Books for Christian Ministry
Are you a leader in Christian ministry and looking for ways to enhance your skills as a Christian leader? Then take a look at the recommendations for Christian ministry.
- The Purpose Driven Church
- By Rick Warren
- Warren, who is Senior Pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church, one of America's ten largest churches, challenges unbiblical and obsolete thinking about effective church ministry. This book has more transferable principles for local church ministry than any comparable book.
- Rediscovering Church
- By Bill & Lynne Hybels
- This is the story of Willow Creek Community Church, America's largest church, and the painful lessons that its leaders had to learn before God could bless them significantly. The book is brutally honest and wonderfully inspiring at the same time.
- Lectures to My Students
- By Charles Spurgeon
- What can 21st century Christian leaders learn from a 19th century British preacher? More than you'll ever know. This classic is full of wisdom, humor, practicality, and truth. You will turn to two timeless chapters – "The Minister's Fainting Fits" (on depression) and "The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear" (on criticism) – time and time again.
- Well Intentioned Dragons
- By Marshall Shelley
- The first – and still the best – volume in The Leadership Library series. Shelley identifies the kind of "problem people" that a Christian leader will meet and shows how to respond to them in a loving but firm way. Too many pastors throw in the towel or run roughshod over their critics. This survival guide describes a wiser approach.
- The Coming Church Revolution
- By Carl George
- Church consultant George lays out a step-by-step approach to the meta-church, a way of organizing and caring for people in local church ministry. His sidebars on creative ways that churches are ministering to their communities is worth the price of the book alone.
- Between Two Worlds
- By John R.W. Stott
- This is a biblical, intelligent, and relevant study of the necessity of preaching with many how-to's along the way. Every Stott book is worth owning and using.
- The Second Coming of the Church
- By George Barna
- The premiere researcher in the Christian world paints an all-too-realistic picture of the challenges facing churches today, along with specific solutions. Barna is always difficult to digest initially, and yet invaluable for helping Christian leaders see the future.
- The Exodus Principle
- By Gary McIntosh
- Gary, who did a seminar at Bay Farm in March 2000, describes the ins-and-outs of attracting and keeping guests who visit a local church. Any church that uses this material will automatically become healthier, stronger, and larger.
- Beyond Forgiveness
- By Don Baker
- Baker tells the true story of a staff member who had been engaged in multiple affairs in his past. Pastor Baker and his church walked the fine line between immediate discipline and ultimate restoration. Baker has written similar kinds of books on abortion and homosexuality.
- Here I Stand
- By Roland Bainton
- This unparalleled biography of Martin Luther is the best book you will ever read for describing the triumphs and struggles of a Christian leader. Although the book is more than 40 years old, its authenticity, power, and beauty still inspire leaders today.