Reading books is an essential part of the Intentional Discipleship process. It reinforces the discipline of reading and keeps our minds focused on a specific topic throughout the month.
- Discipline of reading. Most people do not read books. Every year someone in my group will tell me they haven't read a book since high school. We are trying to raise leaders, and leaders are readers.
- More retention. We retain more by reading, processing a written summary, discussing in the group, and applying it to our daily lives.
- Marinating on the topic throughout the month. It takes several days (weeks for me) to read a book. During that time, your mind stays engaged with the book. When the monthly meeting comes, you are prepared to discuss more deeply and personally.
- Learning from the best teachers in the world. We learn from the spiritual giants of our day and throughout history.
- Great future resource. The books I have read over the years have become valuable resources. I go to these books often.
- Best use of meeting time. In a short weekly meeting, we cannot cover the material in a whole book. Instead, we cover the material individually and discuss it as a group.
- Mentors can focus on relationships. A teacher will spend most of their time mastering the material, which leaves little time or energy to invest in the group. Teachers instruct, but mentors train.
- What about the Bible? These books aren't a substitute for God's Word. They drive us to the Word of God.
