Why Should You Keep Reading?

Become part of a new season of reading, of bringing positive change through words and stories and understanding the importance of reading.

By Chris Maxwell

At a convention, four of us sat together for breakfast. We’d all served in pastoral ministry—the oldest had recently retired, I was in my early 60s and serving in pastoral ministry, and the other two were recent seminary graduates, both in their first pastorates.

I shifted the dialogue toward books. Books we’ve loved; books that impacted our lives the most; books we want to read again. The two recent seminary graduates offered deep ideas on scholarly literature, both admitting they weren’t reading as much as before. The retired minister told stories—from books he’d read and about books he was still reading.

I mainly listened. When it was my time to talk, I voiced a few comments—about my love for constant learning through books, about authors who continue impacting my life, about the importance of reading as a key discipline of spiritual formation.

I sat with a different group at lunch. And a different group at dinner. Each conversation went in a similar direction. From church trends and convention sessions to books. Academic books. Church trend books. About not as much reading these days. About more methods of obtaining information. And about only wanting books to help grow churches. In each conversation, I added a few closing comments about the therapy of opening pages, experiencing stories, learning new lessons, obtaining new information.

In the dinner discussion, one pastor began debating modern trends. We all listened; a few of us offering our concerns about the current decline in reading and the importance of reading for people of all ages. He quoted Proverbs 15:14, expressing concern for lack of reading.

A discerning mind seeks knowledge,
but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.

(CSB)

Stats on reading

A poll from 2021 indicated the decline was already occurring among college students, who were reading around six fewer books than college students between 2002 and 2016. In addition, Ralph Moller provided many interesting statistics and disturbing trends in his article “59 Reading Statistics and Facts You Should Know”:

• The average American adult reads only 12 books per year.
• 42% of college graduates never read another book after college.
• 4 in 5 households do not buy a single book in a year.
• 70% of people who visit a bookstore pick up a book but do not buy it.
• 90% of the books published in the U.S. never sell more than 100 copies.

Americans are reading less. Consider: 42% of college graduates never read another book after college and 4 in 5 households do not buy a single book in a year. Share on X

These articles also offer information about how books are healthy for us:

• Reading for just six minutes can reduce stress levels by 68%.
• Reading can increase empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school.
• Reading can improve sleep quality.
• Reading can increase vocabulary and improve writing skills.
• Reading can improve mental focus and concentration.
• Reading can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

With these realities, how can we respond correctly as leaders? What should we do? Where should we begin? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Begin reading regularly

Let reading be your primary activity of choice—a part of your personal discipleship. Let it be a key part of your job, helping you develop into the leader you should be.

“Let reading be your primary activity of choice—a part of your personal discipleship.” — @CMaxMan Share on X

Need ideas on where to begin and what to read? Here are two articles from Lifeway Research with suggestions on books to add to your reading list:

• 5 Books You Should Add to Your Reading List This Year
• 5 Books for Pastors to Read This Summer

2. Exercise your brain, not just your body

Workouts and exercises and diets bombard our feeds. But our brains are key components of our overall health. Let us be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).

Reading brings cognitive stimulation, stress reduction, and deeper understanding. It strengthens attention span and reinforces analytical skills.

But remember, not all people find reading easy. Do not look down on them or pressure them. People with brain damage, learning difficulties, or sensitive eyes need to find what works best for them.

Paperbacks or hardbacks might be a better fit than eBooks and screens—especially at night. Reading on an electronic device before bed can be detrimental to sleep. Be sensitive to the needs of others and offer various options.

3. Encourage others to join you in the adventure of reading

Read alone for your personal growth, yes. But invite others to join you. Schedule times to discuss books you’re reading. Call for reading like you’re inviting friends to enjoy a delicious meal. Offer it as an invitation, not as a demand.

“Call for reading like you’re inviting friends to enjoy a delicious meal. Offer it as an invitation, not as a demand.” — @CMaxMan Share on X

We watch games together, eat meals together, listen to music together. Shouldn’t we read books together? Shouldn’t we process and learn together?

4. Lead others with information provided by healthy books

Quote authors. Talk about the book you’re reading. Mention what positive impact the books are having on your life—there’s enough negative chatter roaming our digital world.

And refuse to let every invitation for a book reading be about church or leadership. Read a poem.

Become part of a new season of reading, of bringing positive change through words and stories. Begin moving. From screens to pages. From points to stories. And from quick-steps-to-success to long-walks-with-words. Begin moving forward, understanding the importance of reading.

For permission to republish this article, contact Marissa Postell Sullivan.