So a friend of mine who is new to the whole communication thing was asking me for a list of recommended reads as he was starting out. I’m not a big fan of lists for the sake of making lists but I think there are some great books out there that are worth having on your bookshelf or collecting dust on your nightstand.
Church communications is an odd field since there’s a mix of skill sets involved… people skills are necessary, design skillz help, ninja skills are always a plus, organizational skills are a must… so this list is a mix of everything.
It was hard to narrow it down to a list of Top 10, but I think I managed… without any further blabber here’s my list of Top 10 Reads for Church Communications Directors [in no particular order]:
A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink
I’ve read A Whole New Mind book three times…it’s that good. This book provides a solid look at the difference between right and left brained thinking, or comparing the age of Gutenberg to the Google world we live in today. Pink introduces the six senses [design, story, empathy, symphony, play, and meaning] and how right brained thinkers are using them to bring in the Conceptual Age we’re a part of. Fascinating stuff.
Less Clutter. Less Noise. by Kem Meyer
If church communications had a Bible this would be it. Kem condenses some of the best content from her blog and learnings from managing communications in a corporate arena and the church in this easy-to-read manual that will be a lifesaver. It’s written in short bite-sized sections that make it great to turn to from time to time or to review with your staff members or team. This is one of the best church communications books that’s out there. [Full Review Here]
REWORK
by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
I’ve blogged too much about this book already, but it will challenge the way you think about work and give you some good food for thought as you consider your approach to work. You can read my litany of posts on REWORK here. I’ve given away about six copies of this book already!
Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky
If you suffer from idea overload, this quick read will help you get your butt into gear and give you practical tips on how to put action and organization into your ideas. Belsky also challenges us to work with the forces of community around us by collaborating… not always the easiest thing to do. If you have many ideas tucked away, this book will challenge you to make them happen. It can be a bit of a commercial for Action Method, but I promise it’s worth your time. [Full Review Here]
Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps
Shane Hipps gives a bit of a contrarian view of the impact of media in the church. If anything it will give you some good food for thought and challenge you to consider the mediums you use to communicate your message. While I might not agree with everything he has to say, it’s still a great read.
You Don’t Need a Title to Be a Leader by Mark Sanborn
The title [no pun intended] says it all. Most church communications people sit low on the totem pole of the church staff hierarchy. It can be frustrating to navigate the awkward limbo most of us live in on a daily basis. While we might think we need to make it to the top to make a difference, this book will challenge you to act like a leader and make a difference where you are. There’s some great tips and take-aways from this quick read.
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
I read this book for the first time last year and was sad I hadn’t found it sooner. For the creative, artistic types out there, this book is for you. This book talks about one of the greatest battles we will face, the battle against Resistance… and ultimately, against ourselves. It’s a call to move beyond yourself and into who you were made to be… a creator, an artist.
The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier
The quintessential book on branding will give you a crash course on Branding 101 and remind you that your brand isn’t your logo but the feeling you give to people when they interact with your brand/church. It’s a simple read that will give you some excellent take-aways and things to think about as you focus on your church’s brand.
All Marketers Are Liars by Seth Godin
All of Seth Godin’s books should be required reading but having to pick just one as it relates to church communications, I’d have to say this is the winner. This book challenges us to rediscover the art of storytelling and reminds us of the immense value of being authentic. Fav line from the book: “Stories make it easier to understand the world. Stories are the only way we know to spread an idea. Marketers didn’t invent storytelling. They just perfected it.”
Switch by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Change is four-letter word in most churches. As a communications director, more times than not, you’re going to have to lead people through change as you innovate and create new ways of communicating your message. Change can be difficult, and sometimes painful, but in the latest book from the Heath Brothers , the offer some great insights on change and share how you can lead change when it’s hard.
Runners Up…
Church Unique by Will Mancini
Branding Faith by Phil Cooke
Tribes by Seth Godin
Meatball Sundae by Seth Godin
The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell
Made to Stick by Chip Heath & Dan Heath
Strengths Finder 2.0 by Tom Rath
Drive by Daniel Pink
The INDEX Books
Socialnomics by Eric Qualman
Culture Making by Andy Crouch
The Divine Commodity by Skye Jethani
Your Thoughts…
- Agree/Disagree with any of my choices?
- What books would you add to the list?
- What books have impacted the way you do your job in church communications?
