Recommended Readings
I believe strongly that the most important thing any of us can do when we are seeking to hear from God is read the scriptures directly. That being said, I am very thankful for others who have challenged me through their writings to read the scriptures with fresh eyes. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in the “church plant” to read the following books, as God has used them greatly in my life to better understand what “C/church” is all about. (click on title to purchase. Many links will allow you to read first 30 pages or so)
1. Finding Organic Church, By Frank Viola – I’ve actually just started reading this book, so perhaps we can read it together and discuss? This book is in many ways the last book in a serious of books on Organic Church by Viola.
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2. Church 3.0, By Neil Cole – This is Neil’s follow up book to “Organic Church.” Covers some of the highlights of Organic Church but dives into some of the more practical aspects of how Organic Church is implemented
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3. Revolution, By George Barna – a short book largely focusing on the research behind “church” in America and the trend toward Christians leaving the church in search of something more like what we read about in the previously two mentioned books.
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4. Church Planting Movements, By David Garrison- I first read this book in a seminary class several years ago. It was the first book I read that opened my eyes to a different way of doing church (and the reason for doing it differently!). The books takes a look at the rapid expansion of churches across the world and identifies some common characteristics of these “movements” of God.
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6. No More Spectators, By Mark Nysewander – Mark is a “cell church” pastor from Georgia. He gave me a copy when he came to our church several months ago. This book highlights principles for “disciple makers,” which I believe that God desires us all to be. I think this short book does a super job of painting the picture of the DNA I pray is at the foundation of the new church plant–A DNA of disciplemaking and not “spectating.”
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7. Roaring Lambs, by Bob Briner – I read this book many moons ago and it has greatly impacted my view of “missions” and the need for us to truly believe in the “priesthood of all believers.” I pray that our new church would be filled with “roaring lambs!”
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8. So You Don’t Want To Go To Church Anymore? by Jake Colsen. This is a book that challenges our understanding of “church” in much the same way The Shack challenges our understanding of God and The Trinity. It’s fiction, but with a clear message. It’s a very easy to read, thought provoking, and entertaining. UPDATE! DOWNLOAD THIS BOOK FOR FREE HERE!!!!
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9. The Master Plan For Evangelism, by Robert Coleman. A book about evangelism & discipleship (not sure why we separate the two these days?), Coleman takes a look at the “Masters’ Plan” for reaching the world with the Gospel. While not written about “simple church,” this book, in my opinion, exceptionally highlights why we would pursue church life within such context.
