Just Me!

May 3, '08 6:16 PM
for everyone

I just returned from a trip from one of our mission churches. The picture on the left is of the book I was reading while I was in the airport waiting to catch my flight.

New York Times best selling author Patrick Lencioni captures the 5 typical problems teams have. I highly recommend this book to every senior pastor or leader in any field.

Fact is we live in very challenging times and the only way to get things done with utmost excellence is through a team.

While I am at it I might as well do a quick review of the books I read in the last 2 months.

As I have mentioned in my previous book review instead of reviewing the best books I have read for the year I will just do a brief review of the books I have read in the last 2 months for leaders.

Here they are:

1. When Charity Destroys Dignity by Glenn Schwartz. The book deals with the most foundational issue besetting missions organizations today. Schwartz who is a veteran missionary explains the pitfalls of unhealthy dependency in Christian movements. This book is a must read for leaders. Thank you Michael Paderes for giving me this book.

2. :07 Seconds Or Less by Jack McCallum. Veteran Sports Illustrated writer spends a season sitting on the bench of NBA's Phoenix Suns and gives a blow by blow account of the teams unique playing style. Lots of lessons on teamwork and on not giving up. My big take away there's a lot that can happen in 7 seconds or less when you have a great team. Book was lent to me by my son Joshua who is in UP taking up Sports Science from the college of human kenetics.

3. Summoned to Lead by Leonard Sweet. Leadership is a call to respond to, not a position to fill or a role to train for. The author challenges the stereotypical ideas of leadership that says leaders are born or made. Pretty insightful. Book was recommended by Manny Carlos.

4. Fresh Encounters by Daniel Henderson. Probably one of the most significant books I have read this year. I have read, reread and referred to this book so many times you can see the creases on the books spine in the picture above. Prayer is still a Christians most powerful weapon. This book will take away the boredom and rekindle your passion to pray. The book has so moved me I bought a copy for all of the church's staff. Thanks Taylor Stuart for giving me this book.

5. The Apple Way by Jeffrey Cruikshank. The books sub-title is 12 Management Lessons from the World's Most Innovative Company. As I have explained in my last book review one of the secrets to doing something great in your organization is to find something a successful another organization is doing, then take it and apply it to your industry. What is ordinary in one industry is revolutuionary in yours. Here's one of those books that has several of those ideas.

6. Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur. Fantastic read about Christs 12 disicples. They weren't saints, scholars or sages but ordinary men. Loads of revelation and insight as the author shows the life and times of these ordinary men who lived extraordinary lives.

7. The Shack by William Young. The book that was shipped to me by Kevin Mixan. A Christian novel that will touch you to the core. Funny that this book has helped me appreciate the Trinity better. Thanks Kevin loved the book and have passed it on to one of my sons.

8. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni. I just wished I read this book sooner. This is the book I recommend a leader reads this year together with his staff or team. I have decided to go through this book with our team at Victory Fort. Lencioni hit a winner with this one. Given by Steve Murrell.

9. The Fall of Advertising and the Rise of PR by Al and Laura Rise. I had this book for a while but have never had the urge to read it. Thought I'd bring it with me while I was on the trip. I have read several of Ries' books in the past. Currently finishing this one. Summary - been there, read that but am just enjoying the many stories and stats on marketing. I guess you can call it my marketing fix.

Tags: 2008 book review

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17 CommentsChronological Reverse Threaded

Comment deleted at the request of the author.

caloybert wrote on May 3

i guess it's time to get the dysfunction book.

i wonder which of the 5 dysfuctions i bring to the team? hehehe

thekaressness wrote on May 3

yes sir! twelve ordinary men rawks! it's currently on my wish list hehe :)

sharonski wrote on May 4

thanks for the tip pastor joey

islandhopper wrote on May 4

Re: 5 Dysfunctions - A trainer friend of mine who specializes in teambuilding uses this book as his framework, and it seems to work really well for him. I'll keep an eye out for this book next time I'm in the bookstore.

Re: The Shack - A Christian friend of mine recommended it with much enthusiasm. But I have hesitated buying the book because of some comments I read here: http://www.shelfari.com/books/3547012/The-Shack. Thank you for this entry; your endorsements means a lot. Will be more eager in trying to find a copy.

joeybonifacio wrote on May 4

islandhopper said

Re: The Shack - A Christian friend of mine recommended it with much enthusiasm. But I have hesitated buying the book because of some comments I read

it's a work of fiction- a novel - not the Bible.

joeybonifacio wrote on May 4

caloybert said

i guess it's time to get the dysfunction book.

yup. I'm planning to do it with our pastoral team.

jermiako wrote on May 4

Pastor Joey, can we just read your brain?

ardyroberto wrote on May 4

have you tried the amazon digital book reader device? it looks cool. plan to get one when i get to the US but don't know anyone personally who's tried it. thanks for the book reviews. will add the leonci and mccallum books to my list.

joeybonifacio wrote on May 4

ardyroberto said

haven't tried the device - personally I don't think it will be as healthy as a book - with radiation and all - already I can feel a difference when I use the computer everyday. Am actually thinking of getting me one of those screens - I guess age catches up on you - will be turning 51 in a few 3 weeks.

blindsided wrote on May 4

joeybonifacio said

will be turning 51 in a few 3 weeks.

advanced happy birthday!

kevinmixan wrote on May 4

Your very welcome Pastor Joey. I have also read the 5 dysfunctions of a team and it was a great book. It was also a very easy read so that people that don't read much could get through it.

reynaldito wrote on May 4

Appreciate this blog. Thanks Pls do more of this.

jrrivero wrote on May 5, edited on May 5

Do you have a Shelfari Account Pastor Joey? It's a virtual library site of all the books you have read, you own, wish lists etc. Best place to put your virtual books so we are updated on the books you have read or currently reading. =) visit: http://shelfari.com

joeybonifacio wrote on May 5

jrrivero said

Do you have a Shelfari Account Pastor Joey?

I do but have not been able to maintain it.

nikemike wrote on May 6

better buy this book 'dysfunction book' so we can use it in the music team here in Auckland NZ...

piahaynes wrote on May 6

joeybonifacio said

yup. I'm planning to do it with our pastoral team.

Just finished the book and want to use it for our children's team... questions about how to translate into a "volunteer" team. It's one thing when you're paid, but I guess that comes down to buy-in & clarity, right? Any ideas?

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