With the Thanksgiving and holiday shopping season set to begin this week, I wanted to provide you this resource to help you find the perfect gifts for the Christian leaders in your life. These books have had a significant impact in my leadership and I know they would help encourage and equip you as well. The following are listed in alphabetical order by the author.
- What a better place to start than Randy Alcorn’s Heaven. Randy has written the definitive work on the topic. All followers of Jesus are going there. Shouldn’t you know everything you can about your future home?
- Our Covenant God: Living In The Security Of His Unfailing Love by Kay Arthur. There is a lot of confusion about what God’s love truly is. This book reveals the covenant bond to be the highest personal relationship possible. In ancient times, covenants were solemn, binding agreements supremely honored above all others. As you follow the thread of God’s covenant woven throughout the Bible, you’ll discover the awesome privilege of getting to know the Lord as your Covenant God.
- The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams And Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson. Sharing inspiring stories from his own experiences as a circle maker, Mark Batterson will help you uncover your heart’s deepest desires and God-given dreams and unleash them through the kind of audacious prayer that God delights to answer.
- Creativity, Inc by Ed Catmull. This is the one pure business book on the list. Whether understanding the creative process, building teams or dealing with high-capcaity leaders like Steve Jobs, this is one of the Top 3 leadership books I have ever read. To read quotes from the book click HERE.
- Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn’t Good Enough by Justin Davis. I am not overstating this – this book may save your marriage and your ministry career. Justin was kind enough to provide me an advance copy of his new book and I’m glad he did. For anyone in ministry or Christian leadership, Justin’s book is a resource every husband and wife should read together.
- David And Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, And The Art Of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell. What you perceive as a personal weakness may in fact be your greatest strength. Simply one of the best leadership books I’ve ever read. Click HERE for quotes and a preview of the book.
- Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future by Derwin Gray is incredibly inspirational. I especially enjoyed the accounts of the countless changed lives of the people of Transformation Church which he pastors. Pastors, you will never view the people in your church the same way again. Click HERE for quotes and a preview.
- Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt. It has never been easier for a leader to build a platform that influences others. What I like about Michael’s book is it tells you everything from the fundamentals of how to set up a Twitter account to the most advanced practices of social media experts. This is a tool every Christian leader will re-visit over and over.
- Leadership Axioms: Powerful Leadership Proverbs by Bill Hybels. I have never read a book that packs more broad-based Christian leadership principles into a single book. Each chapter is concise, easy to read, and powerful. I recommend every church board, staff, or leadership team go through this book as a collective exercise.
- Leadership As An Identity by Crawford Loritts. Most leadership books focus solely on the skills, task and assignments leaders are to carry out. What I love most about this book is it focuses on becoming the type of leader God can use to accomplish great things through. Also, Crawford is my pastor. So buy the book!
- Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan. Tony’s book influenced my leadership more than any book listed. I have modeled this website after Tony’s as well as much of my approach to solutions-based ministry. Just a great read.
- Leading Change Without Losing It by Carey Nieuwhof is the best book on the subject of change and transitioning Christian ministry in a modern context I’ve ever read.
- Treasures From The Dark by Ike Reighard. An absolute must-read for any Christian leader who has suffered tragedy or significant disappointment and needs the plan and inspiration to come back. If you know someone going through a difficult time during this holiday season, please give them the gift of this book. Also, if you know a family who has suffered the loss of a young child, purchase The C In Christmas Is Greater Than The C In cancer by Aaron Chivington. This is a short, powerful children’s book that will be a great encouragement this Christmas for parents as well.
- Oxen by Joseph Sangl. Pastors are constantly looking for quality resources to invest into the lives of their business leaders. Well, look no further. Joe’s book is a vital resource for marketplace leaders who wish to expand their financial portfolio in a way that honors God and serves others.
- Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurched People Love to Attend by Andy Stanley. I feel this is the definitive church leadership book of this generation. From how he handled his parents’ divorce to the launch of North Point Community Church and the implementation of its ministry strategies, this is a classic that every Christian leader should own. For leadership quotes and lessons from the book, click HERE and HERE.
Finally, it may be slightly self-serving but my book 10 Indispensable Practices Of The 2-Minute Leader is a must for leaders wishing to accomplish the vision God has placed in your heart. Perfect for developing your church’s or business leaders in small group or one-on-one environments. Electronic copies can be purchased by clicking HERE. Hard-cover and study guides can be ordered by clicking HERE.
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