Best Books of 2022
Chuck Norris doesn't read books; he simply stares down the book until he gets the information he wants.
Unfortunately, I’m not Chuck Norris, and I suspect you aren’t either. We need to actually read the book to get anything out of it.
I set yearly goals for reading a certain number of books all the way through. And I also set a goal to read a quantity of books from the Blinkist and “Thinkr” apps. I’m just about to reach my goals.
How was your reading in 2022?
Harry Truman quipped, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
As a leader, I know you are reading, so what is the best book you read this year?
HERE ARE MY TOP BOOKS OF 2022:
1. “Snarl” by John Francis Pearring Jr.
I must admit I don’t read much fiction, and honestly, I didn’t read this entire book either. But John is my brother, I owe him a ton, so his is my number one book of the year.
2. “Yet We Still Hope: Stories of Hope from Women Serving Around the World” edited by Denise Beck and Sarah Hilkemann.
I did not read this book in its entirety either, but I did read chapter 35: “Self-Care, Sabbath, Survival, and Success” by Tricia Pearring. Tricia is my daughter, and she’s the best author I know.
3. “Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork;” The Gap and the Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success;” and “The 4 C's Formula: Your building blocks of growth: commitment, courage, capability, and confidence.” By Dan Sullivan
I got on a Dan Sullivan kick this year. I’ve been aware of his as a strategic coach for decades, but he has just started to write—I mean, get other people to write his stuff for him (Who Not How). I really liked his simplicity, his approach, and his concept of scaling up.
4. “Winning the War of Your Mind” by Craig Groeschel
Great illustrations and how to change thinking to change your life.
5. “The Master Plan of Evangelism” by Robert Coleman
I needed to write several book reports for a PhD program I was finishing, so I thought I would revisit this old classic. I could not find my copy, so I got a new one and read it again. If you haven’t read this timeless work, definitely put it on your list.
That’s my list. What’s yours?
Here are some of the “Best Books” sent in by contributors. What will you add to your 2023 reading list?
Lori Pearring, Marriage and Family Therapist, Elk Grove, CA
“Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication” by Vanessa Van Edwards
Kasey White, Crossridge Church and Expand Financial, Sherwood, Oregon
(Kasey won the volume award again this year as she read 104 books!)
Here are her top books of 2022, in no specific order:
“The Sunflower” by Simon Wiesenthal
“Flags of Our Father’s” by James Bradley
Sweet Valley Spy by Sierra Hall
The Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni
Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
The Stories we Tell by Joanna Gaines
Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
The Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
It Ends with Us (A story about abuse) by Colleen Hoover
Luke Allen. Excel’s Chief Operating Officer
”Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbala
It speaks of how God works supernaturally through the local church. It really stirred my heart.
“Walking with God” by John Eldridge
Incredible book about hearing the voice of God. Loved it.
David Bennett, Expand Financial Group, Burleson, TX
“Why I'm Still Surprised by the Voice of God” by Jack Deere
“The EOS Life” by Geno Wickman
“15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management: The Productivity Habits of 7 Billionaires, 13 Olympic Athletes, 29 Straight-A Students, and 239 Entrepreneurs” by Kevin Kruse
“Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World” by Cal Newport
Geoff Wells, Excel Board Member, Elk Grove, CA
“The Book of Signs: 31 Undeniable Prophecies of The Apocalypse” by Dr. David Jeremiah
“Never Trust a Leader Without A Limp. The Wit and Wisdom of John Wimber” by Glenn Schroeder
Joe Shutts, Lead Pastor, New Freedom Church, Lebanon, Ohia
“Soul Keeping” by John Ortberg
A book on the dynamic of the human soul and how to stay connected and charged in our souls for God.
“The Power of Regret” by Daniel Pink
A secular book based on the findings of a study of 4500 adults regarding their biggest regrets in like and how regrets properly processed can make us better for tomorrow.
“Not afraid of the AntiChrist” by Dr. Michael Brown
This book makes a biblical case for a post tribulational rapture, which would not have believers in any fear of the Antichrist and does not have an escape mentality from the world.
“Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund
This book explores the heart of Jesus for his followers.
Mark Neal, Executive Director/CEO at Clarity Ministries
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by
James Clear
Tricia Chen, Missionary in Canada
“Yet We Still Hope” by Denise Beck
“It's Not Your Turn” by Heather Thompson Day
“Designing Your Life” by Bill Burnett
Scott Pearring, Seek First Financial
“Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs” by Steve Cuss
Paul Taylor, Lead Pastor, Rivers Crossing Community Church, Mason, OH
“Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals”
Tim Pearring, Lead Pastor, Journey Church Elk Grove, CA
"Own Your Past Change Your Future" by John Delony
"Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change" by Joseph Grenny
Ben Finney, Teaching Team, Journey Church Elk Grove CA
“If Jesus Gave a TED Talk: Eight principles the Master Teacher used to persuade His audience” by Charles Stone
“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel
Scott Lackey, Lead Pastor, New Story Church, Buffalo, NY
“Centered-Set Church” by Mark Baker
This is the most helpful book that I have read on discipleship. I believe that Baker's proposed model for discipleship will be vital for the future of the church in a post-Christian context.
“God at War” by Greg Boyd
Boyd's views on spiritual warfare and the problem of evil were truly enlightening. This book and the sequel (Satan the problem of evil) give the best explanations for evil/spiritual warfare that I have come across in my personal studying.
“The King Jesus Gospel” by Scot Mcknight
Mcknight provides a definition of the true meaning of the gospel, as outlined by Paul in 1st Corinthians 15. This is a helpful tool for any pastor/church leader who desires to clearly declare the gospel and display the gospel. I would say this book is a must read.
“Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama” by Bob Odenkirk
Great memoir of Bob's life as a comedy writer, actor and his journey to becoming Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad. Odenkirk's memoir has fun stories (i.e. He created Christ Farley's character Matt Foley the motivational speaker), but my favorite part was how transparent he was about his failures. He would admit that his career has had more failures than successes. The book is fun but it is also a good motivator towards determination and perseverance.
Sue Pearring, San Francisco Coroner’s Office
“Where the Light Fell: A Memoir “ by Philip Yancey
Brian Burman, Excel’s Coaching Coordinator
“Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking” by Jon Acuff
“Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People” by Vanessa Van Edwards
Karl Roth, Lead Pastor, Flipside Church, Madera, CA
“Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
“12 Rules for Life” by Jordan B. Peterson
“5 Gears” by Kubicek and Cockram
“The Gospel of the Kingdom” by George Eldon Ladd
Jake Pearring, Intuit
“Emotionally healthy spiritually: Unleash a Revolution in Your Life” by Peter Scazerro
“The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness” by
Morgan Housel”
Gionna Pearring
“The Skeletons in God's Closet: The Mercy of Hell, the Surprise of Judgment, the Hope of Holy War” by Joshua Ryan Butler
Tim Celek, Stadia
“Tempered Resilience: How Leaders are Formed in the Crucible of Change” by Tod Bolsinger
LOVE this book. It’s an expansion of one of the aspects/principles of his book, “Canoeing the Mountains.” The former doesn’t need the latter to be understood. It IS a much read for church planters in today’s world. I thought the Resilience book gave voice to that which is most critical and needs top of mind attention. Yet, I think most 21st century leaders miss the important of or don’t get the forged, tempered idea and concept that your leadership is actually the crucible that God is using to make you strong and better.
Ray Schaser, Lead Pastor, One Community Church, Linz, Austria
"Contagious Disciple Making" by David Watson & Paul Watson
Thanks for reading our list! If you send in your best reads of 2022, we’ll try to keep the catalogue updated.
Send them to JDPearring@gmail.com.
Happy New Reading Year!