Here you will find some great books that I have read, or am currently reading. I will let you know what I think about the books I have read, and what I have learned from them. Feel free to comment if you have read any of the books listed.
Currently Reading:
“Camel Training Manual” – The secret of the camel is out…Muslims are coming to faith in Isa’. – by Kevin Greeson – forward by David Garrison.
This is an incredible book full of stories, and the methods behind those stories of how millions of Muslims have, and are coming to faith in Christ. In America we have a very distorted view of Islam, which causes us to approach Muslims improperly, or not at all. From the proper “language” one must use, to actual step by step processes in which a Muslim will understand who Isa (Jesus) is, this book is sure to become one of the top 10 “tools in your belt”. If you do not personally know a Muslim you need to get out more. Chances are you will soon encounter Muslims in your community as this is currently the fastest growing faith in the world. I pray that you do. They are wonderful people who have a deep desire to be Holy & near to Allah (God). Camel Training Manual will teach you how to approach those relationships boldly with tact that introduces them to the answer they may have been looking for – IsaMasi (Jesus-Messiah) – who will be their holiness. This is a short book, and you will most certainly come to need it’s contents at some point in life as an obedient follower of Christ.
“There’s a Sheep in my Bathtub” – Birth of a Mongolian Church Planting Movement – by Brian Hogan
I met Brian about a year and a half ago in Dallas, Tx. He took my wife and I to lunch, and insisted I read the book, “The Shack”. So, he bought the book for me! He told me about this book he was writing about his time in Mongolia as a missionary with his family. I shrugged it off, and we exchanged emails. I bought his book a few weeks ago after he posted a Facebook comment about a discounted price. =) A week later he had a layover in Vegas, and we spent a few hours together. This man is brilliant. I’m halfway through the book, and it is incredible. Not only is it full of amazing stories of life overseas it fleshes out basic “Church Planting Movement” principles. Brian takes all of the things I just read about in David Garrison’s book, and shares how they naturally played out in Mongolia as they pursued equipping believers to make disciples. Brian was discipled by George Patterson, who wrote a foreword for this book. Read it.
“Pagan Christianity” – by Frank Viola & George Barna
This book has received a lot of criticism from many all over the country. As I read this book I can see why. The message of this book challenges, or should I say threatens the very core of how we, as Christians, have been practicing our faith over the past…MANY years. It should make us uncomfortable. I praise Christ for Frank’s willingness to write, and publish a book that would cause us to think a bit about why we do the things we do. Viola just released “Reimagining Church”. Many are calling this “part 2″ of “Pagan Christianity”. I have heard that his new book seeks to, and does a great job of answering many of the questions that were raised as a result of “Pagan Christianity”. This book is a MUST READ for anyone seeking to follow Christ, and BE THE CHURCH in it’s purest form.
“Total Church”- by Steve Timmis & Tim Chester
I recently attended a conference for “Total Church” put on by Kaleo Church in San Diego and The Crowded House in the UK. Steve Timmis & Tim Chester taught on key principles from the book. This is a must read for anyone desiring to pursue living in, and planting multiplying “missional communities”. They refer to these communities in the book as “Gospel Centered Communities”, and do a great job of unpacking what that looks like as well as how to practically live it out; tight knit community (inward) motivated by grace and mission (outward) in the city.
“Church Planting Movements” – by David Garrison
This book is a compilation of case studies from all over the world. It discusses the reasons for the rapid growth of The Church throughout entire cities, villages, tribes, and nations. This is a must read for anyone who desires to further the kingdom of God through rapid, easily reproducible expressions of The Church.
“The Starfish & The Spider” – by Ori Brafman
This well written book about decentralized organizations and leadership has HUGE implications for The Church in America. While with the author, Ori Brafman, in San Francisco we discussed the book in depth. He had no idea how the principles he explained in the book paralleled the direction of The Church throughout the world.
Other books that have significantly shaped my views over the past few years:
“The Multiplying Church” – by Bob Roberts
“The Forgotten Ways” – by Alan Hirsch
“The Irresistible Revolution” – by Shane Claiborne
“Revolution” – by George Barna
“They Like Jesus but not the Church” – by Dan Kimball
“Organic Church” – by Neil Cole
As I told Alan Hirsch via email, TFW is “frickin’ genius.” So is Bob Roberts’ “TMC”. My wife just read Claiborne’s book, and said I would hate it. I know I’ll disagree with a lot in it, but I also know it will certainly challenge my thinking.
Hey Aaron – Have you checked out “Megashift” its totally inspirational. Its talking about the whole ‘missional communities’ / house church revolution.
Hey Richard! I haven’t read it, but have heard from several people that it is a great book. I hope to be able to look into it sometime soon. Thanks for the recommendation! Take care.