Earlier this month, we asked church planters, pastors, and leaders to share with us their book recommendations. The responses allowed us to compile a great list of books you should be reading as a church planter and/or church leader.

This list isn’t simply the popular reads – it’s a curated list of recommendations from current and successful church planters, leaders, and pastors who want the next generation to succeed!

Our team is passionate about helping church planters start and lead thriving, growing, multiplying churches. We are thankful for the network of church leaders we have around us – and here is a chance to dive into the wealth of knowledge they possess!

So, keep reading to learn about 15 books that church planters and pastors believe every church planter should read.

Whether you’re actively starting a church or leading an established congregation, you can use this list to build your library. But, before we get into it, let’s remember the first and most important book to have on your shelf…

You’ve got to love a good #jesusjuke. Alright, let’s jump in!

Books You Should Be Reading:

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

2. The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath
3. The Starfish & The Spirit by Rob Wegner, Lance Ford, and Alan Hirsch
4. The Context Marketing Revolution by Matthew Sweezey
5. Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren
6. Managing Leadership Anxiety by Steve Cuss
7. Lead by Paul David Tripp
8. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
9. Foreign to Familiar by Sarah A. Lanier
10. Developing Female Leaders by Kadi Cole
11. Immeasurable: Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church by Skye Jethani
12. The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero
13. A Church Called Tov by Scot McKnight
14. Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger
15. Building a Multiethnic Church by Dr. Derwin Gray