10 thoughts on 10 pt. 1

So we are getting to the end of 2010. It has been a very amazing and trying year. New places, new friends, lots of learning, full calendar year of marriage. It has been pretty crazy. Although, even throughout the craziness there has been a lot of stuff that has caught my attention.

The First is this: I have kind of read through 10 different books:

Making Ideas Happen: Scott Belsky

I haven’t gotten to read all the way through this one. However I plan on finishing it. I like it a lot as it has been a good way for me to see the good ways of going into meetings prepared, coming out with an action plan and how to make the brainstorming meetings become reality. I am looking forward to finishing up this one.

Sustainable Youth Ministry: Mark DeVries

Mark DeVries writes this book in a very interesting fashion. It is more written to a senior pastor with the intent of training them what it takes to create a lasting and sustaining youth ministry. The book also offers lots and lots of very applicable knowledge for new and old youth ministers. It is a great book to keep on the shelf.

Stripped: Jud Wilhite.

I can only bring myself to read to this book little bits at a time. Although the chapters are about different people, the chapters are very heart wrenching to read. It is very hard to hear some of the sadness that people have had to face in their lives. The great part about this book is seeing God’s love poured out over the different people via Central in Las Vegas.

The Big Idea: Dave Ferguson/Jon Ferguson/Eric Bramlet

Seeing as I got a new job this year, I have had to learn a lot of things somewhat quickly. One of which is the philosophy behind the Sunday morning programs here at Suncrest. Being apart of the New Thing Network, Suncrest has adopted The Big Idea philosophy of CCC in Naperville, IL. The Big Idea is a consistent theme on sunday mornings throughout all ages so that at the end of the morning, instead of parents and kids only talking about where to eat, they can talk all together about what they all succinctly learned. Definitely keeping this one on the shelf.

Almost Christian: Kenda Creasy DeanYouth Ministry is always an uphill battle. At least it can seem like it is. In this book, Kenda Creasy Dean looks at some different statistics taken from teenagers and college students and shows that although faith is something that is widely known and thought about as important, more and more students dont seem to take their faith seriously. How do we change that? How do we as youth workers create more devoted disciples of Christ and not just a feel good faith?

The Pursuit of God: AW Tozer There is no real other words to describe this incredible book but it is thirst quenching. When I found myself in a time of needing something rich to read, this book fell into my lap. Literally. It fell off my bookshelf and hit me in the thigh. It was some sort of sign, I think. Anyways, this is a great devotional book that I will re-read from time to time, but it came in real handy this year. It was and will be a timeless read.

ReJesus–Alan HirschTo be honest, I didnt get far enough in the book to really tell what it is about. Although it seems as though the thought of the book is that we have forgotten the message of Jesus and we as church body need to bring him back in the central thought of all our teaching. How did I do?

Celebration of Discipline: Richard FosterNeed I say anything? Great book to keep on the shelf. Especially when you are teaching about Spiritual Disciplines.

Life of the Beloved: Henri Nouwen A conversation that is being recorded. It is a beautiful story of God’s love and everlasting love for all people. Nouwen describes the need for love in all beings. It is a great devotional for anyone that needs a good book to read.

Help! Im a student Leader: Doug Fields Student Leadership is always a weird and crucial topic to tackle in youth ministry. How do we push kids to learn what it means to be leaders? What does a student leader do? This Doug Field’s book is a great resource for any youth minister that is looking for answers on Student Leadership. It is a great book for not only you too read but as well as your student leaders. It is one that I have bought for my student leaders and having them read it.

It is crazy to think that these are 10 books that I have kind of read through. Now let me clarify. I have read all the way through most of these, but some I have not had the privilege of finishing. I am wanting too. But it might be a little while. I am not the fastest nor the best reader in the world.

So these are the 10 books that I have kind of read, what do you think? Any suggesting for 2011?