Mark Batterson is a good friend of mine. I actually was his youth pastor years ago. Today he is the pastor of National Community Church, a thriving community of believers in the heart of Washington, D.C. Mark is an outstanding member of the “fraternity of church planters” (he’s planted a church that was stillborn and one that has excelled and multiplied) as well as a author of really good books. His latest book is called “Wild Goose Chase” and it’s a book that every church planter should read. I got to spend a few minutes with him today and you can hear our conversation on this podcast.

You can also learn more about the book, the church and the author by following these links: http://ChaseTheGoose.com and http://MarkBatterson.com

I just received and read a new book by Jim Griffith and Bill Easum. “Ten Most Common Mistakes Made by New Church Plants” will now be on my short list of books that every church planter, parent church pastor and district leader should read before the start a new church. This book is loaded with time/experience tested practical wisdom that can help the leaders and overseers of new church starts avoid “rookie” mistakes.  Here are just a couple of the mistakes they suggest you avoid. “Neglecting the Great Commandment in Pursuit of the Great Commission.” ” Failing to Take Opposition Seriously.” Each chapter describes the mistake followed by some great counsel on how to avoid the mistake. Tips for supervisors and coaches are included. Outstanding. Check it out here.

Great People Decisions by Claudio Fernández-Aráoz

The End of Reason: A Response to the New Atheists by Ravi K. Zacharias

Go Put Your Strengths to Work by Marcus Buckingham

The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More by Chris Anderson

The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay

Breaking the Discipleship Code: Becoming a Missional Follower of Jesus by David Putnam