As the summer sun beckons us to relax and unwind, there’s no better companion than a good book or podcast.
So we decided to survey the CAFO team to see which titles and series are captivating their attention this season.
From spiritual formation to time management to books on prayer, discipleship and overcoming adversity – we think you’ll enjoy hearing from the team and hope you will discover something new for your summer reading and listening list, too!
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Jason Weber, National Director of More Than Enough
Currently reading: Lead With Prayer by Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer, and Cameron Doolittle
“This book provides practical insights into the prayer habits of leaders around the world who God is using to make great impact. Our More Than Enough team will be going through it together this next month and exploring how we might implement some of these practices on our team and in the broader More Than Enough community.”
Aaron Goin, Chief Operating Office
Currently reading: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
“I’m excited to read ‘Slow Productivity’ by Cal Newport because it seems that the pace of work is only accelerating, with task lists continually growing, leaving very little time for truly productive work. Newport’s previous book, ‘Deep Work,’ significantly changed my approach to structuring work. I’m eager to dive into this new book to learn more about achieving sustainable productivity.”
Jedd Medefind, President
Currently reading: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport
“Newport is masterful at helping citizens of an always-on world to escape the faster-is-always-better lie. He provides very practical advice for a more natural and enjoyable rhythm of work — one that can be tremendously productive by increasing our focus, prioritization, and effectiveness in work and also the rest of life, too.”f
Recently Finished: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids aren’t Growing Up by Abigail Schrier
“The profound breakdown of mental health among youth in the West is among the most important and critical questions of our day. Bad Therapy presents a case that – instead of addressing the most important root problems and providing the things that children (and all humans) need to thrive – our culture has instead emphasized therapy and medication as the primary remedies for what is ailing our children. Schrier argues persuasively that this approach has not only failed to help in many cases but has, in fact, contributed to and amplified many of the problems. She describes the net result as iatrogenic — harm caused amidst sincere attempts to heal. The book will no doubt spur a wide range of reactions, but it’s well-worth grappling with for anyone who cares deeply about children … and the future wellbeing of our society.”
Jeremiah Brown, Operations Director for More Than Enough
Currently listening to: Craig Groschel’s Leadership Podcast
“For me I am an avid listener to Craig Groschel’s Leadership podcast because it gives practical leadership ideas and challenges, but most of it is based on having a powerful prayer life – which leads me to what I am really excited about.
Currently reading: Lead with Prayer by Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer and Cameron Doolittle
“I’m excited about this book as I’m really wanting everything that the MTE team does, our community, and even what I do personally to be set forth in a powerful prayer life. This book goes through many different principles that have marked the prayer lives of Believers (and as exemplified by Jesus) throughout Christian history.”
Joy Ellen Fitterer, Learning Manager, CAFO Research Center
Currently reading: Melissa Boyd’s Children’s Book Skills for Kids Book Series on Healthy Coping Skills (Better Together, B is for Breathe, Creating Calm in 5,4,3,2,1, Keeping it Cool, Kindness is Cool)
“As a mom of kids who have experienced adversity, I’m always looking for ways to teach them about their emotions and help them become aware of their thoughts and feelings. The picture books in the “Healthy Coping Skills” series are perfect for this purpose. They provide children with valuable tools to identify healthy coping strategies, which in turn strengthen their emotion regulation, social development, wellness, and mindfulness. Moreover, reading these books together as a family is a wonderful way for us to connect and foster a shared joy for reading.”
Ashley Phelan, Senior Manager of Engagement
Recently finished: Jesus & Women: In the First Century and Now by Kristi McLelland
“I just finished this Bible Study, and it has helped me love Jesus even more. I found myself leaning in with excitement and anticipation as I worked through the book and watched the accompanying videos. It was fascinating to learn how to (first) read the bible with a Middle-Eastern Lens and (secondly) apply that to Jesus’ interaction with women in Scripture. I learned so many things that I didn’t know (especially about Jesus in his first-century world), but most of all how Jesus, in His grace, desires to bring all of us mishpat (justice) and tzedakah (righteousness). Hands down, the best Bible Study I have ever done.”
Elizabeth Correll, Vice President for Engagement
Currently reading: Lead with Prayer by Ryan Skoog, Peter Greer and Cameron Doolittle
“This is more than just another book emphasizing the need for prayer. This gem captures prayer practices by a plethora of leaders, laying them out in an easy and compelling read. In addition to being a great encouragement, the suggestions and principles I’ve been able to weave into my daily routine are already strengthening my faith and my work.”
Jenny Pope, Director of Communications
Currently reading: Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer
“This book is continuing to shape my understanding of discipleship. For so many years, discipleship has been described like mentorship — but it’s much more like apprenticeship. This book is helping me think about some of the more difficult (and let’s be honest, less enjoyable) aspects of living like Jesus. Things like solitude and silence don’t come easy, but they are just as critical to practice and pursue if we want to look more like He did. I highly recommend this book!”
