Just thought I'd share a little bit about my reading strategy. I almost always have several books going at the same time. My focus right now is parenting books, scientific books, and biographies. But I also mix in a wide variety of genres. I used to read far more leadership books and business books, but I've dialed those down a little.
I read very different books for very different reasons. Some of them are for sermon prep or writing research. One of the reasons why I believe in planning out your sermon series is so that you can read strategically. The parenting books keep me proactive as a parent. And the biographies help me put my own life in focus.
For what it's worth, I'm on pace to read about 100 books this year. I used to read twice as many books, but writing cuts into my reading. I'm not sure it's the quantity that matters. Less is more if you're reading quality books. The key is reading things that make your synapses fire in new ways.
I've got a great juxtaposition going this week. I'm reading two biographies. One of them is A Passion for God about one of my favorite authors, A.W. Tozer. The other one is Walt Disney. I'm inspired by his imagination. And I think our trip to Disney World this summer will be more meaningful having read about the man who created it.
I read very different books for very different reasons. Some of them are for sermon prep or writing research. One of the reasons why I believe in planning out your sermon series is so that you can read strategically. The parenting books keep me proactive as a parent. And the biographies help me put my own life in focus.
For what it's worth, I'm on pace to read about 100 books this year. I used to read twice as many books, but writing cuts into my reading. I'm not sure it's the quantity that matters. Less is more if you're reading quality books. The key is reading things that make your synapses fire in new ways.
I've got a great juxtaposition going this week. I'm reading two biographies. One of them is A Passion for God about one of my favorite authors, A.W. Tozer. The other one is Walt Disney. I'm inspired by his imagination. And I think our trip to Disney World this summer will be more meaningful having read about the man who created it.
15 Comments:
I can identify! In fact, I not only devise a preaching plan every year, but a reading plan as well...for some of the reasons you cite, among others.
Here's a direct link to an article I wrote for Poets & Writers about my reading plan (it['s on my website, www.bobhostetler.com):
http://web.me.com/bobhoss/Bob_Hostetler/The_Intentional_Reader.html
I do not know anyone who reads just one book at a time! :D
Thankfully, God usually brings all the books together to speak a word to me (even when it seems the books have absolutely nothing in common)! I love it when God does things like that!
I'm nearly falling down. 100 books a year?!
I know it is a discipline, but wow. Like you said, it is up to the person. I'm not sure if I could benefit from reading that much. I would be willing to take lessons though!
I enjoy these thoughts on strategically reading. I'm curious to know what your top five strengths (strengthsfinder 2.0) are and if you use them in planning for ministry in general so as to operate in your strengths and not get burned out by the demands of leadership. Thoughts?
dude. i hit you up on twitter (@adamlehman) but when do you fit reading into your daily schedule? i'd love to get moving towards that discipline.
I can't tell you how much your books have ministered to me...
Walt Disney's story is amazing... When you go to DW, if you go to MGM you MUST see "The Life Of Walt Disney." Goes hand in hand with your book, "In the pit with a lion on a snowy day."
Also, if you want another good book to read before you go to DW,read the "Disney Way." It shows the little things that they do that set them apart from the rest. We have used so much information from it for hospitality at our church.
You inspire me. Keep on keeping on!
could you let us know how many you read at different stages in your ministry? Like how much did you read when NCC first started?
thanks!
I'm with you, I can't imagine reading only one book at a time. I'm re-reading Inside the Magic Kingdom, great evangelism model.
Picked it up to re-read because wehn writing a recent blog post, it reminded me of what a great book it was...
Mark....could you maybe do a post (maybe already have?) on how you read 100 books a year? I can't imagine finishing that many books a year. I'm good with maybe a couple dozen!
Do you speed read? How do you digest a book so fast?
I struggle finding the time to read. So, when do you read?
idea for a future blog: a day in the life of mark batterson. you could detail you typical work day for us by the hour. it would be great to see how superman does it! :) love your stuff by the way. very challenging.
I too am reading 4-5 different books at once. Currently books on group thinking and collaboration, education, project management, and Os Guinness.
I wonder if people have a reading strategy for blogs? I have several different genres and fields from which I follow (church, tech, creativity, innovation, education, social, marketing)
thought I'd try to field a few of those questions...
first of all, put a book in your bathroom and you can read a book a month :)
I have focus days that allow me to read chunks at a time. I love airplane rides because I can get uninterrupted time.
I try to squeeze some reading into my AM to get my mental RPMs going.
Finally, prioritize books over TV...
My two cents,
Mark
I was at Disney in January... my wife set up a Lunch with an Imagineer for me... it was great... He was the lead imagineer for Hollywood Studio (MGM Studios) The food was great but the conversation was even better... it was 6 of us with the Imagineer... hope you have a great time in Disney!
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