I love to know what friends and peers are reading. I’m always on the lookout for great books to stretch my theology, skills, and leadership ability.

I’ve already made my reading list for 2015.

Here are the books I loved the most from 2014. Note these are my favorites… I’ll spare you the full list!

1. The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business

This is a must read for any organizational leader. In fact, just read anything Patrick Lencioni writes.

2. Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

I LOVED this book. Loved, loved, LOVED it!

3. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business

The conversation around habit loops and understand keystone habits is worth the read.

4. Contagious: Why Things Catch On

Why do some things catch on and other not? This book explores the rational behind going viral. Very interesting stuff.

5. Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend

I will read this book every year as a refresher and reminder. It is the foundation of everything we are as a church.

6. God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Relationships

Regardless of what you believe about homosexuality, you need to appreciate both sides and understand all points of view.

7. Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays-vs.-Christians Debate

Ditto…

8. Pastrix: The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint

This is a fun, irreverent take on church from the perspective of a gritty pastor.

9. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World

Bob Goff. Enough said.

10. How Will You Measure Your Life

Some good take aways for me, especially around embracing emerging strategies in life and career.

11. A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring

John Wooden is super interesting as a leader.

12. Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn’t Good Enough

I try to read at least one marriage book a year. This was helpful personally and professional.

13. Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too

Ed Stetzer’s research and stories of churches who turned around their culture to find success.

14. Decision Points

Long, but fascinating. The humility of President Bush is laced throughout this text.

15. How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World’s Most Inspiring Presentations

I read this to help me as a communicator/preacher.

16. More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity

Jeff Shinabarger is a super interesting fellow. This book was equally intriguing.

17. Steve Jobs

There is much to learn from the way Apple and Steve interacted. Things to replicate, and things to never, ever do, too.