Book Dump 2024 Edition from Steve Baney, PhD

The First 100 Days by T. Scott Daniels (paidlink). Dr. Daniels is a distinguished leader within the Church of the Nazarene, currently serving as the 44th General Superintendent. I've read this text more than once and recommend it for anyone starting into a new pastoral role (including a long-time pastor in a new location). It's full of good reminders and recommendations.

Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley (paidlink). In this short, little book, Pastor Andy Stanley steps you through casting vision to your organization or church in a way that increases clarity and buy-in. A great, short read. If you've read Visioneering, don't bother with this shorter version. You won't learn anything new.

Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive by Patrick Lencioni (paidlink). One of several of Lencioni's books that uses a fable to teach lessons of leadership. But not his best. Maybe this is an awesome text for another reader. But it wasn't high up my list of recommendations. Instead, I'd head for The Five Dysfunctions of a Team or Death by Meeting.

The Master's Plan for Making Disciples by Win Arn and Charles Arn (paidlink). Every Christian an effective witness through an enabling Church. Arn and Arn make an excellent case showing the clear command from God to make disciples. Then they lay out a practical plan, step-by-step, for obeying that command. Fair warning: this is an old book. If you get an edition that includes pictures, the hair styles are... fun.

Christians in the Age of Outrage by Ed Stetzer (paidlink). How to bring our best when the world is at its worst. Many people claim to be Christians but look nothing like Christ. Stetzer addresses reasons why American culture has grown increasingly divided over the recent years (this is not a political text). Then he gives practical advice for how to better represent Jesus in the face of heated conflict.

Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and Preston Sprinkle (paidlink). What God said about eternity, and the things we've made up. The things we believe about hell, right or wrong, impact how we live today. It can be difficult to sort out the differences (and contradictions) between things people say about hell versus things God has said about hell. Let Chan and Sprinkle do the hard work for you. I appreciate the way the book takes a humble approach, pointing toward evidence but not jumping to hard conclusions or shoving them in your face. It was written in response to Rob Bell's heretical text Love Wins. Even without reading Bell's book, you'll benefit from reading this one.

Trauma-Aware Self-Defense Instruction by A.R. Banks (paidlink). How instructors can help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of self-defense training for survivors of violence and trauma. Most people have faced trauma in one form or another. I chose to read this text in order to become a better communicator and instructor, hoping to increase my sensitivity toward others. While the book focuses on teaching self-defense, the principles of consideration apply to teachers of any subject.

The Complete Tao Te Ching with the Four Canons of the Yellow Emperor by Jean Levi (paidlink). Taoism, also spelled Daoism, is an ancient Chinese religion (not in alignment with Christianity) that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao (or Dao), which is often translated as "the Way." The Tao is considered the ultimate principle underlying the universe, a force that guides the natural order of life and existence. Not recommended for the young-in-faith. Like other texts from various religions, I chose to read this philosophical work in order to understand various religious perspectives of those who need Jesus, and thereby become a better disciple-maker.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker (paidlink). Survival signals that protect us from violence. This grim book includes many chilling examples of people who have faced violence, with various outcomes, and explores various ways to shift your mindset and move toward safer living. He has a firm that handles security for many of the leading figures in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. The examples are true to life and applicable, but not always easy to read. This is not a kid-friendly book. He'll teach you to learn to listen to your creep vibe.

More Amazing Books by Steve Baney. Though I didn't publish any new books in 2024, I still recommend you buy and read all the books in this online bookstore. You'll find books about Christian living, disciple-making, gratitude, leadership, and some for the young-at-heart.

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BOOK DUMP - 2024 Edition