For a while now, leadership has been a buzzword in church\u2026leadership! It is the top subject of Christian ministry, more than pastoral work or care. Why is that? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While leadership can seem like one elusive characteristic or trait, it\u2019s more than just a single quality. Leadership encompasses what it takes to guide a group of people or organization, communicate effectively and step up during difficult times and it requires self-discipline, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even if you lead without a shadow of a doubt, we can all become better leaders through reading and exposure to new perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To help encourage your growth as a church leader, here are 78 books to help you in every area of leadership you are working to strengthen within yourself and your church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The hardest person to lead is yourself. You have no perspective on yourself, even when your self-awareness is very good! When you learn to guide yourself first, you become a better leader, with Christ-like character, which in return, your team and congregants benefit from. A better you blesses your church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Start With Why by SIMON SINEK<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This one is about the discovery of your purpose! The book gives practical steps to find your inner motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Managing Oneself by PETER DRUCKER<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Written by one of the best leaders of all time. who\u2019s considered the father of modern management, this short book will reward you with its insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Emotional Intelligence by DANIEL GOLEMAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Written 25 years ago, this well-researched,neuroscience-based book discusses how self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy will help you rise above the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Enemies Of The Heart by ANDY STANLEY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some emotions are hard to deal with as a pastor. Stanley writes on these four enemies: guilt, anger, greed, and jealousy. One of several very pertinent books from Stanley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. Primal Leadership by DANIEL GOLEMAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaders need to develop the ability to show compassion, collaborate with others and be self-aware. This book is a must-read for all leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. 8 Keys to Self-Leadership: From Awareness to Action<\/a> By DARIO NARDI <\/p>\n\n\n\n This book is useful in the sense that it helps use the gifts and talents you already possess. And it will challenge you to keep growing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7. Shaping Your Future with 6 Dimensions of Success: A Roadmap for Self-Leadership in Life and Work By DuANNE REDUS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This short read (less than 150 pages) will guide you, using a personal road map, in order to eliminate barriers and limiting factors in your life. So go read it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8. Self Leadership: The Art of Becoming a Leader By RYAN REED<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The book begins with this question: are you a leader others will follow into hell? While you want to bring people to heaven and not hell, you do want to become the leader that people will follow you anywhere!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9. Habitudes\u2014Images That Form Leadership Habits and Attitudes (The Art of Self-Leadership A Faith-Based Resource) by TIM ELMORE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n New to the John Maxwell Team, Elmore wrote this great book for anyone who is aspiring to be a great leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 10. Under the Unpredictable Plant: An Exploration in Vocational Holiness By EUGENE H. PETERSON<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Message\u2019s translator offers insights and wisdom in this perineal book. He wrote it while he was going through some major ministerial crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 11. Leadership from the Inside Out: Becoming a Leader for Life By KEVIN CASHMAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDevelop the whole person to grow the whole leader\u201d is his slogan. This book will do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 12. The Spiritual Leader: A Guidebook for Pastors and Christian Leaders By PAUL CHAPPELL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Biblical influence is an essential part of your role as a pastor. You will be challenged to live out your calling after reading all 300 pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 13. The Spiritual Life of a Leader: A God-Centered Leadership Style By BOB BAILEY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll enjoy this one if you want to serve spiritual needs and sharpen your skills at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 14. The Life-Giving Leader: Learning to Lead from Your Truest Self By TYLER REAGIN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Matching your personality and your calling is fundamental to serving your church. You can then release the life-giver in you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15. Leadership from the Inside Out: Examining the Inner Life of a Healthy Church Leader By KEVIN G. HARNEY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The stories of fallen Christian leaders are too common and become subjects of irony, sarcasm, and gossip. You don\u2019t want to be that story, and this road map of self-examination will be VERY helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starting off in leadership is not always easy yet, it is necessary! These books will help you in your formative years as a leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 16. The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth: Live Them and Reach Your Potential by JOHN MAXWELL<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Maxwell has written many bestsellers focused on leadership. You can choose any of them but this one is about growth and that is something you want for your church and yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 17. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by STEPHEN R. COVEY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over 25 million sold can\u2019t be wrong. Period!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18. Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by THE ARBINGER INSTITUTE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Change your mindset, change your outcomes. This book will help you change how you think way more than change your behavior. And that just might be what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19. Leading from the Inside Out: The Art of Self-Leadership By SAMUEL D. RIMA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Living out your full potential is a hard thing to do. As a pastor himself, Rima gives practical steps to live out your best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20. Self Leadership and the One Minute Manager: Increasing Effectiveness Through Situational Self Leadership by KEN BLANCHARD, SUSAN FOWLER and al.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Blanchard\u2019s name doesn\u2019t need any presentation. And excuses are not part of his language. This one is so worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21. The First-Time Manager by JIM MCCORMICK<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re new at leading and managing, this step-by-step guide will be more than useful to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22. Crucible Leadership: Embrace Your Trials to Lead a Life of Significance by WARWICK FAIRFAX<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Crucible moments are those when trials, hardships, and failures mold us into who you become. This book will help you uncover your way in leadership through the lessons learned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 23. The Savage Leader: 13 Principles to Become a Better Leader from the Inside Out By DARREN DOUGLAS REINKE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Pretty aggressive title to help you become, well, a leader! <\/p>\n\n\n\n 24. Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know By ADAM GRANT<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rethinking and unlearning are new superpowers for the pastor leading a church in a new era. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 25. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership By HENRY J. M. NOUWEN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Being relevant, powerful, and spectacular are pitfalls the Christian leaders should stay away from. You need to (re)read this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 26. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by GREG MCKEOWN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The title of this powerful book says it all. If you regularly feel overwhelmed in your leadership, invest time and money right here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 27. Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives By RICHARD SWENSON<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the same vein as the previous one, this one is promoted as \u201cThis book is for anyone who yearns for relief from the pressure of overload.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 28. On Becoming a Leader by WARREN BENNIS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLeaders are made, not born\u201d was coined by Bennis. His book is referenced by many of today\u2019s top leaders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 29. True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership by BILL GEORGE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a blueprint for developing leaders. It will help you map out a plan to harness your professional growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 30. The Aspiring Leader’s Guide to the Future: 9 Surprising Ways Leadership Is Changing By CLAY SCROGGINS<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leadership in this new area requires new demands of leaders. This book is here to help you adapt at the same rate of change in our churches!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Communication is the heart of leadership. You preach on Sunday, you offer wise counsel to your churchgoers, you cast vision to your leaders. All of these things rely on your ability and capacity to communicate. These works will be very useful for improving your communication skills as a leader. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 31. Communicating for a Change by ANDY STANLEY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stanley is recognized as one of the best communicators of his generation and in this book, he unpacks \u201cSeven Keys to Irresistible Communication\u201d as the subtitle puts it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 32. Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of Storytelling by MATTHEW DICKS and DAN KENNEDY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The authors, with humor, fun, and facts, will help you become the best storyteller you can be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 33. How Highly Effective People Speak: How High Performers Use Psychology to Influence With Ease (Speak for Success) by PETER ANDREI<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this book, Andrei studied communicators and read different studies in order to share their communication secrets. He did the work for you, use it! <\/p>\n\n\n\n 34. Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance by ERICA DHAWAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This new book is on the Wall Street Journal\u2019s bestseller list, and it will equip you to communicate on any platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 35. The Art of Connecting: How to Overcome Differences, Build Rapport, and Communicate Effectively with Anyone by CLAIRE RAINES AND LARA EDWING<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This book tells you how to build a bridge between \u201cyou” and \u201cthem\u201d when you communicate. Every time, it works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 36. How to Win Friends and Influence People By DALE CARNEGIE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The classic amongst classics. 6 ways to make people like you is a fun read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 37. Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by JOHN C. MAXWELL<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Connecting and communicating are two different concepts and you\u2019ll not only learn the difference but master them with some practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 38. How to Talk to Anyone About Anything: Improve Your Social Skills, Master Small Talk, Connect Effortlessly, and Make Real Friends By JAMES W. WILLIAMS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Small talk is an efficient way to start building rapport with people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 39. The Elevated Communicator: How to Master Your Style and Strengthen Well-Being at Work by MARYANNE O’BRIEN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n From Amazon: \u201cDiscover your communication style and elevate consciousness at work to build trust, strengthen collaboration, relieve stress, and improve wellbeing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 40. I Said This, You Heard That – Workbook by KATHLEEN EDELMAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although this is a video series, I\u2019ll post it as a \u201cbook\u2019! You\u2019ll be able to access an assessment that will greatly improve your communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 41. Communicating with Grace and Virtue: Learning to Listen, Speak, Text, and Interact as a Christian by QUENTIN J. SCHULTZE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n New book with a very interesting title! This quick read (160 pages) will put back \u201cChrist\u201d in your Cristian communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 42. Speak: So Your Audience Will Listen – 7 Steps to Confident and Authentic Public Speaking By ROBIN KERMODE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These 7 steps are a perfect start to your journey to become a more confident and effective communicator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 43. Reversed Pyramid: The Punch Point Principle in Speech, Answer and Text By STEFAN WACHTEL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A new vantage point in communication. Refreshing and worth the read. You\u2019ll learn to communicate your ideas with great clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 44. How to Win an Argument: An Ancient Guide to the Art of Persuasion (Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers) By CICERO, edited by JAMES M. MAY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the wisdom may be old, it\u2019s still unbelievably relevant. This harder read is a great lesson in persuading others. This one gets the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Churches are built on the sacrifice and investment of many, not on the talents of a few. Most churches are led by paid staff but run by volunteers and teammates. An efficient pastor like you developing a knack at growing teams will be highly successful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 45. Leaders Eat Last by SIMON SINEK <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you want your ministry to matter? Do you want to inspire others? This is a must-read. Don\u2019t forget to take notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 46. How to Win Friends and Influence People by DALE CARNEGIE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Time-tested, result-proven, and easy to read. Go get it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 47. Dare to Lead by BRENE BROWN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brown\u2019s words on courage, vulnerability, and bravery will dare you to lead as you can. And should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 48. Uncommon Leadership By BEN NEWMAN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Studying athletes, coaches, CEOs, and more, Newman gives us more than a glimpse of these individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 49. The 5 Roles of Leadership: Tools & best practices for personable and effective leaders by WLADISLAW JACHTCHENKO<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Using the 5 roles (psychologist, team leader, problem solver, communicator, and manager) effectively is key in making your church move forward. This book will give you the \u201chow-to\u201d tools!<\/p>\n\n\n\n 50. Spiritual Leadership: Moving People on to God’s Agenda by HENRY T. BLACKABY AND RICHARD BLACKABY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Their take on spiritual success is very different than business success. Just for that, this well-regarded book is worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 51. Spiritual Leadership, Spiritual Discipleship, Spiritual Maturity Set of 3 Sanders books By OSWALD J. SANDERS <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This series of books is a great addition to any spiritual leader’s reading list who is serious about learning the most important principles true faith leaders possess. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 52. Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter By LIZ WISEMAN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning how to focus on unlocking people\u2019s genius traits is a remarkable ability. Wiseman will help you with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 53. The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business By PATRICK LENCIONI<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lencioni has written many leadership books, appears in many big Christian leadership conferences and this work is a great summary of his powerful writings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 54. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us By DANIEL H. PINK<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Money is not the only motivator for employees. You know this. Learn more about other important factors, like purpose and betterment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 55. Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits By LESLIE CRUTCHFIELD and McLEOD GRANT<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The authors relate studies on wonderful and impactful non-profits (isn\u2019t your church one?!) and what drove them to prominence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 56. Doing Good Better by WILLIAM MACASKILL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The book is a discovery of what motivates volunteers and donors. If you want to lead your teams well, this is a must-have. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 57. Volunteer Leadership: 7 Disciplines to Undisputed Success by DAVID A. KITCHEN and REV. MICHAEL BERNARD LATTIMORE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Helping volunteer reach their full potential is essential in churches. You will learn the power of volunteer leadership in this one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 58. Leading Not Normal Volunteers: A Not Normal Guide for Leading Your Incredible, Quirky Team By SUE MILLER and ADAM DUCKWORTH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Amazon: The authors \u201cshow you how to lead your volunteers in practical and unexpected ways, how to leverage their quirks, and how to equip them to become incredible at what they do.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 59. The Volunteer Effect: How Your Church Can Find, Train, and Keep Volunteers Who Make a Difference By JASON YOUNG and JONATHAN MALM<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The title of this impactful read really sums it up. Whether it\u2019s you doing the work or finding the right person to manage this essential aspect of church leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your church needs various strategies to move forward. These books are about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 61. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by PATRICK LENCIONI <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Churches function on teams, many of them led by unpaid volunteers. Knowing what breaks teams and builds them up then becomes a necessity. This book will help you with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 62. Intentional Living: Choosing a Life that Matters by JOHN MAXWELLl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Business leadership guru of the 21st century, man of faith, pastor. Living life with purposeful intention and actions changed his life and the lives of millions of other people. Worth every penny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 63. Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers: A Handbook By JOAN S. GRAY<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n This handbook should be read along with elders, leaders, and deacons from your church. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 64. Spiritual Influence: The Hidden Power Behind Leadership by MEL LAWRENZ<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n With 30 years of ministry, you gain a wealth of experiences. You\u2019ll learn how to use this hidden power of influence which allows you to make a difference and create a lasting impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 65. The Extraordinary Power of Leader Humility: Thriving Organizations & Great Results by MARILYN GIST<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may imagine leaders as being strong, powerful, self-sufficient. That may be true in many cases but Gist declares that humility is what will get you the results you want. The book will give you clear examples and insights to put into action. A new classic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 66. The Art of Caring Leadership: How Leading with Heart Uplifts Teams and Organizations by HEATHER R. YOUNGER<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a pastor, caring for your people is a must. This book includes 9 ways to ensure you are doing so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 67. Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs by JOHN DOERR AND LARRY PAGE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Objectives and Key Results, OKR is a business value to measure growth. It may not always apply to your church world, but it will be useful in seasons of growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 68. The Dichotomy of Leadership: Balancing the Challenges of Extreme Ownership to Lead and Win By JOCKO WILLINK, LEIF BABIN<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Balancing is the keyword of this book. Balancing your people, mission, and yourself is necessary for the extremes of leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 69. The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership by JOHN C. MAXWELL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 21 leadership lessons explained by one of the best, what more can you ask for? You and your church need this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 70. The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by DANIEL COYLE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n For your church to grow and live in unity, a strong culture needs to be set and you\u2019ll learn just how to do that with this riveting read, featuring anecdotes from some of today\u2019s most successful groups. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 71. Who Not How by DAN SULLIVAN & DR. BENJAMIN HARDY<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n HOW and WHO have the same letters but when it\u2019s time to handle the newness of a challenge, you usually go with the first. The authors explain why you should go with the latter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 72. Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory by TOD BOLSINGER <\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This new season of ministry is uncharted territories begging to be discovered. You\u2019ll discover practical tools and great insights in this one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 73. The Five Levels Of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential by JOHN C. MAXWELL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps not his most famous book but you will instantly recognize yourself in many of his descriptions, but mostly, you\u2019ll discover ways to develop yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When times get tough, leaders step up. Let these powerful books help guide you through the hard times and seasons of change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 74. Leadership in Turbulent Times by DORIS KEARNS GOODWIN<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a once-in-a-lifetime book. Kearns, who worked for Lyndon B. Johnson, traces the life of four presidents and how they led through turbulent times. Don\u2019t miss this great read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 75. Abraham Lincoln: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership By ELTON TRUEBLOOD<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n He led the country in arguably its toughest crisis yet. Even if most historians can\u2019t determine where Lincoln stood religiously, it is clear that his moral standards guided him. Truly a great read for any leader during hard times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 76. Leading Change By JOHN P. KOTTER<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Kotter\u2019s 8 step-process is legendary. Let this book help you manage any crisis your church may face with a proven process.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSECTION 2: ASPIRING LEADERS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SECTION 3: COMMUNICATION<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SECTION 4: LEADING PEOPLE<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SECTION 5: LEADING ORGANIZATIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
SECTION 6: LEADING THROUGH CHANGE, CRISIS & DIFFICULT TIMES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n