Church leader insights - december 2007

AUTHENTICITY

Going beyond their bestselling 'The Experience Economy,' Gilmore and Pine remind church leaders that it’s ultimately the authenticity of the experience that matters. Page for page I had more 'new thoughts' reading this book than any on the list.

Undermanagement, not micromanagement is the problem. True in the corporate world argues Tulgan. More true in the church world I say! I really believe we have to do much much better at managing in the church. This book challenged me to make sure I'm getting all I can out of the talent, staff and people God has entrusted to me.

LAUNCH: STARTING A NEW CHURCH FROM SCRATCH

The first co-author of this book is intelligent, handsome, extremely insightful and he’s also the editor of this list! OK, OK, maybe I shouldn’t include my own book but I really do believe in the principles of this book and your feedback over the last year has been incredible. Keep launching new churches as large as possible and as quickly as possible (and forgive the shameless self-promotion). Thanks for making this book a bestseller in 2007.

MADE TO STICK

I almost dismissed this book as another 'Tipping Point' imitator but boy am I glad that my friends kept telling me I *had* to read it. This book is about making ideas memorable whether those ideas are written, taught or, well, preached.

GROWING AN ENGAGED CHURCH

As a student of church health and assimilation I wondered if this book would be the same old, same old. It’s not (or else it wouldn't be on the list). This is a book your whole staff can engage. It will start a discussion that, I believe, will lead you to a much healthier church than before you started.

MONEY MATTERS IN CHURCH

This book fills a giant hole in church leadership books - how to handle money, increase giving and raise big dollars for big projects. Co-author Steve Stroope is my mentor and friend, but he and Aubrey deliver the goods in this book. This book is the best I've read on church stewardship since Money, Possessions and Eternity and is far more practical.

15 CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE PASTORS

The title of this book almost turned me off but this one is far more than the title suggests. This book focuses on the ‘heart’ side of leadership that ensures that a church leader survives and thrives over the long run. I found the book part devotional, part challenge and all well said. This book is the perfect balance to the hard-charging books that make up the rest of this years ‘best of’ list.

BEYOND MEGACHURCH MYTHS: WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM AMERICA'S LARGEST CHURCHES

This book is long on analysis and full of helpful lessons that any church can apply regardless of size. You could spend several months and thousands of dollars visiting the fastest growing churches in America and trying to gather what they’ve learned OR you can spend a few bucks and get it all in this book. Reading this book will challenge your assumptions and leave you inspired about the tremendous potential of the local church, including yours.