These are my top read books of 2010. Note that not all of these books were published in 2010, but I came across them and were my favorites of the year.
Jesus Manifesto by Leonard Sweet & Frank Viola
This is my book of the year. In the midst of all the conversation in our current context, it is so easy to lose sight of the ultimate goal for which we are created. It is not about movements or church planting (although both are EXTREMELY important), but at the end of the day it is all about Jesus! And this book brings that focus back in an amazing way. This was one of those books where I literally wanted to continue to highlight as there are amazing topics and statements made throughout. The authors have an amazing way of saying something in an artful way that captivates the reader. As they point us back to Jesus, they continually bring up practical lessons well fitting for our context, but the focus on on Who Jesus IS and What he is Doing through us. I will highly recommend this book to anyone, whether newly believing in Jesus or someone who has walked with Him their whole life. There will be new insights for all on the supremacy and beauty of Jesus. This book is all about Jesus, and it makes you want to draw closer to Him. Utterly Amazing!
The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller
Author Timothy Keller does an amazing job breaking down the fullness of the Gospel and how is teaches that not only to sinners need to repent of their sin, but religious people need to repent of their religion. Based of the Parable of the Two Lost Sons in Luke 15, Keller draws out the intentions of the reader to show that many (myself included) are just as lost at times then those that are far from God because we don't seek God with the intention of getting Him but getting his stuff. I did a series on this book for my youth and this was one of those series that truly changed me. A must read!
Total Church by Steve Timmis & Tim Chester
This was my paradigm shift book of the year. The authors take a practical look at all area of church life (ranging from Evangelism to Pastoral Care) and argues very well that all of them need to be focused on the Gospel and Community. To take one of these out of the equation is to miss the whole. This book truly played an impact in shiny the vision God is placing in my heart and I am grateful for this work!
Exponential by Dave & Jon Ferguson
This is my church leadership practice book of the year. Not only are the insights of the book great, it is extremely practical. It not only shows you the meat, it tells you how to cook and eat it. The leadership pipeline in the book is AWESOME and will truly help raise up future leaders. I love that they are not just helping to build a church, but launch a movement that is way beyond you. A GREAT read!
Movements that Change the World by Steve Addison
Author Steve Addison does a remarkable job looking at church history and noting common threads through each (White Hot Faith, Commitment to a Cause, Contagious Relationships, Rapid Mobilization, and Adaptive Methods). It is great for students of history but more importantly for those (like myself) who are interested in launching a movement of the Gospel.
Honorable Mentions
Church 3.0 by Neil Cole
Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick
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