The Best Books I Read in 2013 – Part 2

The Advantage
by Patrick Lencioni

My friend Sam Brock from Ironwood recommended this book to me after I expressed my inadequacies regarding staff meetings. This is not a Christian resource but a business book that focuses on the primacy of organizational health. He purports that the most important thing any company, non-profit, church or school could do is focus on organizational health. He then goes on to explain what organizational health is and how it can be obtained. My favorite part of the book came at the end when he spoke of the four different types of meetings. (recommend for anyone who must lead a staff)

The Baptist Heritage
by H. Leon McBeth

I know this book is almost 30 years old but I finally read it this past year. This has been the most helpful resource I have come across during my graduate work. If you are a baptist and have not yet read this well researched book, you should. This book has helped me to understand my baptist heritage and grow to appreciate the four hundred years of history we share. (recommended for any baptist, history buffs)

The Grace Awakening
by Charles Swindoll

Again, not the newest book on my shelves, but definitely one of the most important. Written in 1990, this book has inspired a generation of Christian leaders. A proper understanding of grace will change a Christian dramatically. It is by grace that we are saved. It is by grace that we are able to grow in our faith. It is through grace that a ministry can reach a lost and dying world. Only through grace can the Christian world ever stop its constant bickering and learn to love as Christ commanded. I loved this book. (recommended to every Christian, young & old)

The Happiness Advantage
by Shawn Achor

This book is not written as a Christian resource. It is a psychology book written by a former Harvard teacher who specializes in positive psychology. His BIG question is: Does success lead to happiness or does happiness lead to success? Those who are happy seem to accomplish more, live longer, go further, enjoy better relationships and generally live more fulfilling lives that those who are unhappy. I found this a fascinating study int he secular realm that supports MANY Biblical principles. (recommended to every anyone who wants to choose happiness)

The Road Ahead
by Paul Chappell

If you grew up in or are currently part of the “Independent Baptist” movement within Christianity I would highly recommend this book. I personally respect and love the ministry of Lancaster Baptist Church. Chappell leads a Biblically faithful while culturally relevant church that is teeming with evangelistic fervor. In this resource he walks through the history of the independent baptist movement and points to the future with hope and optimism. (recommended to Independent Baptist pastors & staff)

(Disclaimer: Just because I listed a book does not mean I agree with every thought, paragraph, idea and philosophy taught in that book. Just because I named an author doesn’t mean I support everything done in that man’s life, occupation or ministry. Please don’t feel the need to change our friendship status simply because I happened to like a book that you did not. Smile, read, and remain my friend.)

Which of these books have you read? What was the best book you read in 2013? Please Comment Below: