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It’s been five years since I read Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones. Stanley and Jones propose a model for preaching one-point sermons. I embraced the approach immediately. I preached my first one-point sermon right after I started reading the book (I had completed the first two chapters, as I recall). … Read more
Earlier this year, I wrote about 15 Books That Have Shaped Me as a Leader. In posting the list, I realized there were a few books that I’ve never blogged about. One of them is Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. Few people inspire, challenge, motivate me like Bill Hybels, whether through his speaking or his … Read more
Recently, I wrote Developing the Preaching Gift where I listed five steps I am taking to grow as a communicator. One of the steps is to (periodically) review Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones (for more on this book, see my post, One-Point Preaching). I am in the process of reviewing … Read more
I just finished another book that I’m reading before ordination (see 75 Days of Preparation for Ordination). Reading Scripture as Wesleyans by Joel B. Green (now at Fuller Theological Seminary, formerly at Asbury) is described as “ideal for use with the Wesley Study Bible.” I enjoyed reading this book. It takes a look at how … Read more
In my recent post, 75 Days of Preparation for Ordination, I stated that I planned to review Bishop William Willimon’s Pastor: The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry. Here, I will simply post some quotes from the first chapter, which specifically deals with ordination. As we prepare for ordination (in less than two months), these … Read more
I recently finished reading one of the books on my list of things to read/do before ordination (see 150 Days of Preparation for Ordination and 75 Days of Preparation for Ordination). The book is John Wesley: A Preaching Life by Michael Pasquarello, who teaches at Asbury Theological Seminary. I was interested in the book because … Read more
One of the books we read in the Doctor of Ministry program at Asbury a few years ago was Shaped By the Word by M. Robert Mulholland. Mulholland challenges readers to move from an informational approach to reading Scripture to a formational approach. An informational reading of Scripture tends to focus more on “doing” more … Read more
I love Bible translations, especially new ones. Translations help readers experience God’s Word in fresh, new ways—and they give preachers (and others) new tools to play with! I grew up in a faith tradition that read only the King James Version (KJV), but I discovered modern translations when I was in seminary in the early … Read more
The most recent book of the 15 Books That Have Shaped Me as a Leader that I read was Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels. While not specifically a leadership book, it’s written by a leader on a topic that leaders must develop. There are a few authors/leaders that I consider must-reads. For … Read more
A while back, I put together my list of the 15 Books That Have Shaped Me as a Leader. I’m finally getting around to blogging about An Unstoppable Force by Erwin McManus. There were a couple books by McManus on my list of 15. The other one is The Barbarian Way, which I have written … Read more