The Power of Reading

My wife is an avid reader, and I am surrounded by great friends who seem to effortlessly plow through books with an uncanny ability to take in and enjoy a vast array of genres and authors. One of the things I admire most about these readers is their intelligence. They have a depth and breadth of knowledge that is, in many cases, directly tied to their reading. I’ve long been aware of the impact that reading has on one’s worldview, intellect, and creativity, but I recently had a moment of reflection that spurred me into action.

I was reminded of a great quote, “Leaders are readers.” While I do not know who originally said it, I wholeheartedly agree. The idea is simple but powerful—leaders grow, learn, and thrive through continual learning, and one of the best ways to do that is by reading. As I seek to be a good leader as a husband, a father, and a pastor, I realized that reading could play a crucial role in my personal growth and leadership development.

This year, I challenged myself to read more books than I have in the past. I read often but typically in smaller chunks – portions or chapters of books – to gain specific insights for something I am teaching or preaching. However, I wanted to push myself to read entire books this year. To reach this goal, I incorporated both audiobooks and physical books into my routine, allowing me to read and listen to more books in a year.

As I made my way through a variety of books this year, I found that my reading habits not only expanded my knowledge but also enriched my perspective on life, leadership, and faith. Books have a unique way of broadening our horizons and challenging us in ways other forms of media cannot. While reading is often an independent activity, I read several of these books at the same time as my wife, friends or staff and found the discussion during and after reading particularly helpful.

Here are some of my favorite books from this year:

  • You Are A Theologian – Jen Wilkin and J.T. English
  • On Getting Out of Bed – Alan Noble
  • The Death of Porn – Ray Ortlund
  • Becoming Elisabeth Elliot and Being Elisabeth Elliot – Ellen Vaughn
  • Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara
  • ADHD is Awesome – Penn Holderness
  • Timothy Keller – Collin Hansen
  • The Mythmakers – John Hendrix
  • To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
  • Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt 
  • A Chance to Die – Elisabeth Elliot

If you are looking to grow in your own leadership or personal development, I encourage you to make reading (non-fiction and fiction) a regular part of your life.

Keep reading, keep pressing on and never stop learning! 

Author: Chad Hunsberger is the Lead Pastor of Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS.