Author Archives: chadzaucha

It is actually rare that I re-read a book that is not a Bible commentary, but this one is an exception.  It is the story of a small church pastor who learns to depend on the Holy Spirit through prayer.  These are lessons I am still trying to learn.  The gut-level honest stories of struggle and triumph inspire me and give me hope.  I have great appreciation for Jim Cymbala and all that God has done at the Brooklyn Tabernacle.  It makes the cut of 20 “must pack” books.

Well, what did you expect? But the truth is that I LOVE the ESV Study Bible.  The translation is the perfect combination of being literal (word-for-word) and yet readable.  Further, the Study Bible is like having a whole library of biblical resources in one volume:  book intros, study notes, maps, articles, and so much more.  If I am taking only one book with me, this is it, no question.  In addition, the purchase of the hard copy gave me access to all of these resources online as well.  A must-have, must-pack resource.

Packing is always hard for me (how many socks will I really need for a week-long trip?).  When you are packing for a cross-country relocation, the stakes are even higher.  Add to that the magnitude of a pastor’s library and there are some tough decisions to be made: Which of these books do I really need?  Which of them will I really use again?  Which will I really miss if I don’t take them?  The situation makes for a unique opportunity to evaluate which books I truly appreciate and why.  So, for the next few weeks I want to share with you at least 20 books that I feel are “must pack” to make the trek to Michigan.  Maybe some of them you will want to check out for yourself.

I mentioned this book on Sunday.  I haven’t read it yet, but I plan to.  I am becoming much more aware of my own spiritual ADD and can’t help but think that my phone has a lot to do with it–like literally rewiring my brain.  Jesus said to Martha that really only one thing is necessary:  spending focused, unhurried time at His feet.  How badly is my phone messing with that one all important thing?  What could/should I do about it?  Stay tuned…

Last Sunday was Dave McMahon’s last Sunday as Sr. Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Cadillac, MI. “Mac” has played such a significant role in who I have become as a person and as a pastor.  Here are just a few things I appreciate about Pastor Dave:

1. He took me under his wing when I was just starting in ministry.  I remember one of the first things he did was to take me to O’Neil’s to buy a desk and set-up an office.   I felt validated from day one.
2. He gave me lots of room to grow.  Whether I was painting the Underground black (sorry about that…) or launching the Renaissance, he patiently and humbly let me spread my wings.  I was given permission to try, fail, learn, and grow.
3. He modeled for me how to lead a church through times of crises.  I watched intently on multiple occasions when he entered into difficult situations with just the right words at just the right time.  He is a man of great courage and fortitude.  I want to be like that.
4. He taught me by example that we are called not just to pastor a local church but to pastor a community.   Not only did First Baptist lose a pastor on Sunday, but so did all of Cadillac.

I look forward to his continued influence in my life and pray that God will give me the ability to continue the faithful work that he has begun.  

Really enjoying this book so far and learning the much needed principle of having soft edges and a firm center.