Top Books Read in 2017

Below is a list of the top books I have read in 2017. I’d recommend these as gift ideas or for your own personal growth.

[amazon_link id=”0801019257″ target=”_blank” ]Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0801019257″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church[/amazon_image]

This is the best leadership book I have read in some time. Fuller Seminary studies growing churches and how to keep young people in church. Their insights are very timely for the missions organization I previously served with and the church I now work with.

 

[amazon_link id=”0802409989″ target=”_blank” ]When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0802409989″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself[/amazon_image]

If you are a leader who takes missions teams or sends them from your church, this is a must read. This book gave me words to articulate my strategy as a missions pastor following 25 years of missionary service.

 

[amazon_link id=”1501135910″ target=”_blank” ]Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”1501135910″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike[/amazon_image]

The story of an American iconic company, Nike, and its founder Phil Knight. A good read.

 

[amazon_link id=”0718022351″ target=”_blank” ]The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0718022351″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The Way of the Dragon or the Way of the Lamb: Searching for Jesus’ Path of Power in a Church that Has Abandoned It[/amazon_image]

These authors sought out heroes of the faith such as J.I. Packer, Dallas Willard, Eugene Peterson, and more to speak about leadership. The wisdom of their centuries combined in leadership abounds. They specifically tackle the allure of power in ministry, challenging us to rather take the way of the lamb than the dragon.

 

[amazon_link id=”1595551220″ target=”_blank” ]Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”1595551220″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Me, Myself, and Bob: A True Story About Dreams, God, and Talking Vegetables[/amazon_image]

An honest and page turning look at the story of the rise and fall of Veggie Tales told by their Creator, Phil Vischer.

 

[amazon_link id=”0802416195″ target=”_blank” ]Immeasurable: Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church, Inc.[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0802416195″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Immeasurable: Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church, Inc.[/amazon_image]

Skye Jethani books are a must read. This devotional style book looks at a number of traits common in American church culture and challenges readers to evaluate them.

 

I want to take a break from the book recommendations, to mention a podcast. The preceding two authors, Phil Vischer and Skye Jethani, host a candid and challenging podcast. All the headlines and current events are looked at through a Biblical lens. This coupled with great guests and a whole lot of humorous banter makes for my favorite podcast. Check out the Phil Vischer Podcast.

Back to the books!

 

[amazon_link id=”0399588175″ target=”_blank” ]Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0399588175″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood[/amazon_image]

Trevor Noah, South African comedian and current host of the Daily Show, gives a lot of great insight into the political and cultural issues of South Africa.

 

[amazon_link id=”098251073X” target=”_blank” ]The God Ask: A Fresh, Biblical Approach to Personal Support Raising[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”098251073X” link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]The God Ask: A Fresh, Biblical Approach to Personal Support Raising[/amazon_image]

The best book I have read on fundraising for missionaries. A bit long, but I am passing it out to all my new missionaries.

 

[amazon_link id=”0310344999″ target=”_blank” ]Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”0310344999″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love[/amazon_image]

A great grace book by Bryan Loritts.

 

[amazon_link id=”1433541386″ target=”_blank” ]New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional[/amazon_link]

[amazon_image id=”1433541386″ link=”true” target=”_blank” size=”medium” ]New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional[/amazon_image]

If you are looking for a daily devotional for 2018, look no further. Paul David Tripp is an excellent source for grace based challenges.

 

Click on any of these links to go to Amazon and buy a copy for yourself or someone on your gift list.

What is your favorite book you have read in 2017?

 Photo by Jazmin Quaynor on Unsplash