1. The Purpose Driven Church by Rick Warren. I stumbled across this book by accident in a run down Christian bookstore in Lake City FL back in 1996. I had never heard of Rick Warren, but purchased the book because it piqued my interest. Without exception this book did more to change my perspective on the ministry, church life, how to cast a vision and establish strategies for a church than any other book I have ever read. I was growing discouraged in the ministry and was actually considering leaving. But after reading this book, I came back to my original call which was to be a church planter. Within eighteen months of reading this book, I resigned my church and moved to Santa Rosa County and planted PCC.
2. Rediscovering Church by Bill Hybles and his wife Lynne. This book tells the story of Willow Creek Community Church. Bill and Lynne are absolutely transparent as they share the hardships, scandals, and even marital pressures they experienced while planting this church. Bill also tells the story of a difficult chapter in his church’s history that they call “The Train Wreck.” God used this book, second only to the Purpose Drive Church, to prompt me to pull the trigger on church planting.
3. On-Purpose Leadership by Dale Galloway. This book teaches pastors how to break through glass ceilings and the status quo. Full of anecdotes and practical advice, it is a must-read. In fact, I have read it about five or six times. It talks about delegation, multiplying leaders, coping with difficult people, and handling criticism. A very good book for me.
4. The Issachar Factor by Glen Martin and Gary McIntosh. Based upon I Chronicles 12:32 which says, “The Sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel needed to do”, this book addresses the absolute need to change ministry methods when they are no longer effective or have become outdated. As a pastor, this is one of the best books I have ever read regarding ministries within the church. It covers topics likes such as: Worship, Leadership, Administration, Staffing, Outreach, Assimilation, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Christian Education.
5. Go Big by Bill Cornelius. This is a thin paper back book, but it is the biggest little book I have ever read. I purchased it back in 2006, and have been carrying it with me, almost daily, in my book bag ever since. It is an absolute gem. Some of the topics are: Structuring Your Church for Growth…. It’s Time to Lead, Pastor!... Staffing the Church for Growth… and Double Your Vision.
Of course there are a lot of other good leadership books in my library that have helped me too. Plus I have devotional books, commentaries, and spiritual growth books. All of them are good! But these five stand out.
2. Rediscovering Church by Bill Hybles and his wife Lynne. This book tells the story of Willow Creek Community Church. Bill and Lynne are absolutely transparent as they share the hardships, scandals, and even marital pressures they experienced while planting this church. Bill also tells the story of a difficult chapter in his church’s history that they call “The Train Wreck.” God used this book, second only to the Purpose Drive Church, to prompt me to pull the trigger on church planting.
3. On-Purpose Leadership by Dale Galloway. This book teaches pastors how to break through glass ceilings and the status quo. Full of anecdotes and practical advice, it is a must-read. In fact, I have read it about five or six times. It talks about delegation, multiplying leaders, coping with difficult people, and handling criticism. A very good book for me.
4. The Issachar Factor by Glen Martin and Gary McIntosh. Based upon I Chronicles 12:32 which says, “The Sons of Issachar understood the times and knew what Israel needed to do”, this book addresses the absolute need to change ministry methods when they are no longer effective or have become outdated. As a pastor, this is one of the best books I have ever read regarding ministries within the church. It covers topics likes such as: Worship, Leadership, Administration, Staffing, Outreach, Assimilation, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, and Christian Education.
5. Go Big by Bill Cornelius. This is a thin paper back book, but it is the biggest little book I have ever read. I purchased it back in 2006, and have been carrying it with me, almost daily, in my book bag ever since. It is an absolute gem. Some of the topics are: Structuring Your Church for Growth…. It’s Time to Lead, Pastor!... Staffing the Church for Growth… and Double Your Vision.
Of course there are a lot of other good leadership books in my library that have helped me too. Plus I have devotional books, commentaries, and spiritual growth books. All of them are good! But these five stand out.
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