I asked my pastor friends on twitter a simple question: “What’s the best book you’ve read lately? Any category, genre, author, style.” A reply from a friend of mine, Michael Stovall, got me thinking. Here’s what he said: “@jimperdue 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish … Dr. Seuss”

Now, I know my buddy was joking, but in a way I’m sure he was serious too.  Here’s what I mean. As a dad of four small children, some of the most important books I read will not be the leadership books, ministry books, theology books, or preaching books on my shelf. Instead, they will be the books I read to my children.

I know this is anathema to many of my pastor friends. But please hear me. I believe in leadership, ministry, theology, and preaching. I believe in the gospel, missions, evangelism, and church growth. But I also believe in being a dad to my kids – I’m the only one they have.

So, there are days where some of the most important pages I’ll turn (other than my Bible) will be Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Quick as a Cricket, or Hop on Pop. I’m not sure that these readings will score me points with the ministry elite. But I want to be a hero to my kids. I want them to love Jesus because they’ve seen a daddy who loves Jesus – and loves them too!