Ever struggle with the concept of whether to work a regular job or go into " full time" ministry? This book is for you. John Beckett is a man who faced the same struggle. John is the successful CEO of R.W. Beckett Corporation. He is a man of God, a prayer warrior and a personal friend of mine. I personally worked for one of his companies, Beckett Gas, for 7 yrs as a purchasing executive. You will be blessed by his matter of fact presentation and down to earth approach to this much debated topic. I have given many of these books away to people in business.

     How does business management fit into the local church? Is strategic planning unspiritual? This book deals with these issues in a very practical way. Bob Biehl, lays out a step by step plan for non-profit (specifically church) organizations to "plan their work and work their plan." Great for senior pastors and board members.

     I have studied leadership for over 20yrs. This is one of the best books on the subject I have read. I have taught a class, based on this book, many times to varied groups. It has always  blessed the hearers. Even if you don't see yourself in leadership, this book will bless you as you learn ways to deal with situations and people not for success, but for the glory of God and significance.

     Leaders need to duplicate themselves or at least pass on the many things they have learned to those around them. This book deals with the issue of how to find and be a mentor. Leadership is critical to any organization and this book is a help to make a difference not only in your life, but in the lives of others God will bring your way. Excellent "how to" instructions!

     This is a great devotional Bible which has a different study for every week on leadership principles from God's word. It is the New International Version and is very easy to read and study. I use it along with other devotional materials to enhance my daily growth in the Word of God.

    Without leaving a short commentary on each of the books above, suffice it to say that you should just get these and read them! Barna's books are always good from somewhat of a "pollster's" perspective. Hybels' book on "The Volunteer Revolution" would make an excellent preaching series on getting the congregation involved in ministry. Pitino's book will just inspire you to inspire your team to reach your God given vision. Andy Stanley's "Next Generation Leader" is very good for a road map to helping your next generation of leaders. If you're like me, you will find many things that need improving in the leadership area. I find that I am in constant need of "fine tuning" and sometimes I just find myself totally out of tune! Thank God for those men and women He has chosen to help keep me sharp, on track and on task.

     The "Doctor", as he is known, is "in the office" in this classic work on the subject of revival. Your heart will be stirred as you are challenged to seek the "Reviver" and not just "revival." I read this book many years ago and still count it as one of the most important ones in my "revival" library. A "must" if your heart cries out for a move of God's presence in our day.

     This books deals with the current moving of God's Spirit in our midst as it relates to the flowing of a river. In many circles, this current moving of God's Spirit is being called, "The River."  Dutch, in his witty way of saying things looks at the multitude of scriptures relating to a river. He also chronicles his own journey into "The River" as it relates to the way he saw things. The old wineskins need to be renewed to receive the new wine. This is good balanced reading.

     Frank Damazio has studied the subject of revival for many years. It is evident in this writing. This is probably the most balanced writing I have found on the subject of Revival. I am sure that there are others, but, again,  this is the most balanced approach I have read to date. This would be an excellent book to give to your entire ministerial staff.

     This book will "mess you up!" Tommy Tenney deals with the difference of knowing about God and revival and actually experiencing God and revival. He says, "We chase God until He catches us." Tommy & I come from the same denominational background. He has also ministered @ NLC on more than one ocassion. This book has the potential to drive you not only to your knees, but to your face. If you are hungry for more of Him ... read on!

     As pastor of the Brooklyn Tabercacle for 25yrs, Jim Cymbala has "been there, done that, bought the T-shirt and came back." Pastor Cymbala hits upon the most important ingredient not simply of a move of God's presence, but our walk with God itself ...PRAYER! Without prayer, we're just going through the motions. Without the preaching of the Word, we're just "talking." This is another one of those books which hits you square in the heart.

As we are in the process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for others, we find that the Holy Sprit, most effectively works on our personality since that is who we really are. This book deals with spiritual formation and how it takes place in our lives as God points His finger at parts of us that are not like Him. Robert Mulholland Jr. looks at our personality from the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator and compares it to the areas in our lives in which we need to mature. Excellent!!

Jeff Harkin takes you on a journey from grace to legalism and back to grace again which is the journey most of us take. Jeff chronicles his struggle with the "flesh" and how to overcome it, not kill it. It will never be killed, only crucified daily. This could very well become a classic on the subject of grace.

So, you thought you knew who the Pharisees were, did you? Read this book and gain a better understanding of who the Pharisees were and why they did what they did. You'll also see why we do some of the same things. The "stage setting" story in Chapter 1 will hit you square in the heart! "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!"

I almost hesitate to put this book in this category, however, I guess it really relates to spiritual development. I preached a sermon which I received much inspiration from this book. If we not only knew we were called, but what our call was and also the value of that call, we would all re-prioritize our lives. The body of Jesus Christ needs to answer the call today and be the church that He died for!

This is a great devotional with 365 readings in today's language. As I have read the Apostle Paul's journey from Judaism to Christianity and Martin Luther's journey from works to faith, I am amazed at the similarities between these two men. Neither man preached a "crossless" Christianity but both were accused of "easy believism" or antinomianism. This has good bite sized chunks of reading of the balance between works and faith.

David M. Wasmundt, former pastor of New Life Church (then Life Tabernacle) in these two books, first of all takes a look at legalism and its destructive effects on Christians. He discusses outward holiness standards and their abuses. In Pendulum Extremes, Wasmundt issues a call for balance instead of swinging to one extreme or the other. He basically states that while declaring our freedom in Christ from legalism, we must not allow ourselves to have a "cavalier" attitude toward righteousness or holy living. Good reading for those who have struggled with these issues. 

Peter Wagner, in his scholarly way of looking at things, examines the phenomenon of the "new" type of emerging church in our day. In truth, it is not a "new" type at all, but an emerging of the old. He lists what the common characteristics are of these churches, describes their leadership, structure etc. You may find that you are already doing things that have helped other churches reach the lost with greater effectiveness.

I don't know how many copies Rick Warren has sold, but this book has been on the best seller list for quite a while. You may not take everything Rick does and implement it into your church, but there are enough good things here that everyone will glean something helpful. I have used many of the things in this book and will continue to adapt them along with others as the years unfold and we reap the harvest!

At NLC, we do cells! If you're looking for the "WHY & HOW" to do cells, then the below books are a great place to start.

Bill Beckham gives a good historical background as to the changes in church structure over the centuries and how they have come to shape the way we do church today. He compares the "traditional" church of the 20th century with the church in the first 3 centuries and makes a compelling case for why the church of today is not making more of an impact on our communities. Many, many copies of "Where do we go From Here" in print. Ralph Neighbor has a wealth of personal experience when it comes to cell churches both "across the pond" and here in America. This is a good beginning place if you are thinking about how cells may work in your church situation. There is much "how to" in this book. Joel Comiskey's books are an excellent look from someone who has interviewed hundreds of cell leaders and studied many cell churches. Lawrence Khong's book is another view from a former Southern Baptist who received the baptism of the Holy Spirit and now leads an 8,000 member cell church in Singapore. I had the privilege of attending a class taught by him. Larry Stockstill's "The Cell Church" is another great read. I have visited his church in Baker. LA and also his cell groups in action. This was Ted Haggard's church before he moved to Colorado Springs. I don't believe that there is "ONE" way to structure a cell church. However, it is incumbent upon us as leaders to be well versed in the varied structures and styles. We must use what works for us. As far as I am personally concerned, I don't think that there is a better way to cultivate relationships and growth in the local church than cell groups.