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Two things in short supply for nearly every church leader—time and money. Unfortunately both are necessary if we hope to buy and read the numerous books intended to help us in our work. That is why Leadership created the Golden Canon, the ten books of 2009 most valuable for church leaders. The winners were selected by a diverse group of more than 100 pastors and leaders, including our contributing editors, who selected the best books in two categories: The Leader's Outer Life, and The Leader's Inner Life. We hope this list contributes to your development as a leader, and assists you in determining where to invest your finite hours and dollars.

"Every leader from elder boards on down ought to be revolutionized by this book. Its correctives are timely, needed, and redemptive." —Sarah Sumner

"This book should be handed out with seminary diplomas with a note that says: When you hit a wall (and you will), read this!" —Robert Gelinas

Longing for God
Seven paths of Christian devotion
by Richard Foster and Gayle Bebee (IVP)

"This book is not for the cloistered. It's for leaders who are too busy not to walk these paths." —Clark Cothern

A Praying Life
Connecting with God in a distracting world
by Paul Miller (NavPress)

"Helps us take an honest look at the ongoing challenges of prayer." —Nina Gunter

Why We Love the Church: In praise of institutions and organized religion
by Ted Kluck and Kevin DeYoung (Moody)

"Counters the church-bashing prevalent in our culture." —Wayne Schmidt

"Neither traditionalism nor emerging Christianity comes out unscathed. But Belcher's analysis is fair and even. I hope all our future conversations about what divides us is done in the spirit of Deep Church, which reminds us at every turn what unites us: the gospel of Jesus Christ." —Brandon O'Brien

"How faithful churches can lovingly and graciously embrace the gay community." —Dave Gibbons

Lost and Found
The younger unchurched and the churches that reach them
by Ed Stetzer (B&H)

"I've always been encouraged by Ed's writings. His analysis is spot-on, as are his recommendations for what the church should be doing." —Jonathan Falwell

The Monkey and the Fish
Liquid leadership for a third-culture church
by Dave Gibbons (Zondervan)

"Blended cultures are increasingly relevant for bridge-building. This book's creative storytelling gives useful insight for life and ministry." —David Anderson

The Next Evangelicalism
Freeing the church from Western cultural captivity
by Soong-Chan Rah (IVP)

"Scholarship gives this book a depth beyond many similar tomes that are based mostly on experience. Rah leaves us with real hope." —Katherine Callahan-Howell

Copyright © 2010 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.
Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.

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