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:
BonhoefferPastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas (Thomas Nelson)“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:
Giving Church Another ChanceFinding New Meaning in Spiritual Practices by Todd D. Hunter (IVP)“No matter how messy it can be, the church is central in God’s ongoing mission to the world. We work out our salvation in the context of the church. The spiritual practices of the community of faith are essential to our formation.”—Mike Lueken
Rescuing Ambition by Dave Harvey (Crossway)
“I’m grateful for this book that helps us gain a healthy and biblical understanding of how ambition can and cannot fit in a godly life.”—Kathryn Callahan-Howell
Whole Life TransformationBecoming the Change Your Church Needs by Keith Meyer (IVP)
“Like the author, I suffered my own ‘transformation gap,’ that chasm between what we know and teach and what we actually live. Most ministers—and Christians—have one too. This is a great guide to identify your gaps and start closing them.”—Matt Woodley
The Power of a WhisperHearing God and Having the Guts to Respond by Bill Hybels (Zondervan)
“How dare anyone claim to have heard from God? How dare we not when God speaks through Scripture, events, people, and the Holy Spirit? Hybels helps us listen, discern, and hear fresh the power of a Whisper.”—Charles Kyker
The Leader’s Outer life
BEST OF THE BEST:
Sticky TeamsKeeping Your Leadership Team and Staff on the Same Page by Larry Osborne (Zondervan)“Sharing from his mistakes and his wisdom, Larry Osborne offers a helpful tool for creating a culture of both leadership and unity.”—Paul Atwater
ON OUR VERY SHORT LIST:
UntamedReactivating a Missional Form of Discipleship by Alan Hirsch and Debra Hirsch (Baker)“Alan and Debra Hirsch are prophets to a church imprisoned by domesticated, consumer values. Untamed is a vision of life with Jesus that goes beyond what other authors have covered.”—Skye Jethani
The Strategically Small ChurchIntimate, Nimble, Authentic, and Effective by Brandon O’Brien (Bethany House)
“As pastor of a small church, this was very apropos and gave me clear direction on how to leverage our strengths.”—Lee Eclov
Transformational ChurchCreating a New Scorecard for Congregations by Ed Stetzer and Thom Rainer (B&H Books)
“Based on research, the book offers some good indicators and clues for missionality.” —Alan Hirsch
One.LifeJesus Calls, We Follow by Scot McKnight (Zondervan)
“Scot describes what it means to be faithful to Jesus today, not only in our beliefs but in our behavior. An astute observer of cultural developments, his chapter on sex is itself worth the price of the book.” —Marshall Shelley
The Next ChristiansThe Good News about the End of Christian America by Gabe Lyons (Doubleday Religion)
“A brilliant description of post-Christian America, and how we can live redemptively in the name of Christ.” —Chad Harrington
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