LEADERSHIP MATTERS by Roger Yancey, D.Min.
One of the best parts of the summer months is the books I can look forward to reading. Allow me to share a portion of the books that I think you might find of interest as well. Full confession, the book descriptions are taken from the descriptions you can find on Amazon as are the links to purchase the books if you are interested in doing so. Whether you read one of these books or others on your own list, allow your summer to be one for personal growth.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by john Mark Comer
“Who am I becoming?” That was the question nagging pastor and author John Mark Comer. Outwardly, he appeared successful. But inwardly, things weren’t pretty. Turning to a trusted mentor for guidance and heard these words: “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life. Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life.” It wasn’t the response he expected, but it was—and continues to be—the answer he needs. Too often we treat the symptoms of toxicity in our modern world instead of trying to pinpoint the cause. A growing number of voices are pointing at hurry, or busyness, as a root of much evil. Within the pages of this book, you’ll find a fascinating roadmap to staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the world. https://a.co/d/04tl8DWL
Lead with Prayer: The Spiritual Habits of World-Changing Leaders by Ryan Skook, Peter Greer, and Cameron Doolittle
Even the most experienced leaders seek outside help–they pray. Looking for help in their own leadership, entrepreneur Ryan Skoog, CEO Peter Greer, and executive advisor Cameron Doolittle set out to investigate how established leaders pray. The authors share the spiritual habits, techniques, and practices of world-changing leaders. In addition, they include prayers for leaders to use in their own prayer time as well as tools for how to cultivate a personal and organizational commitment to prayer. Learn not only how to pray, but how to build a culture of prayer wherever we lead. It is only when our businesses, ministries, and churches pray that they will be transformed. https://a.co/d/04VqsOIC
Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion by Wayne Cordeiro
If you’re a church or ministry leader, you probably identify with Wayne Cordeiro’s experience of being overwhelmed by the demands of ministry. At times you may find yourself depleted of energy and longing to escape the constant pressure. In Leading on Empty, Wayne Cordeiro candidly shares his experience with the hope that it will encourage others headed down the same path. He was able to get back in touch with his life, get back in proper balance, and allow God to reenergize his spirit in a way that propelled him forward to greater levels of service. Learn from his experience how you can continue a fruitful ministry. Better yet, take advantage of Wayne’s helpful advice early on and avoid burnout altogether. https://a.co/d/0dAcmf3U
Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change by Tod Bolsinger
Tod Bolsinger, leadership expert and author of Canoeing the Mountains, is uniquely positioned to explore the qualities of adaptive leadership in contexts ranging from churches to nonprofit organizations. In Tempered Resilience, he deftly examines both the external challenges we face and the internal resistance that holds us back. If you’re facing resistance to the changes you know are necessary for your organization to thrive in this rapidly changing world, Tempered Resilience will give you the tools you need to remain steadfast through change and lead with strength of purpose. https://a.co/d/02cS4bug
Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls: Learning the Art of Pastoral Ministry from the Church Fathers by Coleman Ford and Shawn Wilnite
In addition to the regular demands of preaching and shepherding, modern pastors feel undue pressure to entertain congregants and increase attendance numbers. Often, churches resort to the latest business models to keep pace. But true, life-giving guidance lies in Scripture and the wisdom of those having come before us. Ancient Wisdom for the Care of Souls helps pastors to embrace a classic, biblical vision of ministry through the study of selected pastoral virtues and early church figures. Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Great both referred to ministry as “the care of souls.” Calling for a “return to the sources.” https://a.co/d/0752Q6dO
Nimitz at War: Command Leadership from Pearl Harbor to Tokyo Bay by Craig Symonds
From America’s preeminent naval historian, the first full-length portrait of the man who won the war in the Pacific in World War Two―”destined,” says Andrew Roberts, “to be the defining life of Chester Nimitz for a long time to come.” Only days after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt tapped Chester W. Nimitz to assume command of the Pacific Fleet. Nimitz was not the most senior candidate available, and some, including his new boss, U.S. Navy Admiral Ernest J. King, considered him a “desk admiral,” more suited to running a bureaucracy than a theater of war. Yet FDR’s selection proved nothing less than inspired. From the precarious early months of the war after December 7th 1941 to the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay nearly four years later, Nimitz transformed the devastated and dispirited Pacific fleet into the most powerful and commanding naval force in history. https://a.co/d/004kWPkX
PODCASTS
I often find it adds to my time in a vehicle to listen to a podcast. Here are some that were recommended to me, you might want to check out, too.
What Happened at First (story of transition with FBC Jacksonville, FL)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-happened-at-first/id1695333370?i=1000623644094
The Rest is History
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rest-is-history/id1537788786
Cautionary Tales
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cautionary-tales-with-tim-harford/id1484511465
Killer in the Code
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/killer-in-the-code/id1863557288
Pastors Talk
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastors-talk-a-podcast-by-9marks/id1205903016
99% Invisible
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastors-talk-a-podcast-by-9marks/id1205903016
FINAL REFLECTION
While it should go without saying, one of the most critical choices we can make related to personal growth is to be sure we are anchored to God’s word. The Bible is the foundation upon which we build our understanding of who God is and learn God’s ways. The Bible is the first and last word by which we discern the truth of all the other voices spoken into our lives. The Lord has given us the gift of his word, and it is a precious privilege to have access to it and to be shaped by it. If you have to make a choice with your time, spend time with God’s word over everything else.
Enjoy your summer reading and listening!
In Kingdom service,
Executive Director, AMS
