It’s summertime! For many, this is a great time to catch up on some reading. We asked the PLI Staff what they’ve been reading lately—the books that are shaping their thinking and encouraging their leadership and faith. Here are a some of the titles they shared:

Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala

A mentor of mine recommended this book from the late 90s to me years ago. I wish I had read it sooner. Fantastic on the power of prayer. -Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director

The Kingdom Unleashed: How Jesus’ 1st-Century Kingdom Values are Transforming Thousands of Cultures and Awakening His Church by Jerry Trousdale and Glenn S. Sunshine

Gaining by Losing: Why the Future Belongs to Churches that Send (Exponential Series) by J.D. Greear

Both of these books affirm the value of thinking and living with a Kingdom mindset – a mindset that challenges the reader to live and to see one’s self and the local ministry of which they are a member as just one part (and a very important part) of a much larger Kingdom of God that extends and is present through all believers together in every locality, region, nation, culture, and continent.  -Scott Rische, Director of Training

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High by Grenny, Patterson, McMillan, Switzler, and Gregory. 

This is a helpful guide for learning how to communicate with clarity, wisdom, and grace when it matters most. -Raechel Pfotenhauer, Director of Communications

The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono

I’m recommending this short novella to all my friends this summer. It’s a powerful parable about hope in the midst of difficult times. Beautiful writing and deeply wise, this little book competes with Wendell Berry’s Jayber Crow as my favorite novel. –Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director

Leadership on the Line by Heifetz and Linsky

This one has been on my list because leadership is rarely as clean or easy as the books sometimes make it sound. I’m interested in learning more about how leaders stay steady when the pressure rises and the stakes get personal. -Bryan Blackford, Director of Operations

Live No Lies by John Mark Comer

This book brilliantly exposes the spiritual war against deceptive ideas (the devil) , disordered desires (the flesh), and a culture that normalizes lies (the world), while equipping readers with Jesus’ practices of Scripture, prayer, and truth to live free and at peace. –Kellie Stocker, Campaign Manager

BONUS BOOK:

If you’re looking for a good story to read this summer, several members of our staff highly recommend Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It is a beautiful novel about generosity and connection.