In my quest to increase outreach at my current church or plant a new church, I have spent countless hours researching and reading books to expand my knowledge. This post shares some books that may help others make disciples who make disciples. The Bible is the first and most important book to read to determine how to lead the church. Jesus created the church and it is only through him that it will succeed.
Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock') and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. Matthew 16:18
Draw the Circle: The 40-Day Prayer Challenge
I have had Draw the Circle by Mark Batterson in my collection for over ten years. I've read it more times than I remember, inspiring me to pray and trust more boldly every time. Through true stories of answered prayers, Batterson reminds us that God is available and faithful to his people.
This book always convicts me to strengthen and lengthen my prayer time. The author talks about a staff meeting when he prayed, "Lord, surprise us!" This simple request of God has become a prayer mantra for his staff and church. He writes, "God has surprised me so many times that I'm no longer surprised by his surprises." (pg. 97) He says he can predict with absolute certainty that the more you pray, the more you will experience holy surprises.
While reading this devotional, I experienced my first healing from prayer. On day five, Batterson encourages his readers to journal while praying. I wanted to do that, but I had such pain in my hands when I wrote that I had to stop every few words. Right then and there, I told God I wanted to journal but couldn't because of the pain. After praying, I continued journaling, and before I knew it, I had written over a page of notes. The pain in my hand is still minimal when I write. God answered my prayer in an extraordinary, faith-inspiring way.
I don't know how God will touch you as you read this devotional, but I know he will.
Taking Your Church to the Next Level: What Got You Here Won't Get You There
I recommend reading Taking Your Church to the Next Level by Gary L. McIntosh before you read any other books I recommend. The author does an excellent job of describing the various life cycles of all churches, which can help you determine where in the cycle of life your congregation currently resides. Once you identify your church's life cycle, the author offers suggestions to take you to the next level.
McIntosh points out three aspects of all church ministry, "First, local churches experience a predictable life cycle of growth and decline...Second, the size of the church impacts its health and vitality. Larger churches are not just bigger versions of smaller ones but entirely different types of organisms...Third, what got your church to where it is will not get it to where you want it to be." (pg. 11)
McIntosh's two most essential points are that "Doctrinally sound, praying churches tend to grow better than those that are not " and that the congregation must know and embrace the church's vision and mission. Focusing on the church's vision and mission allows the congregation to determine the ministries that will keep the church healthy and growing.
The Church in Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based Ministry
The Church in Many Houses: Reaching Your Community Through Cell-Based Ministry by Steve Cordle describes his experience with cell-based ministry. The cell-based church is reminiscent of the early church in Acts, where discipleship and fellowship happened in small groups that developed as the church grew to thousands of members. In the book, Cordle identifies five pivotal philosophical shifts necessary for the cell approach to work. They are from programs to relationships, from member to disciple-maker, from educating to equipping, from "come and see" to "go and show," and from church with cells to church is cell.
Steve has been successful in this approach. He founded Crossroads United Methodist Church, now Crossroads Global Methodist Church, which boasts three sites, over 1800 attendees, and 120 cell groups. The cell groups are designed to multiply, with new leaders who start new cell groups with unbelievers and other community members.
Hear it, See it, Risk it: How Faith Grows
Steve Cordle also authored Hear it, See it, Risk it: How Faith Grows, which discusses the importance of faith. Living by faith is scary because it requires us to let go of the control of our lives by handing them over to God. Cordle identifies the process, which he draws from Hebrews 11, to produce a life-giving faith in us.
The book's three parts cover how faith can grow, how to defend it, and how to live it. Discussion questions are included, making this book an excellent read for small groups. Cordle reminds us, "The book of Hebrews tells us that faith in God means to have confidence in God even when we cannot see him..." and "We show faith when we respond obediently to what God tells us." (pg. 11)
Our faith grows when we act in response to God's promises. The author points out that, as John Wimber once said, "...faith is spelled R. I. S. K. We have to take a chance as we step out in faith because "there is no such thing as a 'sure-fire' step of faith. I highly recommend this book to take your faith to the next step.
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