It’s been said that “leaders are readers.” A few years ago, I came to the realization: “Readers are leaders.” I believe both are true. My goal is to be the best leader I can be, to never stop learning and growing and bettering myself for the benefit of the people I lead, and so that I can fulfill my purpose in life.
If that resonates with you, then like me, you’re always on the lookout for books that challenge your thinking, deepen your faith, and sharpen your leadership ability.
Each year I challenge myself to read more than the year before. My goal for this year is to read 60 books.
So far this year, I’ve come across five that rise to the top. Whether you’re leading a team, a church, or just trying to lead yourself well, these books offer wisdom worth your time and I highly recommend them to you.
1. Lead Like It Matters by Craig Groeschel
Craig Groeschel, the founding pastor of Life.Church, dives deep into what makes a church (or any organization) thrive. He identifies seven leadership principles that can ignite a life-giving, soul-transforming movement. He combines personal stories, biblical insights, and practical strategies to help leaders build something that lasts. If you’re in ministry or leadership, this book is a must-read.
2. Living the Resurrection by Eugene Peterson
Eugene Peterson, best known for The Message translation of the Bible, offers a profound reflection on what it means to live in the light of the Resurrection. He challenges readers to move beyond a one-time event mindset and embrace resurrection as a daily reality. This book is a gentle yet powerful reminder that the Resurrection isn’t just about what happened to Jesus; it’s about what happens to us.
3. No More Dragons by Jim Burgen
Jim Burgen, the Lead Pastor of Flatirons Church in the Denver metro area of Colorado, uses the metaphor of dragons to describe the destructive patterns and lies we often believe about ourselves. He invites readers on a journey from dragonhood back to personhood, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ. In a funny and brutally-honest way, Burgen addresses issues like shame, addiction, and identity, offering hope for real change.
4. A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
This book makes my list every year. Edwards explores the lives of three kings of Israel – Saul, David, and Absalom – to address the pain of broken relationships and the challenge of authority. He offers a compelling narrative that helps readers navigate the complexities of leadership, submission, and forgiveness. It’s a short read, but its impact is lasting, especially for those who’ve experienced church hurt or leadership conflicts.
5. Relentless by Tim S. Grover
Tim Grover, who has trained elite athletes like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, shares the mindset required to achieve greatness. He introduces the concept of being “relentless” – pushing beyond limits, embracing discomfort, and refusing to settle. While geared toward athletes, the principles apply to anyone striving for excellence.
Each of these books has challenged me in unique ways. They’ve reminded me that leadership isn’t just about strategy; even more than that, it’s about character, resilience, and a deep connection to God. If you’re looking to grow this year, I highly recommend adding these to your reading list.
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