These are my top five picks on the subject of ministry. All are classics in their own right.
I suspect that most contemporary Christians who are immersed in “pop-Christianity” today have never heard of them. I’m hoping that this post will change that for many.
3. The Master Plan of Evangelism
Four Christians
The School of Christ is on Amazon Kindle for 0.99 right now. Just FYI
Thanks for the tip. I just bought it on Kindle for $.99
Look forward to a good read on my sabbatical this summer.
School of Christ is probably one of the most significant little books for the body of Christ today, IMO. For a book that is less than 100 pages I didn’t think I would find it as difficult to get through, but it’s so rich and it often requires stopping to reflect. I first got a copy for myself from David Wilkerson ministries based on your recommendation, Frank. I read it, then immediately ordered another 30 copies to pass on to others.
I’ve read Watchman Nee’s Release of the Spirit as well and loved it. It’s because of your recommendations for his books I’ve become a kind of Watchman Nee fan. The other three I’ll certainly have to look into.
May your tribe increase!
Nice selection. Nee’s The Normal Christian Worker has also helped me immensely on the subject of ministry, although it focuses more on the character of the worker than the subject of ministry.
Yes, I chose “Release of the Spirit” instead, but that one would be #6. Here’s is the link for the better version – “The Character of God’s Workman” http://www.amazon.com/dp/0935008691?tag=reimagchurch-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0935008691&adid=0JNH5QM9PE93RRW032C7&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Ffrankviola.org%2Ftop100%2F
There are three “must have” books/authors that I’d add to the list, to fully be “in the know” about ministry.
1) Richard Wurmbrand, particularly “100 Prison Meditations” and “Reaching Toward the Heights”. If you don’t know how to show and give God’s love, even to your enemies, how can you say you minister?
2) I like John Maxwell’s writings, particularly “Leadership Promises for Every Day” and the “Maxwell Daily Reader”. He defines leadership by saying that it comes down to influencing people and we all influence someone. I’d suggest that, if you’re heard and not listened to, how can you say you’re in ministry? The whole function of ministry is helping people change their lives.
3) The Bible should be at the top of any list. Without it, there is no ministry. We get every aspect of ministry (including how not to do it) given to us in the Bible. If there’s no rain, even a deep well runs out of water. We have to take in from the Word or we’ll run out of what we need to give out.
I’m curious, have you read any of the books on my list? And have you read “The Myth of Christian Leadership” post? https://www.frankviola.org/2012/07/17/christianleadership/
It is assumed that the Bible is at the top of every Christian book list, though I would argue that the Bible is more than a “book” as we understand books. So it doesn’t need to be stated. But these are specific books on the subject of ministry.
Most of the young Christians (20s/30s) who are being trained in ministry today have never heard of these volumes nor read them. Their is uncommon depth here. So there’s a need for them to get some strong air-play.
Yes, in particular the works of Brother Nee. Currently reading “What shall this man do”, and also his testimony.
Truly breath-taking; his insight, level of commitment; I can say honestly that some of what he wrote has/is changed/changing me, or better say; are lifting me to new levels in my realitionship with the Lord.