Ben Corbitt, Pampa, TX – As much as I feel that it is very important that as leaders we are avid readers, I am equally adamant that we be cautious as to what and whom we read. It is very important that Oneness writers of our fellowships be accountable to good “solid” men and women of God to ensure the interpretation of the Holy script is accurately and “rightly” divided. Authors I find helpful for my ministry include Daniel Seagraves, David Bernard, Talmadge French, Nathaniel Wilson, Larry Booker, T.W. Barnes, Verbal Bean, J.N. Holmes, Nona Freeman, Joy Haney, J.T. Pugh, and Morton Bustard. In a different category, Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. and Fixing Broken Windows by George L. Kelling and Catherine M. Coles are incredible books. Staying in tune with our published magazines is important: Perspectives, Forward, The Pentecostal Herald, Texico Harvester, etc. Also, I highly recommend reading You Can Understand the Bible by Daniel Segraves.
Steve Waldron, Albany, GA – Reading helps us to understand the human condition, and allows us to glean the best from others. It is important for Apostolic leaders to be readers because it takes us beyond ourselves, giving us a perspective of where we are in this moment of time. When we read the correct things, it serves to calm the savage beast of negative emotions. Paul told Timothy to give attendance to reading, which means to do it on a regular basis. A few authors that have helped me in various ways for ministry are Warren Wiersbe, J. Vernon McGee, John Warwick Montgomery, C.S. Lewis, Malcolm Muggeridge, Francis Bacon, and G.K. Chesterton. John Bunyan, among other Puritans, and Josh McDowell have also benefitted me much in helping others and myself. A few books that have greatly impacted my ministry are The Pilgrim’s Progress by Bunyan, In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, Awake My Heart by J. Sidlow Baxter, and Today is Mine by Leroy Brownlow.
Zane Isaacson, White Hall, AR – You’ve heard it said, “Readers are leaders.” Apostolics who desire to be leaders in this hour must be teachable, hungry for wisdom and knowledge. We need to be willing to learn from those heroes of the faith who have gone before. As a pastor, I read from four categories at a time. For Bible study, I primarily read the Bible, David Bernard and Daniel Segraves. In leadership principles, I enjoy authors John Maxwell and Nathaniel Wilson. Emerson Eggerichs and Gary Chapman can be gleaned from on marriage and family. Finally, for personal growth and subjects that “stretch” my personal knowledge base, Glenn Clark is one of my favorites. As a young minister, A Tale of Three Kings impacted me greatly and has continued to be instrumental in my quest for a “clean heart and right spirit.”
Rick Perry, New Haven, CT – Leaders who stop reading, stop leading. When you read, you ingest thousands of hours of research and the different points of view received from literature helps in understanding those you lead, as well as how to lead. First, you must get into the Word of God. This may seem cliché, but most importantly Apostolic ministers need the Word and prayer. Authors I enjoy are ?? Jim Kouzes, ?? Gerald Posner (said Poshner), John Maxwell and anything from George Barana. I read a lot of church growth authors like Nelson Searcy and ?? Thom Rainer. On family and life, my favorites are James Dobson, ??? John Eldredge, and ??? Mark Batterson. I enjoy those that challenge my thought process, such as Malcolm Gladwell. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards is one book I require all our ministers’ in training to read, as many have failed because they attempt to lead as a Saul.
Dale Welch, Peshtigo, WI – There is an old adage that says, “No man is an island unto himself.” This speaks to the importance of reading, especially for leaders. I am always careful when reading non-Apostolic authors. I wouldn’t want to read their books without first knowing Biblical truths. I utilize many Apostolic authors such as Robert E. Henson for Bible study outlines from which I can expound. David Bernard’s writings are complete and easy to understand for teaching our Apostolic message and doctrine. J. Mark Jordan has tremendous insight into what it takes to be a great, God-led leader for today’s world. Fred Foster’s thoughts are helpful in special messages, such as funerals and weddings. Finally, Ken Gurley’s anointed flow has given me many great thoughts to preach. As for non-Apostolic authors, I have been able to glean from the works of John Bevere, John MacArthur and John Maxwell. One book I recommend to every minister is For Preachers Only by J.T. Pugh, which deals with the many aspects of ministry, from doctrine to ethics.
Sam Emory, Merced, CA – The mindset of our society constantly shifts and changes, so it is very important for leaders to read and stay informed on the transforming world around us. If we are unaware of the general mindset that our culture has, it may become difficult for us to communicate to individuals. Our Gospel was written to minister to all generations; however, it is our responsibility to reach out to where the people are and bring them to where He is. I’m not sure I have a favorite author, but I do particularly like and read the following authors: A.W. Pink, Daniel Segraves, Bishop D.K. Bernard, Sis. Joy Haney, along with others as well. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards would be my recommendation for every Apostolic minister to read.