2 reasons why John Ortberg is my favourite author

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John Ortberg is my favourite author. If you don’t know who he is, here is a short bio of him:

John Ortberg is an evangelical Christian author, speaker, and senior pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California. His books center around how faith in Christ can impact our everyday lives with God.

I was first introduced to John Ortberg’s books back in 2004 when I read “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.” This book had a huge impact on my life. It challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and to step out in faith trusting God.

Since then I have read almost all of John Ortberg’s other books:

The Life You’ve Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (The best book on Spiritual Disciplines that I have ever read.)
The Me I Want to Be: Becoming God’s Best Version of You (I highly recommend this book. It changed my life tremendously!)
When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box (This strategy-filled playbook walks you through what it takes to really win big at the game of life.)
Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them (This book shares wisdom and tools for drawing closer to others in powerful, impactful ways.)
God Is Closer Than You Think (A powerful reminder of how much God loves us.)

In August of 2012 John Ortberg released his most recent book “Who Is This Man?: The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus“ I haven’t read this one yet but I will soon!

2 reasons why John Ortberg is my favourite author:

1. Readability.

I find John Ortberg’s books very easy to read. They present great truths but in a way that is easy to understand. I love how he uses lots of illustrations to make the truths he is sharing come alive.

2. Practical life applications.

John Ortberg’s books are very practical. They are not just talking about theories and best case scenarios. What he writes is extremely practical to everyday living.

John Ortberg is speaking at a conference this week

I am so excited that I am going to hear John Ortberg speak this week at the “Knowing Christ” conference in Santa Barbara, California. I have listened to many of his teachings on video but I have never heard him in person.

A really cool thing about this conference is that they are live streaming it so that everyone can participate in the conference! If you are interested in participating in the live streaming of the conference click here for more details!

I am also very excited to get away with my wonderful wife Lauren for a week! This is a huge priority for us and we are blessed to have the opportunity to do this.

Who is your favourite author and why? Have you read any of John Ortberg’s books? If so, which ones?

Kevin Martineau

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I am the Pastor at Port Hardy Baptist Church on Northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I am married to my best friend and I have three beautiful daughters.

10 responses to 2 reasons why John Ortberg is my favourite author

Mary February 19, 2013 at 11:29 am

Hooray you can go to the conference! Be blessed. My favorite author is Marion Bond West – I was saved at age 28 after reading her book “Learning to Lean.” If you don’t know her, she’s written lots for Guideposts.

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- Kevin Martineau February 19, 2013 at 1:54 pm
  
  I am not familiar with this author Mary but I will check her out.
  
  Thanks for sharing.
  
  Reply
Chery Schmidt February 19, 2013 at 5:34 pm

Hi Kevin! I have never heard of Ortberg before, I do like the title of the first book you ever read from him If you want to walk on water you have to get out of the boat. Now this would probably be something I would pick up. My favorite author This is tough, OK Joseph Murphy! This was the first book that was given to me by my mentor. This opened new doors for me I guess this is why he comes to mind. Thanks for sharing Chery OH Have a Great Vacation & Enjoy Sunny California!

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- Kevin Martineau February 24, 2013 at 3:25 pm
  
  Thanks for sharing Chery!
  
  Reply
Thomas Mason February 19, 2013 at 6:45 pm

I’ve read The Life You’ve Always Wanted and the Water/Boat book. I may be inspired to pick up a couple of his other titles.

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- Kevin Martineau February 24, 2013 at 3:26 pm
  
  You won’t be disappointed if you do Thomas!
  
  Thanks for sharing.
  
  Reply
David Rupert February 20, 2013 at 6:33 am

Kevin, I have to tell you that JO’s books are perfect for small groups. The material is engaging and he has great insight. I agree with you on this.

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- Kevin Martineau February 24, 2013 at 3:27 pm
  
  Thanks for sharing David!
  
  Reply
Kathy February 21, 2013 at 10:09 am

I’ve read a couple of his books also. You’re right on with the readability aspect. It’s relevant even for those who are not sure of their faith/beliefs. I’ve seen him in person at the American Association of Christian Counselors Conferences in Nashville. I’m not sure if he’ll be there this year. I hope so!

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- Kevin Martineau February 24, 2013 at 3:28 pm
  
  I really enjoyed listening to him this past week. He is such an excellent teacher.
  
  Thanks for sharing Kathy!
  
  Reply

2 reasons why John Ortberg is my favourite author