points to apply immediately, take a step towards applying, or to think on some more. I generally read under three headings: organizational growth/leadership, personal leadership growth, and personal spiritual growth.
So, there you have it - my Top 11 books of the year. Already looking forward to my 2007 list!
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