Leaders are Readers (but it doesn't have to hurt). A.I.M.'s 6th shot.

In a recent episode of The Office, Michael Scott mentions a book he's writing on business entitled; "Somehow I Manage".  Not only did this make me laugh out loud, (I can relate), it started me thinking about the good books I've read on leadership.  Don't worry, it's not a long list, (which can be interpreted a few different ways, I suppose).

There is no shortage of books on this subject.  The shelves of Borders and Barnes & Noble are filled with them.  Books on Christian leadership aren't hard to find either.  So, if you're looking for books like; "10 Leadership Hints to Help You Wipe Everyone Else Out", or "Of Course God Made Turkeys, but Jesus Loves Eagle-Leaders More", you won't be disappointed (until you read them).  Let's face it, while there is a lot of good stuff out there, books on leadership aren't generally known for their entertainment value.  But reading on leading doesn't have to be so boring - you're snoring.  Here are three leadership books by Max DePREE that I highly recommend;

          

But maybe the idea of reading a book on leadership doesn't appeal to you.  What then?  Here are three books in which the leadership lessons sneak up on you unassumingly.  Instead of a list of leadership techniques, these books tell the tales of real-life leaders whose accomplishments were much bigger than anyone would've thought possible, (except the One who led them). 

   It is President's Day after all.  This is a great read.  Once, at Seattle Pacific University, I heard David McCullough speak passionately for 2 hours straight about the events described in this book. What a night!  You say you want a REVOLUTION?  These leadership lessons from George Washington will help you win on whatever battlefield you may find yourself.  Happy Birthday, George.

Forget what you thought you knew of Lewis & Clarke & Sakagawea and their heroic journey of discovery (unless, of course, you know way more than I did before I read this great book by Stephen Ambrose).  This book could be a sort of field guide for any missional group that is more concerned with expansion than mere survival.  WARNING: After reading this book, you may not be satisfied with sitting still.  You may develop an urge to forge new trails, no matter the cost. 

   Hey, it's still President's Day.  One of the GEICO Ins. commercials currently running on T.V. involves Abraham Lincoln deciding whether or not to be totally honest with his First Lady.  That has nothing to do with leadership or this GREAT book on Lincoln by the ever-awesome Doris Kearns Goodwin.  That commercial just makes me laugh.  BUY THIS BOOK!  Don't let the 754 pages scare you away.  Think of its thickness as getting more for your money - like extra innings at a ballgame.  Jesus commands us to love our enemies.  Most of us agree in principle, it's the living it out that we find difficult.  Because he knew who he was, and had a clear vision of his purpose in this world, Abraham Lincoln invited those who disliked him the most into his Presidential Cabinet.  This man was truly amazing.  Happy Birthday, Abe!

Happy reading & Holy leading!

-rob