Non-church Books that blessed my life
Note these are not books written, as far as I know from a spiritual perspective, but they have insights that helped me. Paul read from people who were not Christians and used it, we can do the same (Titus 1:12; Acts 17:23, 28). In doing so he did not endorse everything they said, but used what they said. I hope these might be helpful to you:
I Dare You, William Danforth: Dad gave me this book when I was in 9th grade. It’s packed away somewhere with so many of my books in storage. But it was the first book I ever remember not being able to put down. That’s a really regular thing for me when I find a book that I love. I read it till I’m done. Certain authors’s books launch and I’ll try to make sure that when it releases I have as much free time as possible. I Dare You challenged my young mind to not just go with the flow but to try to be more than average.
The Greatest Salesman in the World, Og Mandino: I won’t list these all in order, but these first two are. I read this book in about 11th grade. It was the first fiction book that I read that has style. What a storyteller. The principles and the story are both great and useful.
The Six Types of Working Genius, Patrick M. Lencioni: Every minister should read this book as early in their ministry as possible. I read it within 6 months of leaving the work at Spring Meadows. Had I read it earlier I would have made it a point to buy one for every person on the staff and for every elder. This book will help you in very “chewable” words to find what your best workplace skill(s) are and how they work with others. Often we try to be something we are not, fitting ourselves into styles and into doing things because we think that is what someone in our role should do. This book will help you learn to do what you do well and then help others find their place. It will lower your blood pressure and help you see the nuisances that others bring into helpful tools they offer.
Rejection Proof, Jia Jiang: In a very engaging manner Jiang tells the story of how to learn to handle and then how to not be fearful when in a situation where you might be rejected. I wish I’d read this one 40 years ago. Ministers are often fearful about asking someone to study with them or to discuss a matter that might be delicate. If the concept of asking a guest to study the Bible with you or learn more about the church, or the thought of door-knocking sends shivers down your spine, you need this book. We seem to be somewhat trained to give way rather than walk into a controversy or challenge. Rejection Proof certainly will help in this.
Getting to YES, Roger Fisher and William Ury: This is one of two reads I learned much from while pursuing my Masters in Conflict Resolution. We all negotiate, whether it is with our family about where to eat out or our elders about Sundays off or salary issues. The question is, can we learn to do it better? Fisher and Ury both helped me.
A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson: I first enjoyed Bryson’s humorous travelogs BUT this book is different. If you’ve ever wondered “where ____ came from?” Whether you’re asking about the kitchen table or the lawnmower, you’ll be drawn in by this work. I don’t think I got much spiritually from this work, maybe a sermon illustration or two, but if you enjoy history, Bryson does it well.
Talk Like TED, Carmine Gallo: It is no secret that I want to learn throughout life how to communicate better. Not the number one on the list but very near the top is that ministers are in the communications field. I took about 8 super points that have helped me in my presentation skills. We are NOT doing TED talks but with nearly 20 billion hours of views, those who train those who give “Ted Talks” might have some insights we can use.
The Good Karma Divorce, Judge Michele F. Lowrance: Of all the books on this list this is the one I am most hesitant to mention, but also one of the more important ones for ministers to read. You are going to deal with people who are getting a divorce. Some will have that “right” biblically, many will not. Regardless of how, even those in the right, approach their divorce will affect their future. I can’t say it enough. Read this book. Lowrence is a domestic-relations judge with 30 years of experience. Some of her suggestions are spot on! Some, not all.
The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell: Anyone interested in church growth and/or leadership would benefit from this work.
Purple Cow, Seth Godin: A short read but a good intro to marketing guru Godin. I ran across this book about fifteen years ago when I guy I often disagree with read a quote from it that made sense. And, while I tense up at some of Godin’s concepts, reading this book will help you learn some good marketing tips as well as help you understand the culture that is pushing a lot of the negative movement of our day.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey: If you don’t need to be better at time management, please write a book about that, but if like 99% of us it is a challenge at times, you need Covey’s monumental book that changed a generation of “doers.”
That’s my list. Again, I not only do not always agree with the books above (in fact I strongly disagree with a lot of them), but each was helpful to me for specific reasons. No book has affected my life like the Bible, it was, is, and will be THE BOOK. And no other book is inspired, so all will fall short of comparison. And, if you are not reading your Bible, ignore the above list and start dwelling in HIS BOOK.
That’s my list, comment below on yours.