If you are like me, the time between semesters has always been a time of trying to put some new thoughts, ideas, and helps for students inside me. Here are five I recommend. They are not new...but maybe too early to call classics.
IS GOD CALLING ME by Dr. Jeff Iorg
This little 115 page book is one you need to have two or three copies of ready to give to students who are asking questions about whether they are being called to ministry. It is super good and practical. It IS a classic. Dr. Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary, if you are not familiar with him. I would suggest you read it also, just to help you in these conversations with students.
THE 17 INDISPUTABLE LAWS OF TEAMWORK by John Maxwell
When we build up and multiply leaders, we build up and multiply our ministry. Plus, we are developing leaders for the future church....and we need that. Maxwell gives very practical helps in working with your leadership team. I have also used some of this material in working with our Freshmen Leadership Team and preparing them for future roles. There are chapters like, "The Law of the Bad Apple" and "The Law of the Price Tag". It is a good "just read one chapter a day" book.
AFTER COLLEGE by Erica Reitz
Seniors are leaning out the door hard this semester. You can give it to them as a gift and or lead a weekly study group using it. Or, host a one time event for seniors with a meal and a two or three hour focus on what is next for them. Likely, this crazy year has seniors even more searching for help.
7 PRACTICES OF EFFECTIVE MINISTRY by Andy Stanley
I have been recommending this book since it came out a few years ago. It really helped me focus on the idea of leading with MY strengths and the strengths of OUR MINISTRY. I did not totally agree with his application of that truth. It is also a quick read.
ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY by Arliss Dickerson
Oops! How did that get in there? When I called this "a brief encyclopedia like" book for college ministers, my intent was that every chapter does not apply to every College Minister. Some chapters are for newbies and some are for old vets. Some are aimed at Church College Ministers. The point being, you can simply pick out the chapters that relate to your situation or main concern at the moment. It is not like a book report where you have to give your word that you read the WHOLE book. But, it is ok to read the whole book, as many told me they have. Some have told me they use a chapter in their staff meetings, particularly with young intern types, as a brief discussion starter.
Arliss Dickerson's new book, ALMOST EVERYTHING ABOUT COLLEGE MINISTRY, is available at amazon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment