Summer Reading

If you are going to lead then you have to read. Readers are learners. When you stop reading you stop having anything new to say.

Outside of my required reading for my Masters program, here are a couple of ministry books that I've been into this summer: I finished "Leading from the Second Chair" - a book about being the best 2nd level leader you can be for your organization; now I am into "Simple Church" by Thom Rainer. The subtitle on this one is, "returning to God's process for making disciples".

Reviews: Second chair was a decent read although I found myself skimming and looking for the real meat of the issue a few times. I would say it is a recommended read for anyone who feels like they will always be an assistant to someone or for anyone who struggles with following someone elses vision, etc. Simple Church is actually very good. As usual, Rainer has done gobs of research and has found that churches that do less are more effective for the kingdom than program heavy churches. I recommend it for pretty much everyone. It would be a good book to go through with a church board.

What are you reading?

Summer Ministry

The dog days of summer! Unfortunately we let a lot of our ministries go to the dogs during the summer! I agree that it's good to give people a rest and that most events ( other than grilling and pool parties ) don't get great attendance in the summer. There are some churches though that try to make the most of the summer months and offer some creative connecting opportunities for people. Rich Avery, ( one of my adult ministry cabinet members ) from the Kentwood Community Church, gave his small group leaders the opportunity of a "Neighborhood Block Party in a Bag". Leaders picked up their 'bag of goodies' at the church, registered their neighborhood and then hosted the party at their house. This is a great example of helping your congregation use the summer to build relationships with the pre-churched.

How about where you are? Are you doing anything interesting this summer that we could share with others? Hit the comment button and let me know.

Off to Beulah Camp

Beulah Camp is one of three camps operated by the Atlantic District of the Wesleyan Church. If you have never been to Beulah, but know someone who has, you are probably tired of hearing about it. If you have been there, then you know what we mean! I'll be there for the next two weeks! www.beulahcamp.com www.atlanticdistrict.com