These lists are incredible resources. It helps us to look through the fog and the overwhelming weight of information to see the best of the best. Often times though, these books are more for scholars than for the average pastor. I hope, in the sea of books, that my list will help ministry to see what was helpful to other average pastors and ministry leaders.
These are books which left a mark on me, caused me to think, or have become go to resources for me.
Without further ado, in no particular order, here are my top books I've read this year!
The Mestizo Augustine:A Theologian Between Two Cultures
by Justo Gonzalez
This short, accessible biography will give the reader perspective on the context and impact of Augustine's theology. It was required reading for my "Theology of Augustine" course at SBTS, and take it from personal experience: This will help shed light on Augustine's writings. Wanting to know about the most influential theologian on the Western Church? Start with this biography!
When Your Church Feels Stuck: 7 Unavoidable Questions Every Leader Must Answer
by Chris Sonksen
I rarely receive free books. When I received this book, I was skeptical. But, I walked away stunned! While there are many great books on leadership, and others on church revitalization, few can meld the two together. Sonksen asks his reader to ask 7 questions that many church leaders cast aside and often assume. Your leadership, your organization, and/or your church will be better for reading (and doing!) what is within its pages.
Preach: Theology Meets Practice
by Mark Dever and Greg Gilbert
I rarely buy books for other people. If I want someone else to use their time, I want it to be worthwhile. This, friends, is worthwhile. I bought it for two buys in my church! If you are wanting an approachable introduction to what preaching looks like, this is the book for you! Conversational, simple, yet profound. Use this book to help train others to preach (or to improve your own!).
The Compelling Community: Where God's Power Makes a Church Attractive
by Mark Dever
What does "Community" mean? What is biblical community? Why does Jesus say that it would be attractive to the world? Mark Dever investigate these issues from a biblical perspective, often leaving conventional wisdom we have come to treasure in churches. It was a perspective shift in my short ministry on the measure of "success" and the meaning of community.
Community: Taking Your Small Group Off Life Support
by Brad House
Brad House offers a different perspective from Dever in some areas, but his work has in just 6 years become a standard for small group ministry. No matter your model, you will be provoked to reconsider what community looks like in your church. Be careful, this is one of the books with the power to change your whole perspective!
Sticky Teams: Keeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page
by Larry Osborne
This book is already on my reread list for 2018. Osborne offers practical, timeless principles for leadership. Every ministry leader should read this book. Yes, you read that right.
The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
by Tim Keller
If the average Christian asked me for the one book they should read, I would suggestion this one. In fact, this has been my most suggested book to church members this year! For believers it is deep, yet easy to follow. Unbelievers, I promise, it is much better and thought-provoking than you're expecting. Pick it up.
Why Trust the Bible?
by Greg Gilbert
9Marks has three books on this list for a reason: they put out great content! Gilbert offers a succinct resource for believers and skeptics alike. This resource will help you understand the historical reliability of the New Testament in an easy to understand guide. (Side Note: His books "Who is Jesus?" and "What is the Gospel?" from this same series are also fantastic).
Rhythms of Grace: How the Church's Worship Tells the Story of the Gospel
by Mike Cosper
As a preacher, I don't tend to read many books on music ministry (sorry worship pastors!). But, this one has become a standard. How can we help bridge the gap between the "worship" time, when we are singing, and the "sermon"? This book is important for those who see their call as music leader as pastoral and who desire to help form the congregation in the gospel through the music they sing.
Getting the Garden Right: Adam's Work and God's Rest in Light of Christ
by Richard C. Barcellos
I'll be honest, I'm shocked this book is on this list! I bought this book on a whim (and for a deal) from Founders Press. While I do not agree with everything in its pages, Barcellos has both challenged and confirmed me in my understanding of various issues. It will no doubt be a standard for covenant theologians, and it is an important read regardless of where you stand on the issues of covenant theology and the Sabbath. I intend to consult it more into the new year.
Biblical Church Revitalization: Solutions For Dying and Divided Churches
by Brian Croft
Published in 2016, this book should be a gold standard for those seeking church revitalization. Brian Croft has been there (he even includes the story of how he was almost fired). He offers a biblically faithful road map toward health. Short and accessible. A must read before taking a pastorate in an established church!
Honorable Mentions:
MultiChurch: Exploring the Future of MultiSite
by Brad House and Greg Ailison
Who Moved My Pulpit? Leading Change In the Church?
by Thom Rainer
Planting Church Cross-Culturally North America and Beyond (Reread of the Year)
by David Hesslgrave
Greek for Life Strategies for Learning Retaining and Reviving New Testament Greek
by Bejamin L, Merkle and Robert L. Plummer
Replant: How a Dying Church Can Grow Again
by Mark Devine and Darrin Patrick
