Bill Berger.org

The Courageous Follower

Our staff is reading the book, The Courageous Follower by Ira Chaleff. Wow. It is really good and very direct. I am reading chapter 2 on the courage to assume responsibility.  It's all about assuming responsibility for ourselves. Learning how to assess our own performance without waiting for someone else to tell us.  I love that. As a leader (and a follower) I want to be ahead of the curve and be the one knowing my growth areas before someone has to tell me. However, the value of accountability and a desire to be humble are essentials to assuming responsibility.

More to come...

Summer Reading List

Can't wait to post this on our church website every Spring, but until we get it revamped here is a short list of some suggested reading for the summer.  Of course, there will be some reads that are a bit academic but nothing too difficult. I will also list some beach reads.

Church History
Michael Mittion: The Soul of Celtic Spirituality, in the lives of its Saints. A history of how the Irish understood and lived community.

Mark Noll, Turning Points: Decisive Moments in the History of Christianity. This book was recommended to me by a mentor that I respect highly. This is a short, easy to read book that discusses the 10 major turning points in Christian history.

On Jesus
N.T. Wright: The Challenge of Jesus. There will be some academic areas, but overall a great understanding of who Jesus is. It will help ask more questions.

The Cross
John R. Stott: The Cross of Christ. One of my very favorites, I appreciate the insight Stott has and he helps give perspective on how epic the cross is to Christ followers.

General
Anything by C.S. Lewis: If you only are going to read one, read Mere Christianity.

Culture
David Kinneman, Gabe Lyons: UnChristian, What a new generation really thinks about Christianity and Why it matters. Haven't read it all, but is good so far.

Leadership
Ira Chaloff: The Courage to Follow. Haven't read it yet but it was highly recommended to me by a mentor. The Staff at All Saints is going to read this together over the summer.

Beach Books
Anything by John Grisham: for me The Rainmaker is my all time favorite. The Brethren is good too.

Francine Rivers: Redeeming Love. It's not just for ladies, dudes must read this. I did and it was fantastic.

John Kennedy Toole: A Confederacy of Dunces. I loved this book, the writing is witty and fun.

Rick Atkins: An Army at Dawn. Part 1 of a WW II history. Atkins is a great writer and tells the story of the battle in North Africa like you are hearing it from a reporter who was there.

Interested in leading a discussion group while reading one of these books? Let the team at All Saints know, we will be glad to help you set that up.

Hand Crafted Doughnuts

I did some study time at Top Pot Doughnuts yesterday, I visited the store in Wedgewood.  Great green tea and I snuck in a raspberry glazed old fashion...oops.

Powells book run

I made my semi-annual run to Powell's book store in Portland today. What a beautiful day to drive the 170+ miles south on I-5. I picked up some great books.  I usually buy books for upcoming message series that I am working on and some books that I have on my "gotta have" list.

On the way down, I stopped in Lacey for a coaching session with a very wise gentleman.  Ron Kuest is teaching me the ropes of servant leadership, I am in for a real treat these next few months. I am grateful to have this kind of teaching/coaching from a very capable and talented man. 

I have so much to learn about leading and serving.  I am part of a great church and its my honor to ratchet up my skills to serve in the best way possible.  It is my conviction that All Saints, and ultimately Seattle, deserve that.

What I am reading...

The Forgotten Ways - Alan Hirsch

A High View of Scripture - Craig Allert

The Conservative Soul - Andrew Sullivan