Below is a list of recommended books and other resources that pastors and other church leaders will find helpful for ministry and personal growth.
A Pastor’s Guide for the Shadow of Depression by Gary H. Lovelace (Wesleyan Publishing House, 2014). Pastors face unique challenges and unrealistic expectations that can lead to feelings of failure, deep sadness, and depression. This book helps pastors identify and address depression in their lives.
BiVO: A Modern-Day Guide for Bi-Vocational Saints by Hugh Halter (Missio, 2014). With bi-vocational pastorates becoming more and more common, this book explores how to combine ministry and outside work.
Building a Discipleship Culture by Mike Breen (3DM, 2017). A proven approach for building followers of Jesus.
Called, Equipped and No Place to God by Randal Huber (Warner Press, 2000). A discussion on women in pastoral ministry, suitable for group discussion.
Called to Minister, Empowered to Serve edited by MaryAnn Hawkins (Warner Press, 2013). A comprehensive examination of women in ministry leadership.
The Elephant in the Boardroom: Speaking the Unspoken about Pastoral Transitions by Carolyn Weese and J. Russell Crabtree (Jossey-Bass, 2004). An excellent resource for churches working through a pastoral transition, or wanting to develop a strategic succession plan.
Leaders that Last: How Covenant Friendships Can Help Pastors Thrive by Gary Kinnaman and Albert Ells (Baker, 2003). Essential reading for pastors desiring greater effectiveness and health.
Legacy Churches by Stephen Gray and Franklin Dumond (ChurchSmart, 2009). A book of hope for struggling and declining congregations.
NEXT: Pastoral Succession that Works by William Vanderbloemen and Warren Bird (Baker, 2014). Another important book for planning ahead for pastoral succession.
The Permanent Revolution: Apostolic Imagination and Practice for the 21st Century Church by Alan Hirsch and Tim Catchim (Leadership Network, 2012). A powerful book on leadership and the church’s mission today.
The Present Future: Six Tough Questions for the Church by Reggie McNeal (Leadership Network, 2009). Provocative insights and discussion starter for church leaders wanting to navigate trends affecting the church.
Winning on Purpose: How to Organize Congregations to Succeed in their Mission by John Edmund Kaiser (Abingdon, 2006). The recommended guide for churches investigating organizational change. Presents the Accountable Leadership strategy, a proven model increasingly used across the PNA and the Church of God.