Throughout the year, I try to read through a new book every couple of months. Here are the books I read in 2015.
These are not in order of importance, simply in the order that I read them throughout the year. (I purposefully didn’t include the Bible in this list considering it should be a given. However, by the end of the month, I will have read through it this year as well.)
WHAT ABOUT ME? By Tim Tutton
If you work in Children’s Ministry, this book is a how-to manual from a guy who’s been there and done that for the past 30 years. My friend, Tim Tutton shares tons of practical wisdom in this book for anyone who works with kids.
COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE By Andy Stanley
If you are a pastor or communicator in any ministry, this book will both challenge your thinking and strengthen your communication skills, as you learn from one of the top communicators in leadership today.
ESSENTIALISM: THE DISCIPLINED PURSUIT OF LESS By Greg McKeown
This book was a game-changer for me. Hands down the most practical and influential book I read all year. Greg McKeown teaches leaders how to discern the trivial many from the vital few. He helps you understand how give yourself permission to stop trying to do it all, and focus your attention on making your highest possible contribution towards the things that matter most. Highly Recommended!
TALK NOW AND LATER: HOW TO LEAD KIDS THROUH LIFE’S TOUGH TOPICS By Brian Dollar
If you’re a parent or work with kids on a regular basis, this book is a great guide on a variety of different topics that kids are wrestling with like bullying, sex, divorce, money, and many more. Brian shares tons of practical advice that you can put into practice today in your efforts at reaching the next generation. I will definitely be referring back to this book many times as I help my kids as others understand how to tackle life’s tough topics.
HOW TO ENJOY READING YOUR BIBLE By Keith Ferrin
If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your Bible reading fresh and engaging from day to day, this book is for you. It will help you see the Bible with a fresh set of eyes, and give you ways to make your Bible reading both enjoyable and beneficial again.
LIKE ICE CREAM By Keith Ferrin
This book is all about helping your kids fall in love with the Word of God. Loving the Bible ought to come as naturally as loving ice cream. Just as you don’t have to force your kids to eat ice cream, you shouldn’t have to force them to spend time in the Word of God, if you have personally passed down your love for the Word of God to them. This book will challenge you as a parent.
HELP, I’M MARRIED TO A HOMESCHOOL MOM By Todd Wilson
If you’re a dad and your family homeschools, this book if for you. We started homeschooling for the first time this past fall, and this book helped me on many levels to be a better husband and father. Funny, practical, and biblical advice flows through the pages of this book, helping men like myself to be the man my homeschooling wife and children need me to be.
I truly believe the statement that “Leaders are readers.” I certainly need to read more than I do, but hope to never stop pushing myself to keep reading more.
If you have questions about any of these books, please feel free to reach out to me. I would recommend them all, and would be glad to help you in any way I can.
What books did you read in 2015? What books would you highly recommend, or suggest that I add to my reading list for 2016? I’d love to hear about them.
