Books I'm Reading

Reading. If you ask most people, reading is not on their priority list. Why? Because it takes a conscious effort to focus. We live in a distracted culture. I did not start out as an avid bookworm but over time I realize there is so much to learn and so little time! Outside of my time reading God's Word, I enjoy reading books on leadership, ministry, sports and spiritual growth. Now that I'm done with seminary, it is easy to become lazy and stop challenging myself to grow. My goal is to read one book at least per month.

"Ten years from now you will be the same person you are today, except for the places you go, the people you meet, and the books you read – Jay Strack, Student Leadership University

1.Come Thirsty by Max Lucado. (I am almost done with this book. Max Lucado is an encouraging writer that creatively expounds on God's Word. I would encourage you to read it!)

2. Jesus + Nothing = Everything by Tullian Tchividjian (I just started reading this book. My brother gave it to me for Christmas. I'm already challenged to understand that adding to the gospel is dangerous because it replaces truth with moralism. I'd encourage you to read this one!)

3. Tim Tebow: Through My Eyes (I'm almost done with the book. It is a great personal look at Tim's life and his dedication to God. I'm a Tebow fan (but a Seminole fan at heart!) and I'm thankful that he stands for the gospel despite all of the haters out there. It is a great inspirational book).

4. Dying to Live by Clayton King (I just purchased this book and am looking forward to reading it soon! Clayton is one of the leaders I look up to in my life. I'm grateful for his desire to be real and unashamedly preach the gospel).

5. God and Football by Chad Gibbs (My friend John let me borrow this book and I look forward to reading it).

6. The Hole in Our Gospel (I bought this book at Orange conference and have not read it yet. I know already it will challenge my understanding of revealing the gospel into a lost and broken world).

7. Quitter by Jon Acuff (It is on my "want" list. Dr. Reid told me this book is a must-read so I look forward to buying it soon!)

8. Rescuing Ambition by Dave Harvey (It is on my "want" list. Dr. Reid also endorsed this book as a must-read).

I'm still working on 9 and 10. Do you have any books to add? What are you reading? I'd like to know!

(p.s. I'm in the process of coming up with an outline for my first book or devotional...I'd appreciate any feedback on this endeavor).

Goals for the New Year

It is that time of the year. I thought I'd share my personal and ministry goals!

Personal goals:

• Workout at least 2-3 times per week in the gym - I want to put on more muscle and start getting in shape like I was in college.
• Talk less and Listen More. I want to hear more from God this new year. Abiding in a close walk with my heavenly Father is crucial and I need to rely on His strength and not upon my own.
• Spend quality time with God in the morning through prayer, scripture reading and journaling. I've signed up for a reading plan on the ESV Bible website.
• Spend quality time with Cassidy - make it a priority to go on dates, have devotions time together and pray with each other.
• I plan to  finish my Master's degree in Christian Leadership by this summer from Liberty Theological Seminary. I'll be taking four classes this spring and a few in the summer. It will be busy, but I plan to finish well.
• We hope to find a great deal on a home and become homeowners. Please pray for us to make a wise choice.
• I am praying for new opportunities to speak to students at events, D-NOWS, or camps.

Ministry Goals:

• Build Leaders - Encouraging and equipping students to carry out the ministry through training and allowing them to lead. Building ownership! We have a team of students set up called the CORE team and my prayer is that they lead many of their friends to Christ. Equipping parents to continue spiritual leadership in the home is VITAL and must be priority. We will have “Parent-Life” events every quarter (January, April, September). When the family puts Christ at the core, we will see more students become fully devoted followers of Christ.

• Build Community - Students become ministers, not just spectators. Students including and encouraging other students to belong! I pray that students find REFUGE when they come and find true and meaningful relationships with adults and students.

• Build a heart for the un-churched - The phrase we will use is, "Move from a youth group to a youth ministry.” I'm kicking off the new year with a series focused upon helping students learn to have the courage to lead their friends to Christ. Lead students to “Invest and invite – and share their “story” of Christ changing their life. I pray that students do not just COME to church, but are BEING the church.

What about you? Have you thought about your goals for the new year?