Book Recommendations - Reggie McNeal and Tim Keller

I finished Tim Keller's "The Reason for God: Belief in the Age of Skepticism" and cannot recommend it more highly to those who are living and ministering in more post-Christian contexts. Many folks will not feel comfortable with some of Keller's approaches but I must be honest, it's as important a book for this new era in America life as I've read.


But my big, big, big recommendation is Reggie McNeal's "Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders". Folks, run to buy this book. I read McNeal's 'The Present Future' three times now and it is a powerful, very challenging book. But this new book is just riveting.

It begins with quote. ' Deliberate mediocrity is a sin'! He moves to explain the difference between poor leaders and then good leaders. But McNeal is not content with just good leaders, he is looking for great leaders. And not just in church (although this is a very serious need). He is looking for great leaders in all areas of society. He acknowledges where the strength comes from (God, of course) but then outlines 7 disciplines that need to be intentionally cultivated in order be a great leaders.

Here's the 7 disciplines (and don't think that reading the list is enough... get this book)
1. The discipline of self-awareness—the single most important body of information a leader possesses
2. The discipline of self-management—handling difficult emotions, expectations, temptations, mental vibrancy, and physical well-being
3. The discipline of self-development—a life-long commitment to learning and growing and building on one's strengths
4. The discipline of mission—enjoying the permissions of maintaining the sense of God's purpose for your life and leadership
5. The discipline of decision-making—knowing the elements of good decisions and learning from failure
6. The discipline of belonging—the determination to nurture relationships and to live in community with others, including family, followers, mentors, and friends
7. The discipline of aloneness—the intentional practice of soul-making solitude and contemplation

I've been abundantly blessed by this book and wanted to pass the blessing along