3 Books That Should Be On Your Christmas Wish List

There are a lot of great ministry resources that have helped me as a leader, reach more teens and build a sustainable program.  Unfortunately, it’s not always enough.

Sometimes you need to step out of your field in order to learn how to improve it.  Over the years there have been books in business, special interest and sales that have helped me.  As Christmas gets closer I want to make sure you put these 3 on your list:

SWITCH: How To Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip and Dan Heath

The reason youth ministry is so messy is because there is constant change.  In their book Switch brothers Chip and Dan Heath talk about the conflict that prevents us and others from moving forward.

What I love about this book is how they are able to break down this conflict into three very clear images:

• The Rider – Information about why change is needed.
• The Elephant – Feelings about why we would or wouldn’t make the change.
• The Path – Factors that go into setting up change for success or failure.

I recommend this book for anyone looking to change a program or culture in their ministry. To get a copy click HERE.

THE ADVANTAGE: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business by Patrick Lencioni

A healthy youth ministry has a healthy leadership team.  What that means is on top of having talent you need people who are committed to working together and focused on what’s important.

In Patrick Lencioni’s book The Advantage he discussed the importance of having:

• A cohesive leadership team.
• Clarity amongst leadership.
• Clear communication throughout the organization
• Structures that reinforce what matters most.

It’s a great book for the ministry leader looking to build a team and a structure that will grow with a healthy foundation.  To get a copy click HERE

GOOD TO GREAT: Why Some Companies Make The Leap And Others Don’t by Jim Collins

Good is the enemy of great.  Too often we settle for programs and productivity that’s good, when it could be so much better.  Good to Great by Jim Collins is a classic that helps any leader take their organization to the next level.

In this book Jim Collins and his research team look at the standards of what makes a company great, compared them to others that were stuck at good and share their findings.  In short they talk about the impact that:

• Leadership
• Technology
• Restructuring
• Communication

…will have on an organization.  This is a great book for the leader looking to step out of the mediocrity and take their ministry to a new level.  To get a copy click HERE.

Definitely check out these books, but most importantly learn more about the authors.  They are great leaders in their industry and are filled with so much wisdom.  And, I also invite you to share your top reads by visiting our Facebook Page.