Monday, September 25

If My Office Was On Fire!

You probably have a few resources that you have come across in ministry that have been almost priceless to you. Think about them for a minute. You might even want to make a list. There probably will be a few names on the list, maybe a conversation or two that radically changed everything for you. Here's the question: if your office was on fire and you could only grab 3 books (besides your Bible), what 3 would you grab? Yes, you've already grabbed the picture of the family, your diploma and your ordination certificate...but beyond that what would you grab?

Of course, if my office was on fire that would mean that HQ was on fire and that would mean that your USF would be going up! Moving right along...

I'm only going to mention one of those books right now because I don't want to sidetrack you with the other titles. "Getting Things Done" by David Allen. Seriously, this book has literally impacted everything I do. I might unpack more of its contents in future postings, but let me try to sum it up in a few words for now: lower your stress, clear your mind, know where everything is, stay on top of all your to-do's, handle paper once, keeping your Inbox under control, clearing free space in your mind and work day for more creativity and productivity, etc.

If you've read the book, you know the system and you are nodding in agreement. If you haven't read it yet, there are probably people in your world who are hoping you will read it ;->

I'd love to know if you have read it or are going to. What do you think?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes I have read it and it was probably the best book on the subject that I have ever read. Especially chapter 3 on planning projects. It is a much more natural or flexible way to plan and execute your day.

Rob

Anonymous said...

I have read the book and found it very helpful. Probably the best on the subject of organization. Especially chapter 3 on planning projects. I need to revisit it, it has been 2 or 3 years since I have read it.

Anonymous said...

Good question. My top three resources are:
1) The Serendipty Bible for Groups. The have a set of questions (opening, digging and reflective questions) for every chunk of Scripture. I don't think I've led a small group session without checking this out first. Awesome tool.
2) The NIV Thematic Reference Bible (Zondervan edited by McGrath). Have found this much more useful than Thompson's Chain Reference Bible. It's out of print now, so I'd risk a few scorched fingers to keep this one with me. Has really helped me let the Bible speak for itself.
3) The Purpose-Driven Church by Rick Warren.