One of the tasks that no leader can delegate is to make sure he or she continues learning, continues growing spiritually and professionally. That's why Leadership created The Golden Canon, the year's books of most value to church leaders. The winners were selected by a diverse group, our contributing editors, who selected the best in two categories: The Leader's Inner Life and The Leader's Outer Life. We commend this list to you as you continue to develop your leadership, inside and out.

The Leader's Inner life

BEST OF THE BEST:

"Like all good Christian biography ought to, this book breathes new life into you as you encounter a powerful example of a life given over to Christ."—David Swanson

ON OUR VERY SHORT LIST:

"No matter how messy it can be, the church is central in God's ongoing mission to the world. We work out our ...