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The Best Books of 2018

Blood Done Sign My Name: A True Story, Timothy Tyson

Jason Douglas, Executive Pastor, Weekend Ministries

This true story, told by a white man who grew up as the son of a Methodist preacher in Oxford, North Carolina, takes place during the civil rights movement. In it, Tyson recounts the murder of a young African American in his town and the ensuing events, community response and racial tensions. It was sobering to read that, in many ways, this story is being repeated in current events today. There truly is “nothing new under the sun.” Also, personally, knowing that all of this took place about 40 minutes down the road made it even that more impactful for me.

The Power of MomentsChip and Dan Heath

Danny Franks, Connections Pastor

The Power of Moments is another instant hit from the Heath brothers. Using the same in-depth research and intriguing applications that made Switch and Made to Stick best sellers, TPOM helps us understand that designing great experiences is “mostly forgettable and occasionally remarkable.” Whether you’re a public speaker or a parent, a CEO or a sixth-grade teacher, you will be hooked with “We should do this!” ideas from page one.

The Disciple-Making Parent: A Comprehensive Guidebook for Raising Your Children to Love and Follow Jesus Christ, Chap Bettis

Jason Gaston, Family Ministries Pastor

I cannot recommend this book enough to parents. Bettis sets the entire book out of the Great Commission, charging parents that their “North Star” in parenting is the same for all disciples as laid out in Matthew 28—to make disciples. Bettis does something that is very difficult to do in most parenting books: He lays out a deeply theological foundation for parenting and several incredibly insightful and practical chapters on tools for parents in the trenches. It’s a must-have for your bookshelf in 2018.

Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times, Soong-Chan Rah

Chris Green, Men’s Discipleship Pastor

This book is critical because it speaks into how lament impacts our discipleship. You can’t be in a healthy relationship with someone if you are not willing to deal with the reality of their suffering. Also, lament produces dependency on God, his mercy, his strength and his ability in our times of need. God responds to to us in our suffering and lament is how we communicate it.

Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do, Paul David Tripp

Amy Kavanaugh, Communications Team Project Manager

Awe revealed to me, even if I would never consciously say otherwise, that my view of God really does shape everything I think, say and do. When I encounter any problem in my spiritual life, I can almost always trace a line back to my lack of awe for who God is. I am hard-wired to worship something, yet I often am wrought by sin—amazed by myself or things of this world. Only if I am truly in awe of God’s majesty, sovereignty and graciousness will I be able to worship in spirit and truth, becoming more like him.

The Four Disciplines of Execution, Franklin Covey

Dana Leach, National Media and Resources Manager

Covey’s book is written for business executives, but the principles can be applied to individuals, families and the everyday worker. Most books like this only teach strategy. But strategy without execution is useless. For people (like me) who often lack focus, The Four Disciplines of Execution helps make strategic priorities a reality in the midst of a daily whirlwind.