Let me just say it: We don’t read enough. Even Steve Jobs said:”People don’t read anymore”. He even quoted this statistic: “Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year”. I bet that number is even less among the people I know.
So what to do? Thrashing people about not reading doesn’t work. I thought I would post a reading list to get you started. Disclamier: This list is one I give to men preparing for ministry, so it’s a bit hard core for some. Also, its just a “flavoring” for particular subjects not comprehensive. Lastly, like all people, I don’t personally endorse every word written by the authors.
Go ahead and add your favorites in the comment section!
CHRISTIAN LIVING
Spiritual Disciplines For the Christian Life – Donald Whitney
(Men) Finishing Strong – Steve Farrar
Battlefield of the Mind – Joyce Meyer
Who Moved My Cheese? – Spencer Johnson (Secular book about change, but good principles)
LEADERSHIP
Spiritual Leadership – J. Oswald Sanders
Leadership 101 – John Maxwell
Developing the Leader Within You – John Maxwell
Next Generation Leader – Andy Stanley
Being Leaders – Aubrey Malphurs
Preaching With Freshness – Bruce Mawhinney
DISCIPLESHIP
The Disciple Making Pastor / Church – Bill Hull
Disciples are Made Not Born – Heinrichson
PRAYER
Power of a Praying Wife / Husband / Parent – Stormi Omartian
Don’t Just Stand There, Pray Something – Ronald Dunn
The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer – E.M. Bounds
COMMENTARIES
“Be” Series – Warren Wiersbe
Thru the Bible Series – J. Vernon McGee
Matthew Henry Commentary (1 or 6 Volumes)
The Pulpit Commentary (Multiple Volumes and expensive)
THEOLOGY (The Study of God)
Knowing the Doctrines of the Bible – Myer Pearlman
Systematic Theology – Stanley Horton
Foundations of Pentecostal Theology – VanDuff (Hard to find)
HEALING
Healing The Sick – T. L. Osborne
Christ The Healer – F.F. Bosworth
APOLOGETICS (Defending the Faith)
The Case For Faith – Lee Strobel
The Case For Christ – Lee Strobel
FINANCES
How To Manage Your Money – Larry Burkett
FAMILY / PARENTING
The Strong Willed Child – Dr. James Dobson
Bringing Up Boys – Dr. James Dobson
MARRIAGE
How to Get Your Husband to Talk with You – Nancy Cobb (Good for men and women)
Before You Say “I Do” – H. Norman Wright
After You Say “I Do” – H. Norman Wright
PERSONAL GROWTH
Getting a Grip on the Basics (Work Book) – Beth Moore
Spiritual Maturity – J. Oswald Sander
FICTION
This Present Darkness – Frank Peretti
Piercing The Darkness – Frank Peretti
Thr3e – Ted Dekker
