Over the last couple weeks, we’ve taken a look at the call to prepare for ministry. Since we’ll never learn all there is to be learned about any subject, our preparation is an ongoing process.

Now that we’ve looked at the six primary ways that God grows you, you can start to develop an effective personal growth plan anchored by four cornerstones:

Cornerstone #1: Books 
Leaders are readers, and books have the ability to expand you and your ministry in unique ways. Before I went into ministry I was not a big reader but I prayed for God to make me into one. I now read about five books every week.

I’m not suggesting you do the same but I do suggest balancing your reading around five types of books: The Bible, Best Practice Books (one each month), History Books – Biography and Church History, Theology Books, and Philosophy Books – Christian and Western.

Cornerstone #2: Audio Resources
When your hands are busy but your mind is free, audio resources are a great way to keep learning and growing. From audio books to packaged teaching by leaders you respect to various nuts and bolts podcasts, your computer or iPod can become an effective educational tool.

Meet me back here next Tuesday for the final installment of this series where I’ll share the remaining two cornerstones with you.

Click here to read part 1 of this series

Click here to read part 2 of this series

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.