As an avid reader, I am always looking for a great read, especially when it comes to the subject of christian leadership! There are so many books out there about leadership though that it can be daunting to sift through them all, so I’ve compiled a list of what are (in my opinion) some of the best books for christian leaders that are out there today.

Whether you’re looking to improve your leadership skills, or grow in your relationship with the Lord,  these books are sure to feed your mind as well as your soul.

*this post may contain affiliate links which may pay me an income which I use to keep the majority of our ministry free*

1. Emboldened: A Vision for Empowering Women in Ministry

This book should be required reading for every man and woman who loves Jesus because it is the most honest and accessible discussion about women in the church that I’ve ever read. Tara Beth Leach does an amazing job describing God’s original vision of an empowered church of men and women serving together without competition, hostility, or resentment. Unlike a few other books I’ve read on gender issues in the church, this one is fact based without being overly academic, which makes it a fun read that also packs a lot of God’s big “T” Truths. Even if you don’t feel called to stand in the pulpit, please read this book. It is a LIFE CHANGER.

2. Dare To Lead

This book was just released and it is already a favorite of many, including myself!  I would highly recommend it to anyone in a leadership role.

3. Rising Strong

Brené Brown is one of the most passionate, fiercely real authors I’ve ever read. This book focuses on how to recover from the hard parts of life. Packed with humor and honest storytelling, it’s a game changer for those who struggle to unshackle themselves from hard stuff. This is a MUST READ for pastors, coaches, and any type of healer.

4. Braving The Wilderness

Another Brené Brown read makes the list and if I could ask the ENTIRE COUNTRY to read one book, it would be this one. Absorbing the words inside this book will make each of us less susceptible to the extremist shouting matches that are so prevalent in the US right now. Please, READ IT and buy one for that crazy Facebook friend who you never see eye to eye with.

5. Boundaries

I heard about this book 6 or 7 years ago at a conference and it’s been one of my top recommendations ever since. Leaders, women, and Christians all stink at boundaries so if you’re all three you need to read this one ASAP. It helps unpack some of the complex false beliefs we have about loving people and having permission to say “No”.

6. Overcoming Your Shadow Mission

This book is my #1 recommendation for every single Christian. It is a quick, easy read that rocked me when I first started to trust God more. Just last week I was working with my coach and referred to this text because several of the passages have become central to my life. I would recommend buying more than once because I’ve given it away more than once.

7. Preaching Essentials: A Practical Guide

I may be biased because I am lucky enough to call Lenny a friend, but I sincerely believe he’s one of the best teachers around when it comes to learning how to speak God’s word honestly, thoughtfully, and impact-fully. This text is an easy read and provides super helpful tips for preachers that bloggers, speakers, and anyone who does video teachings on social media.

8. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable

This leadership fable is like reading a fairy tale except the lessons are way more useful than not eating the gumdrops off of the scary old lady’s house. A powerful read for all leaders that also has the added benefit of making us better followers.

9. Sticky Teams: Keeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page

A great resource about stickiness, which was a big buzz word a few years back. This would make a great group study for your business or ministry team.

10. Girl, Wash Your Face

You’ve probably seen the backlash against this popular book but I have to say I don’t agree with most of the critics. What I love about this book is how Rachel pushes us out of the traps of self-doubt, fear, and waiting for someone or something to save us. It’s worth a read, if your worried about the criticisms, keep your spiritual discernment on high. (We should always do that anyway!)

I’d love to know what your favorite books about leadership are! If you know someone who would benefit from this list please share on social media, and don’t forget to join our free community of like-minded women, Christian Women Who Lead.

angelajherrington

Hey there friend! I’m Angela J Herrington, MA, LSCC and I’m a Faith Deconstruction coach who provides soul care for people who are untangling from toxic religion.

As a certified life coach and seminary-trained online pastor, I have a lot of experience helping people connect with God. But this is also a very personal journey for me.

For the last decade, I’ve been on my own journey to break free from learned smallness and step into wild sacred holy womanhood. Long story short, after finding faith in my early 30’s I began to realize that what I was hearing from the church about women didn’t always line up with what God was telling me. I loved God but realized the church was teaching some really toxic stuff.

So this Enneagram 8, first born, Gen Xer started deconstructing. I questioned and challenged everything I thought I knew about faith, gender, and myself.

It was messy and took a lot of work to sort it out. Therapy. Coaching. Bodywork. Spiritual healing. Conferences and retreats. And even a couple of college degrees.

You name it…I tried it.

But the thing that made the biggest difference was the presence and support of wise people who helped me up when I didn’t know where else to turn.

That’s why in September 2021, I created and hosted The Deconstructing Faith Summit. I gathered 20 phenomenal deconstruction experts to share their expertise and hosted over 1100 attendees in the week-long virtual event. Those who attended realized they weren’t alone, had a safe space to ask questions, learned dozens of strategies to help them deconstruct, and released tons of pent-up emotions they didn’t even know they were carrying around.

We laughed, we cried, and we danced, but the best part was…We did it together.

It was AMAZING and it was just the beginning.

So now, I’m doubling down on my commitment to create an inclusive support system for people, like you, who are longing to get away from toxic religion and cultivate a nourishing spiritual life.

I WOULD BE HONORED TO BE YOUR GUIDE, BE BY YOUR SIDE THROUGH THIS ENTIRE PROGRAM, UNCOVER WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK, AND CO-CREATE A PLAN TO BREAK FREE.