What are you reading? Do you have a plan? I used to read very indiscriminately (which is better than not 
reading at all) until I was challenged on this issue. I now try to read a little more widely and to read with particular focus in mind. I read leadership, theology, history, and even fiction. I find that the more I read, the more I am reading, the easier sermon prep flows because I am writing out of my reading and research, not trying to read and research so that I can write (as a side note, I also keep a file of quotations from my reading that can be accessed from this site by clicking on sermon illustrations above).
So, right now I am reading with a few things particularly in my mind.
- Current and future sermon series. I know that I will be preaching through the book of Daniel early next year so I have several commentaries on the book of Daniel for my perusal as I begin laying those sermons out. Also looking at a series on the Seven Deadly Sins and hope that Driscoll’s Religion Saves will offer some good resources on that.
- Doctoral Work. In January I start my first Ph.D. class and have already ordered my books and began reading them. I know that I have to have them finished before class in January and I know that books on writing and research are not high on my enjoyment list, so I started them early in order to pace myself.
- The Reformation. I have a particular affinity for the Protestant Reformation and so I have a couple of books that have been on my shelf waiting for October (or Reformation Month as I like to call it). One is a gorgeous 1846 copy of a book called the Life of Luther that my mother-in-law gave me for my birthday. I also know that I am preaching a revival through the five solas of the reformation this month, so reading in this material will give me fresh illustrations for those sermons.
- Personal Growth/Accountability. A pastor friend and I have started a weekly accountability meeting and we are reading together. Right now, our book is Leaders that Last (which is a great book that I have read before and would recommend to you).
- The Lord Of The Rings. This is purely for enjoyment.
What are you reading and why?
