I was asked to write an article for our church's newsletter about a new reading program our library committee introduced in January of this year. We're only three months into Read to Grow, but so far it's been a success with those who are participating. Start a program like this in your church too! If you have any questions about how it works, leave it in the comments.
“The function of a good book is to stand like a signpost guiding the reader to the Truth and the Life.”
~A. W. Tozer
~A. W. Tozer
In January, fourteen Trinity URC readers and reader-families accepted the challenge of Read to Grow, a new program sponsored by the library committee. The goal of Read to Grow is to help readers grow spiritually as they increase their knowledge of the Scriptures by reading great Christian literature. The program helps our church library grow as well.
Late in 2010, Trinity members were invited to participate in the program, and fourteen individuals and families signed up. The program coordinator then selected fourteen books on a variety of subjects that would be circulated among the participants for the next fourteen months. The cost of the books was divided among the participants, with each participant paying about seven dollars to participate.
On the first Sunday in January, each participant received a book in their church mailbox. And each first Sunday of the month after that through February 2012, participating readers pass along the book they have been reading to the next reader on the schedule. At the end of the rotation, the books will be donated to the library so that all the members of Trinity can have an opportunity to read them.
Several factors affected book selection. Because the books will ultimately end up in the church library, they had to meet the education committee’s guidelines for library books. Also, because readers have only a month to read the book, it was important to keep page counts reasonable—around two hundred pages at the most. And because men, women, teens, and even a few children are participating, it was important to choose titles that would have a broad appeal.
The various titles include children’s fiction and history books (that adults will learn from and enjoy too); several practical Christian living books on topics such as evangelism and family relationships; Bible-study-focused books on subjects like the seven signs in the gospel of John, how Jesus is revealed in the Old Testament feasts, and the happiness of heaven; and an exciting, inspiring autobiography of a godly young missionary who was held in a Japanese prison camp during World War II.
Participating readers are already finding Read to Grow to be a helpful program. Pastor Vos comments: “The Read to Grow program is a most beneficial program for the church, as it not only encourages us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ through good Christian literature, but also cultivates a sense of community as we read the same works. The added benefit is that for a very minimal cost, we are able to build the church library for the benefit of many for years to come. I encourage everyone (young and old alike) to participate and ‘read to grow.’” Rebecca Wright finds that it helps her be more diligent in her reading: “Read to Grow puts feet on my good intentions to read more faith-building books. The genius is its simplicity: one book, one month, pass it on. Simple and fun!” Jake Vierzen appreciates how the program is increasing his knowledge: “I joined Read to Grow because I wanted to continue to know God’s Word more, to deepen my understanding of Him, and because the deadlines would assist me in getting the books read! I have been very appreciative of the books that have been selected.”
Reading is an important discipline for the Christian, and a program like Read to Grow encourages us to read books that will help us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). Those of us who are reading to grow in 2011 hope that you’ll join us in a new cycle of Read to Grow that will begin, Lord willing, in 2012. But those who want to start reading don’t need to wait until 2012 to begin. Visit our church library and get in training now with some great Christian books so that you are ready to take up the Read to Grow challenge in 2012.
