3 Books You Should Read in 2021

I try to always be reading something. Usually I knock out 2 or 3 books a month. I once heard Dave Ramsey say, "You are the same today as you'll be in 5 years except for two things: the books you read and the people you meet.” After that, I started keeping a list of books, so every few years I can look back on what I’ve learned. I thought I’d share the 2020 list with you today! 

The full list is below. You’ll see I have a pretty wide range of interests: ministry, worship,    dog training, writing, business, generosity and more. Before we get there though, I want to share with you the 3 books I found most useful for worship leaders!

1. The Unquenchable Worshiper - Matt Redman

This 20+ year old book from Matt Redman dives deep into the heart of a worshiper. He discusses several types of worshippers found in scripture and how today’s churches can worship in the same way. It’s a call to more passionate worship. It’s quick, will likely only take a couple hours to read, and will be well worth the time! 

2. Writing Worship - Krissy Nordhoff

If you’re a songwriter or aspire to be one, start here! Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning songwriter and author Krissy Nordhoff discusses the heart behind writing for your church, practical tools for getting started, co-writing, how to find your particular strengths as a writer and more. It’s made me a better songwriter and I know it will make you a better one too! I recommend it to worship writers all the time!

3. Excellence Wins - Horst Schulze

Excellence Wins isn’t about ministry, but it will make your ministry better. Horst Schulze, co-founder and former COO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co., shares his story of building an internationally known company. While doing so, he teaches readers to serve with excellence, build a value driven team and never compromise high standards. In the final chapter he shares his testimony too. This may be my favorite book of the year. 

Here’s the Full List

  1. Nice, but not Naive - Perry McGuire

  2. The Unquenchable Worshipper - Matt Redman

  3. More than a Hobby - David Green

  4. Dangerous Prayers - Craig Groeschel

  5. Giving it All Away - David Green

  6. The Cereal Tycoon - Joe Musser

  7. The Generosity Factor - Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy

  8. The Way of the Wise - Kevin Leman

  9. Wealth: Is it worth it? - Truett Cathy

  10. Excellence Wins - Horst Schulze

  11. How to Pray - Pete Greig

  12. God on Mute - Pete Greig

  13. Adopting the Racing Greyhound - Cynthia Branigan

  14. Retired Racing Greyhounds for Dummies

  15. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution - Zak George

  16. Clicker Training for Dogs

  17. A Technique for Producing Ideas - James Webb Young

  18. The Go Giver - Bob Burg & John David Mann

  19. The Legend of the Merchant and the Monk

  20. The Noticer - Andy Andrews

  21. The Traveler’s Gift - Andy Andrews

  22. The Legacy Journey - Dave Ramsey

  23. American Icon - Bryce Hoffman

  24. Green Lights - Matthew McConaughey

  25. Writing Worship - Krissy Nordhoff

Have book recommendations? Leave them in the comments!