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Leaders read and continually grow in knowledge. I know great leaders to be avid readers. Of course, reading itself will not make one a prominent leader, but reading books will shape one’s leadership.
In my post I will share with you several books I’ve read in the past six months that I believe may benefit you too.
Leaders read
Right now I am working on one of my biggest projects ever—planting a Church. By God’s grace I’ve already started a Bible School, but now I sense in my spirit that it’s time to plant a congregation in my city.
How am I preparing myself to do that? One thing I do is learn from others who did plant churches long before me. So, I did some research, and I bought several books by people with experience in Church planting. Don’t get me wrong—I prepare myself in many other ways. However, I find it crucial to build on other people’s experiences and learn from others who’ve been there and done that.
It’s not like I know everything there is to know about Church planting, but now at least I have a clue (that’s my hope).
J. Oswald Sanders said:
The leader should read, too, with a view to the acquiring of information. Never was there such a vast range of information within the reach of every reader as today. It is mainly through reading that information is assimilated. He should read, therefore, to keep abreast of his age, and should be reasonably well informed in his own field.
[From the book Spiritual Leadership: Principles of excellence for every believer]
These are some books I’ve recently read, and I believe you should read them too:
1. Jerusalem crucified, Jerusalem risen (affiliate link) by Mark Kinzer
Mark Kinzer is perhaps the top Messianic Jewish theologian of our days. If you want to grow in your knowledge of Israel, Jerusalem, the Jewish people and the Messianic understanding of the Bible, then this book is a must read.
I’ve learned new things almost on every page of the book. What I really enjoyed is the way he presents Yeshua’s relationship with Jerusalem. Kinzer’s scholarship and insights are deep and makes one rethink his perspectives on Israel. There is so much more I could say about this wonderful book! Leaders read!
2. Jesus: A very short introduction (affiliate link) by Richard Bauckham
It surprised me to read such a well-balanced book on the life of Yeshua in the Jewish context. If anyone wants to increase his knowledge in the Jewish Jesus of the 1st century context, I believe this book can be a wonderful start. I plan to use his book in preparing several messages for my congregation.
3. The Synoptic Gospels set free (affiliate link) by Daniel Harrington
Anti-Semitism has done tremendous harm to the Church. Often, the anti-Semitism present in our Churches is because people (in the past and present days) read the Bible outside of its 1st century Jewish context. Harrington does an excellent job in presenting the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) in a light that does not lead to anti-Semitic readings. I can see how reading the gospels can make one see anti-Jewish elements in them, but Harrington points out that one does not need to read them in that way—he presents a much better way to read and interpret the Gospels. Leaders read!
4. The Sermon on the Mount (affiliate link) by Amy-Jill Levine
The Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5-7 always attracted me. However, just like so many other believers I never understood it in its Jewish context. I believe Levine’s book is a precious gem for any Bible teacher—as for any believer. You might also want to check Dan Caram’s book, The Sermon on the Mount (affiliate link).
5. Church planter field manual (affiliate link) by Tom Wood
As you perhaps realized from the beginning of my post, I am in a season of preparing myself to plant a congregation. I find Tom Wood’s insights excellent for any person in my situation. I also read Ten most common mistakes made by new church starts (affiliate link) by Jim Griffith and Bill Easum along with The Pastor (affiliate link) by Brian J. Bailey. Leaders read!
6. The century of the Holy Spirit (affiliate link) by Vinson Synan
I had to read this book for one of my Seminary courses about the history of the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. I’ve learned so much about the Pentecostal revival and the strengths and weaknesses that came with it. The book inspired my faith and kindled my passion for God and His Kingdom. I always like to read this kind of books to refresh my walk with the Lord. I highly recommend it!
7. Islamic Antichrist (affiliate link) by Joel Richardson
Reading this book was eye opening to the danger of Islam and the need to pray and evangelise the Muslim people. It also challenged many of my understandings of the end-time Bible prophecies. It is a book any spiritual leader and believer should read. We need to be aware of what’s happening in the world as we wait upon our Lord Yeshua’s return. After reading this book, I realized how ignorant I was about the spreading of Islam. Leaders read!
Bonus:
The Pastor’s guide to weddings and funerals (affiliate link) by Victor Lehman. One of my Seminary Professors told me once that most of the heresies in the Church as said at funerals. My Professor did advice me to have a proper theology as I speak about death but also about family and weddings. I believe this book is a must have for any Church leader who (sooner of later) will have to speak at a funeral or at a wedding. I know I’ve received much help through this book.
For funerals you might also want to check Bryan Chapell’s book The hardest sermons you’ll ever have to preach (affiliate link).
Leaders read!
Let me know if there is anything special going on in your life or if you want prayer! Share this post with your friends and don’t forget to leave a comment.
If you plan on writing a book or if you know of someone who wants to write a book-check this link from Self Publishing School!
And if you plan on starting a blog or know of someone who wants to do that—check this link from Elite Blog Academy.
P.S. Whenever you use the links and the banners on my blog to buy something on Amazon USA, or you use other affiliate links on my blog, I receive a small commission at no cost to you. I do not promote anything I do not believe in or stand behind.
I am a blogger, writer, pastor, Director of Zion Romania Bible School, husband to Olguta, a father and, most importantly, a child of God. I also completed my studies at the King’s University where I earned a B.A. in Theology with a concentration in Messianic Jewish Studies. I love Israel and I love the ‘Jewishness’ of the Bible.
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