The Best Books I Read in 2013 – Part 1

Here is my list of the best books I read this past year. In this post I will be sharing 5 books and in part 2 I will be sharing 5 more. (The complete list is in alphabetical order.)

Deep & Wide
by Andy Stanley

The main premise of this book is creating churches that unchurched people love to attend. I found the book challenging is many ways. Having grown up in church it is difficult for me to see our church through the eyes of the typical Las Vegas community member. The first part of the book was especially fascinating as Stanley gave us a behind-the-scenes tour of the split between his father’s church (Charles Stanley) and Northpoint Community Church. The rest of the book is a how-to manual on creative thinking in regards to bringing the unchurched into church. (recommend for pastors & church leaders)

Hope for my Hometown
by Dave Teis

Yep, that’s my dad. His life has been comprised of following Jesus, developing a family and planting a pretty amazing church in Las Vegas. The book is extremely autobiographical nature and inspirational for anyone considering a life dedicated to church planting. He candidly shares his struggles, successes and overall passion for reaching his hometown of sin city with God’s message of grace, love and mercy. (recommend for church planters & anyone living in Las Vegas)

It
by Craig Groeschel

Okay, I really enjoyed this book. Sometimes you just connect with an author and it seems that I do with Groeschel. Perhaps it’s that we have a similar physique. Anyway, the point of the book is trying to identify why some churches, small groups, leaders, companies, missionaries seem to have IT and some don’t. Is it identifiable? Is it naturally attainable? Is it easily lost? I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out. (recommend for pastors, leaders & small group leaders)

Maximize
by Nelson Searcy

Every year as a staff we read one Nelson Searcy book and attempt to implement his organizational strategies into our church. This year we read his book on developing extravagant givers. He explains that financial giving is not a matter of fleshly mammon but spiritual growth. A growing Christian will be a giving Christian. Searcy attempts to teach his readers the proper way to lead their congregations in the matter of financial stewardship. (recommend for pastors, staff, deacons)

Not A Fan
by Kyle Idleman

I’d heard so much about Idleman’s book that when I finally downloaded a copy I felt a little late to the game. The book was good. I celebrate anyone who is calling for Christians to make a deeper commitment to Jesus Christ. I agree that every Christian ought view Jesus as Lord of their life. I agree that Christ wants followers and not merely fans. However, I was a little concerned those who may have legalistic tendencies might read this book and fall back into the trap of performances based religion. (recommend for all Christians who understand salvation by grace through simple faith)

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Part 2 of this blog will post on December 26th

*(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: