Not all of these books are specifically Christian. Most are, but some are not. The thing they have in common is that these books, in conjunction with scripture (of course) have helped shape my view of Christian leadership and Christian service. The two cannot be separated.
They Smell Like Sheep By Lynn Anderson – This and his second volume are extremely good at helping one understand the role of the shepherd. I am very appreciative that Lynn disarms much of the power and corporate-type authority structures and views that have influenced what Christian “leadership” is all about.
7 Practices of Effective Ministry By Andy Stanley – this book was foundational to me in helping me learn how to think through how to minister from a more organizational perspective. I did a short review of it here.
Multiplying Missional Leaders By Mike Breen – another book that is very organizational but also very pastorally minded. .This is a book designed to help reproduce leaders through huddle/small group mentoring…people discipling people so they can go and disciple others. Very practical.
As One Without Authority By Fred Craddock – This is a book on preaching but it deserves a spot here because it is an amazing paradigm changer in how we view preaching and the preacher. We realize that we do not have any authority in and of ourselves but that any authority that exists rests firmly in God’s hand. That is a very important point that every single preacher needs to understand.
Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton – Usually books go through my head to my heart, I think this one went the other way around. Must read on leadership. This book will dissect your heart and help you understand what is going on underneath it all and how to work out of a healthier perspective.
Battle Leadership by Adolf Von Schell – Lessons in Leadership from a German officer in WWI. You just can’t find this anywhere else! I wrote an extensive review on this a while back:
Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz – This book was recommended to me by my good friend Philip. It was written by a professor in Harvard business school and is one of the best books out there when it comes to leading to and through and challenges that organizations face.
Other writers to consider in this area are John Kotter and Robert Dale. Their books are excellent.
What books would you recommend?
2 Responses
I would probably include “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey and “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It’s pretty hard to leave out the endless numbers of spiritual formation books in this category as well, since so much of leadership for me is derived from how those books have exposed me to better thinking in regards to my identity and place in this world. Holding all of that in perspective has truly shaped my leadership as well!
Those are excellent books as well. I have skimmed them but not read them all the way through.