get a life, read a book, by ken wilson

 

For a list of suggested reading titles, click here.

 

In 1756, John Wesley wrote a sermon titled “An Address to the Clergy.”  In it, he says, “And as to acquired endowments, can [a pastor] take one step aright, without first a competent share of knowledge?”  He goes on to outline why reading not only Scripture, but history, science, philosophy, and other disciplines are absolutely necessary to fulfill the pastoral tasks.

 

Pastors used to be the most educated people in their congregations.  No more.   In fact, we're bound not to be.  Everyone in your church is just a mouse click or two away from knowing what you know on most topics.  But we're leading people to be disciples, which means we are leading them to be people who are lifelong learners.  I know reading isn't the only way to grow---but how do you grow without feeding your mind?  And how do you feed your mind without reading (or listening to books on CD, etc.)?

 

Maybe I’m biased because I’m a lover of science, but in my opinion it’s one of the most important topics to stay abreast of.  Breakthroughs in quantum physics are bringing us ever closer to understanding a reality that includes transcendent realms.  The story of science is driving the culture.  How can we reach the culture without understanding what the story of science is telling?  John Wesley’s “An Address to the Clergy” goes on to say, “Some knowledge of the sciences … although now quite unfashionable, is even necessary next, and in order to, the knowledge of the Scripture itself.”  I recently finished a sermon series tackling the issue of science and faith at the crossroads of creation.  I wanted to make room for biologists and others with a science background in the culture of the church.  It worked.  We're seeing more of these people show up than ever before. But I spent, literally, years reading about the issues surrounding the topic. Not because I was preparing for a sermon series seven years in advance.  But because I thought, "Man, I'm in a university town, I find science fascinating but I'm not well informed right now---wouldn't it be great to stretch my brain?" 

 

Maybe science isn't your special interest like it is mine.  So you just read a few books over the course of a few years, like Almost Everyone's Guide to Science by John Gribbin.  Or  The Language of God by Francis Collins.  Or The Complete Idiot's Guide (to any scientific topic of interest). 

 

I'm noticing lately that I need to do some reading in the area of healing.  Most of my reading on that topic was years ago.  But we've had interest in the teaching of Bill Johnson popping up on our prayer ministry team.  Someone said Johnson's approach to healing is heavily rooted in atonement theology, which can lead to a different way of praying than John Wimber recommended in Power Healing, where the model is rooted in kingdom theology.  I don't have a clue whether that's accurate or not, but I do know I need to put a Bill Johnson book on my reading list.  

 

Part of the benefit of being in a community of churches like Vineyard is the ability to know pastors who are well read in one area or another.  We can learn from each other.  Can someone please advise me about which Bill Johnson book I can read if I want to understand how he roots healing theologically?   I'll trade you a Bill Johnson book for a science book. 

 

If you have an interest in history, read history.  It’ll help you speak to things like the recent documentary by director James Cameron, of Titanic fame, that claims Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene and had a son name Judas.  If you love philosophy, read philosophy.  It’ll help you appreciate themes advanced in movies like this year’s Oscar-winning screenplay Little Miss Sunshine.  Remember the scene where the teenage boy, Dwayne, was wearing a “Jesus Was Wrong” t-shirt while listening to his parents fight?  Or the references to Proust and Nietzsche? You don't have to be an expert in Nietzsche, but it's nice to know he was a philosopher. 

 

Or business. I hadn't read anything much in this area until my brother-in-law put me on to Good to Great by James Collins.  I started underlining things and it was so helpful.  It's the most underlined book I have in my bookshelf.  It helps me talk to people who are into business.  I can ask them what their hedgehog concept is and their eyes light up and they get the impression their pastor thinks their world is an important one. 

 

Or fiction.  My daughter thinks I'm narrow because I don't read much fiction. So I picked up Gilead by Marilynne Robinson.  A great writer it turns out.  The main character is an old pastor who is dying, writing to his son.  It makes you feel great about being a pastor, that book. 

 

My rule of thumb on reading is this: always be reading a book.  Even if it's just 10 minutes before falling asleep at night.  It's amazing how much you can read if you follow that rule. 

 

I’m not saying you need expertise in every subject, but I am saying you should push your own boundaries so the Holy Spirit can stir areas you might not touch without a little effort.  In this society, reading should be mandatory for our jobs.  As we get our act together, we’ll publish some suggested reading lists on the regional web site for you to browse, and I encourage you to check out other pastors’ favorite books on the Community Center.  And please feel free to list your own favorite books so we can benefit from what you’re learning.  Plus, don’t forget to have fun.  Fancies were made to be tickled. 

 

To view past sustainable faith (formerly pastor soul care) articles, click here.