First, let me say that I loved this book. Tales from the Top is essentially the questions that executive coach Graham Alexander would ask you if he were in your office coaching you. I found this book very challenging. I found myself just stopping and thinking after what I had just read (that’s a novel concept.. a book that makes you think). Here’s a few of my favorite quotes: “When you’re under the gun to make a decision, you may overlook the best solution.” “The pressure on leaders to perform near perfection is immense.” “Everything you do as a leader … Read More

There aren’t that many books that give you a good overview of the nuts and bolts of hiring and inspiring people. Hire and Keep the Best People by Brian Tracy does just that. Here’s what I love about this book: 1. It’s short and to the point – 115 pages. I read it in one sitting. 2. It’s thorough – He walks you through the process of hiring, leaving no stone unturned. 3. It’s practical – He gives great insights about how to separate great and average people. There are few tasks more difficult than firing someone. So it’s important … Read More

I grew up spiritually in a megachurch. I got my start in ministry in a megachurch. I was married in a megachurch. (This is starting to remind me of a John Cougar song…) But what I realized when I start Calvary Fellowship was that not everyone had great feelings about megachurches. That’s the reason I like Beyond Megachurch Myths so much. It tackles all of the misconceptions that people have about megachurches. For the record, I love churches of all sizes. But I probably feel most comfortable in a larger church. If you’re a Senior Pastor, you need to read … Read More

Speak to Win by Brian Tracy is a fantastic book! This book deals with both the technical and practical aspects of speaking. Lots of books talk about content (which this one does as well), but Brian focuses on the practical side of speaking; where to stand, using Powerpoint, room set-up, and taking care of your voice. He also talks about how to speak for maximum impact, which was very helpful. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes: “One of the most important things you must do, before you speak, is to start with the end in mind.” “The wonderful thing … Read More

Written by the man who brought us the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, The Success Principles by Jack Canfield was a great book! A little too long I admit, but there’s plenty of great stuff in this book to keep you busy for weeks. Jack’s whole premise is that being successful isn’t hard if you decide what you want and refuse to give up in pursuit of it. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes: “There is only one person responsible for the quality of life you life. That person is you.” “For every reason why it’s not possible, … Read More

There aren’t too many books on strategy, but The Art of the Strategist by William Cohen is a good one. It took me a little while to get into this book, but it had some gems that made it worth the time to read it. Here are some of my favorite quotes: “You cannot develop an effective way to get ‘there’ until you know exactly where it is.” “People will not follow you if they think that your commitment is temporary, or that you may quit short of attainment.” “Strive to keep things simple and you’ll be pleased with the … Read More

One of the best books I read in preparation to read the Gospel of Mark is “The King of the Jews” by D. Thomas Lancaster. This book looks at the life of Jesus from a Judaic perspective. It really delves into the role of a rabbi and gives wonderful insights into 1st century Jewish life by quoting the Talmud and Mishna. My copy of this book is filled with blue ink, as I underlined, placed stars and question marks all over the pages of this book. It was an invaluable tool in my preparation to teach the Gospels. I think … Read More

I loved the premise of 15 Characteristics of Effective Pastors by by Kevin W. Mannoia and Larry Walkemeyer, that Godly character AND ministry competence make for an effective Pastor. It’s not one or the other. It’s both. Depending on which circle you run in, emphasis is put on one to the exclusion of the other. But wisdom would tell us that we need both to be effective in our calling. I liked the book and would recommend it to someone who wants to explore this subject a little deeper.

Just finished reading Operation Financial Freedom by James Dicks. Very good book. This book is a comprehensive volume on finances. You’ll find stuff that you’d find in others books, but there’s some great info here that was hugely helpful (The chapter on buying a car is worth the price of the book). I don’t think you can read too much on the subject of finances. We get bombarded with 1,500 ads a day about all the stuff we’re told we need to have to make our lives complete. So getting wisdom on what to do with finances that leads to … Read More

Focal Point by Brian Tracy is a great book about being productive and accomplishing the objectives you set out to complete. Brian’s time management stuff in this book is great and the insight he gives into goal setting is worth the price of the book. Here’s a few of my favorite quotes: – “You are no longer rewarded for the hours you put in, but what you put into those hours.” – “Personal responsibility is the preeminent trait of leadership.” – “Half of the average person’s working time is simply wasted.” – “People who value themselves allocate their time carefully.” … Read More