Top 10 List: Best Books of 2010

Read lots of books this year. Some good. Some bad. Some life-changing. Some painfully boring. Here’s my 2010 top 10:

10. Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty by Muhammad Yunis

Former MTSU prof, Nobel Laureate, Bengladeshi national hero – this guy really did change the world.

 

9. The Blessed Life by Robert Morris

I’m probably the last pastor on the planet to read this one, but better late than never.

 

8. Before I Am 30: Testimonies of a Life Transformed by World Missions by “Jack”

Only 47 pages, but one of the most inspiring stories I’ve ever read. “Jack” is a young leader in the Chinese church. I am honored to call him my friend.  ("Jack" was one of our featured speakers at EN2010 in Manila, but because of our security protocols we were not able to podcast his message.)

 

7.  The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo

A true story that reads like a hard-to-believe novel. A movie begging to happen. If you know anyone struggling with forgiveness issues, give them Becky’s book. Her message will crack open the hardest of hearts.  (Becky & her family are members of Bethel, Every Nation’s church in Nashville.)

 

6. Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church by Soong-Chan Rah

Anyone attempting to build a multi-ethnic church or do cross-cultural missions should read this one. Also recommended to all in a cross-cultural or multi-ethnic marriage as well as those who have adopted foreign children. Should be required reading in all mission schools. 

 

5. How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins

This small book scared me real bad. As far as I know Bro Jim is not a believer, but he sure has a prophetic message for pastors and ministry leaders – especially those who lead a growing church or ministry.

 

4. Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall & Denver Moore

Another true story that should be a movie. I read it straight through. Could not stop. Enough said. Buy it. Read it. Live it.

 

3. The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose

Randomly bought this one while looking for something else in Borders. Laughed, cringed and repented as I read an outsider’s undercover  experience inside the Evangelical world.  Every pastor and campus missionary should read this. I have bought and given away at least 20 copies.

 

2. The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

Painful, but necessary look at the gospel demands regarding our responsibility to the poor.  

 

1. Movements that Change the World by Steve Addison

My book of the year. Most reading this blog want to change the world. Here’s how.

 

What books did you read in 2010? What was the best?

Comments

[Mike Ohara]

#1: "The Prodigal God" by Tim Keller. Revamped my thinking of the Gospel and how I preach and minister.

Close second, The Accidental Missionary by S. Murrell

[Nath Ayo Aiyedogbon]

The Accidental Missionary by Steve Murrel. It changed my perspective on soul winning, discipleship and how to raise leaders especially in a new church. Your blog on the Wiki-Church also made a great impact on me. Thanks for making the gospel so simple. - Nath Ayo Aiyedogbon. Every Nation Abuja-Nigeria.