2021 was my first year out of seminary, and I loved having extra time to read books 📚  not required for classes, nor did they require a paper to be written. Last year I posted a list of my top 10 reads for 2021 and thought I would do the same for 2022. 

Below is a list of my top 10 reads for 2022.

“Cues” by Vanessa Van Edwards was the best book I read all year. Her writing is easy to follow, widely applicable, and incredibly helpful for anyone looking to grow as a communicator or leader. As you’ll see 👇, two of her books made my top 10 this year!

I’ve listed my top 10 books below, along with a brief note on how each one shaped me in 2022.

1. Cues — Vanessa Van Edwards
If you are a leader in any context, you need to get your hands on this book. One of the areas I’ve been very intentional about this past year is my communication. I want to continue developing the ability to be an effective communicator—in meetings, one-on-one interactions, large groups, and more. This book has helped me refine both my communication abilities and my overall skill set.

The whole purpose of Cues is to help you develop into a more charismatic communicator and leader. Some may think this is only for extroverted people, but it’s not. The applications, tools, research, and insights in this book can truly help any introvert lead and communicate with charisma.

I am naturally a warm, extroverted communicator, which draws people in and helps them trust me because of my warmth cues. This book challenged me to balance my warmth and competence cues so I can better adapt to different environments.

Between Cues, a communication workshop by Shari Guilfoile called Pastor Talk, and learning from senior pastor Andrew Forrest—an excellent communicator and a gifted presenter of God’s Word—my communication skills have been significantly refined this year.

2. You’re invited-Jon Levvy- This book came in a close second for my favorite of the year. John Levy expresses the importance of community and provides practical ways to form meaningful and authentic relationships. Although this is not a Christian book, many of its concepts can be used to examine how the local church is building community.

This book truly drew me in as I reflected on the ways we do ministry. Are we actively creating environments that people are excited about and want to participate in? Are we providing a contagious space where people are drawn into community and can grow in Christian discipleship?

Levy writes, “Our results are amplified when our relationships share a sense of community.” The real question is this: Does the local church today resemble the Acts 2 church, in which the Lord was adding to their numbers daily?

3. Atomic Habits- James Clear- A short, easy read—super helpful for putting practical habits and routines into place. It’s incredible how small micro-changes in our lives can grow and create significant impact. One small area where I made a micro-change was my windshield time to and from work. My commute is about 20–25 minutes, which used to feel like wasted time. Now, it has become a sweet time to commune with the Lord in prayer and to develop my leadership through podcasts or audiobooks. I may or may not have to pull over sometimes to take notes while driving 😂.

Other habit and routine adjustments—such as making the bed, automating lunches, prepping the kids’ clothes, setting up coffee, etc.—have also led to more intentional family time.

Thanks for this simple reminder James:

-Make it obvious 

-Make it attractive 

-Make it easy

-Make it satisfying 

4. Blue Ocean Strategy- Chan Kim-This book is a business book, but it caused me to reflect on the current state of the church—specifically how, across the globe, the local church is trying to become more palatable to culture. In some ways, you can’t fault them. Many churches are declining in numbers, at least across the United States. However, is making the church look more like the world really the answer? I don’t believe so.

Unfortunately, as we camouflage the church in the world, we end up watering down the Gospel and biblical truths. As I read Blue Ocean Strategy, I kept thinking about the timeless message of the Gospel—the Good News. If we remain faithful to the Good News of Jesus Christ and allow it to drive our vision and ministry, we will be swimming in fresh “blue ocean” waters where people are hungering and thirsting for the righteousness of God.

It seems as though the majority have diluted the Scriptures and are competing in the “red ocean” waters of culture instead.

5. Captivate- Vanessa Van Edwards- After reading Cues, I wanted to explore more of Vanessa Van Edwards’s work. I am naturally an extroverted, relational person; however, I’m always looking for ways to better engage and interact with others. I want to maximize the full potential of those interactions and relationships. Vanessa’s research and examples provide a great starting point for honing human interaction skills and developing stronger people skills.

Another significant benefit of both Cues and Captivate is the free supplemental content offered on their business website, Science of People. After reading both books, I’ve found that people’s social behaviors have become far more noticeable and easier to identify.

6. Necessary Endings-Henry Cloud- This book provided deep reflection and clarity as I transitioned from the Oklahoma United Methodist Church into a new pastoral role at Asbury Tulsa. Henry Cloud gives readers permission to explore which situations, jobs, businesses, employees, etc., need to come to an end—not just for the benefit of the organization, but also for the individuals involved.

Reading this book led me to take a deeper look at how many leaders and institutions may have the wrong people on the bus and, in many cases, are unwilling to adjust or release them. It also raised the question of how many programs or models we continue to use even though they have run their course or never provided substantial return.

Endings are hard. However, they can also create space for new life, new opportunities, and meaningful growth.

7. Speed of Trust- Stephen Covey- This was an excellent read as I transitioned from working at one church for 8½ years to joining a brand-new one. I was experiencing many internal transitions, and our family was navigating many external ones as well. This book helped me make a smoother transition into my new pastoral role at Asbury and develop important, valuable relationships quickly.

Covey writes, “Simply put, trust means confidence. The opposite of trust—distrust—is suspicion.” Covey explains that when we receive and extend trust, there is no greater currency in the workplace. As I lead, I want people to know they can trust me in their most sacred and challenging circumstances, while I model vulnerability and transparency to demonstrate my trust in them.

8. Out of the cave-Chris Hodges-I listened to a podcast from Chris Hodges about the release of this book and was interested in hearing how he, as a pastor, worked through a dark season in his life and ministry. When COVID-19 first darkened the doors of the local church, I struggled with who I was as a pastor and how I would fulfill my calling during such an isolating time. I am compassionate, caring, and relational—so how could I be those things while isolated, quarantined, and unable to nurture the flock? Yet the Lord revealed new ways for me to lead.

This book was as much for me personally as it was for my care for others. It gave me insight into myself, as well as ideas for how to better serve and care for those who find themselves “in the cave.” One of the most beautiful aspects of this book is the thread of the prophet Elijah’s story, woven throughout as a scriptural guide for helping others out of their caves.

9. Lost Connections-Johann Hari– I stumbled upon this book because Chris Hodges mentioned it in Out of the Cave. This book pushes back against the cultural tendency in our country to medicate quickly and to lean heavily on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Hari does a beautiful job exploring ways to heal the broken connections we experience in life—not only through medication, but through relationships and meaningful reconnection.

Hari identifies several types of disconnection that can lead us into places of depression and anxiety, and he concludes the book with practical ways to reconnect and pursue healing. Although this is not a spiritual or Christian book, it offers a wealth of ideas and perspectives for understanding and working through the deep darkness many people face.

As a Christian, I know that the ultimate reconnection is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. God is always in the business of redeeming broken connections and restoring hearts to Him.

10. How To Lead When You’re Not In Charge- Clay Scroggins- In my time in ministry, I have always served as a support to a senior leader. The first book I read when stepping into the Associate Pastor role at Broken Arrow First was Leading From the Second Chair by Mike Bonem. This book helped me serve my senior pastor, Larry Varvel, well during my time as his associate.

As I transitioned to serve at Asbury, I wanted to maintain a posture of humility and service to our new senior pastor, Andrew Forrest. I wanted him to feel supported and uplifted, while also continuing to do meaningful ministry and lead people well in my role. Clay Scroggins does a tremendous job of illustrating how to cultivate influence and lead effectively, even when you are not the senior leader. It truly benefits everyone—senior leadership, associate team members, and the organization as a whole—when supportive staff can lead within the space and platform entrusted to them.

In my short time on staff at Asbury, I have been entrusted with the freedom to lead, create, and dream! I am thankful for senior leaders—Jeremy, Daniel, and Andrew—who empower me to maximize my potential and contribute fully to our team.

In 2022, I encountered several excellent books that stretched and strengthened both my soul and my leadership. Below is a list of books I plan to consume and meditate on in the coming year!

Read For 2023

1. The Theology of Revelation- Richard Bauckham- (currently reading) 

2. Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership- Tim Elmore 

3. Think Again-Adam Grant

4. How To Lead In A World of Distractions- Clay Scroggins

5. A New Kind of Diversity-Tim Elmore   

6. A World Without Email-Cal Newport 

7. Parenting: Getting It Right- Andy and Sandra Stanley

8. Dream Big- Bob Goff

9. Praying Like Monks Living Like Fools- Tyler Staton