Books, Books, and MORE Books!

I just purchased “The Big Idea” by Dave Ferguson on recommendation from Jason Taylor, my church planting friend in Yuma, Arizona.  I’ve read so much lately, I think my eyes are going to fall out.  On top of preparing for weekly preaching messages, I’m taking college classes and having to read hundreds of pages for those each week and I have my recreational reading that I also enjoy.  I seriously hope the Christian book market goes more audio this year so I can have an excuse to listen to some of these books while I try to get back into a regular exercise routine.  I’m also wanting to read several of the books on the “Personal MBA” list and, fortunately, many of those are available as audio books.  My MP3 Audio player will be getting a workout this summer as I start to dig into those and take a break from my studies in college.

Now, I just need to STOP BUYING BOOKS.  I’ve got a wall full of good stuff I’ve purchased over the last few months that I need to go through.  Prior to picking up Ferguson’s book, I had just purchased “The Minister’s MBA” to stretch my thinking a bit in terms of the systems we use at our church.  No, I’m not to going to pursue a formal MBA once my college work is complete.  I’ve already decided to pursue an MA in Spiritual Formation from Spring Arbor University in Michigan as soon as God allows it. (That could be a ways off!) I’ve been touched by Richard Foster and Dallas Willard’s works on the topic and feel it’s something that’s missing in many of our churches today.

For now, I’ll digest the ideas in this book and another I’m reading on putting together a focused evangelism/outreach follow up program.  We’re doing quite a few of the things Ferguson espouses in this book but it appears his church has taken things up a notch in the way it approaches its planning.  That can make all the difference in the impact we make for Christ on newcomers through our door.  I’m always open to new ideas as I move forward through this church planting journey.

I’ll post some thoughts once I’m through the book.  Have a great time of worship this weekend!