7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley, Reggie Joiner and Lane Jones. Using a baseball analogy, Andy Stanley and his staff have written a book I think every pastor needs to read. It is an easy read, packed with great examples and illustrations that help a church sharpen its focus and develop spiritually mature, focused followers of Christ. We are about transformation and this book shows us how one church is changing the world for Christ. Do you want to know how to produce fully devoted followers of Christ? Read 7 Practices and find out how your ministry can make a difference for the kingdom. Published by Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

Breakout Churches, by Thom S. Rainer, Zondervan, is a story of thirteen churches and the leaders who moved them from stagnancy to growth, from mediocrity to greatness. Eighty percent of the approximately 400,000 churches in the United States are either declining or at a plateau. Drawing on one of the most comprehensive studies ever done on the church, this book reveals the process of becoming a “breakout” church and the factors that lead to this spiritual metamorphosis.

Direct Hit, by Paul Borden, Abingdon Press, is full of practical suggestions that offer systemic changes for dysfucnctional churches. This book helps churches move from an internal focus to one of life-changing force in their communities. When change occurs, a world of opportunity opens up, a world that leads congregations into joining God's mission.

Free of Charge, by Miroslav Volf, Zondervan. This is a great, fresh look at what true grace is all about. In a culture that says self above all, this book of giving and forgiving transcends the demands of that culture. A must-read for anyone desiring to better give and forgive. "Miroslav Volf, one of the most celebrated theologians of our day, offers us a unique interweaving of intense reflection, vivid and painfully personal stories and sheer celebration of the giving God ...," Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, says of the book.

Good News About Injustice, by Gary A. Haugen, InterVarsity Press. The International Justice Mission, of which Haugen is president, is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous, high-risk missional groups out there. Haugen and his group are highly productive in bringing justice to the poor and helpless. In his foreword to the book, John Stott says, “I defy anybody to emerge from exposure to this book unscathed. In fact, my advice to would-be readers is ‘Don’t! Leave the book alone!’ – unless you are willing to be shocked, challenged, persuaded and transformed.” We should all join Haugen in his efforts.

Leading With a Limp, by Dan B Allender, Ph.D. Rather than using personal power to discover effective leadership, Allender takes you into the mind and heart of the reluctant leader who acknowledges that he or she is broken, troubled and insecure. He posits that it’s transparency and authenticity in flawed leadership that attracts others. As he says, “It’s not about a formula; it’s a vision for authentic leadership that gains power from brokenness.” Published by Random House, Inc., 2006.

Left Behind in a Megachurch World, by Ruth A. Tucker, Baker Books. After studying "plateauing" churches around the country, Tucker shatters the myth that only megachurches are leading the way for mission. No matter what your viewpoint is concerning church growth, Tucker raises a number of issues that will promote thinking about your church and the kind of people it is producing.

Living a Life on Loan , by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson. Subtitled Finding Grace at the Intersections, this book is a follow-up to this team’s The Externally Focused Church. Having heard Rusaw speak, he is all about genuineness, authenticity and trust. He and Swanson get to the heart of the matter about life and living and service. This book is definitely uplifting, encouraging and challenging. By Standard Publishing, 2006.

Preaching the Old Testament, edited by Scott M. Gibson with a foreword by Haddon Robinson, Baker Books. Gibson has assembled a great collection from an amazing array of contributors that will help every pastor become a better preacher of the Old Testament. Scott M.Gibson is Haddon W. Robinson Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and also serves on the Vision Architects team for Cornerstone Church Network.

Shaped by God's Heart, by Milfred Minatrea, Jossey-Bass. This is a seminal book for churches that desire to shape a new future with God's kingdom at heart. Minatrea's two-year study is a must-read for every pastor who desires to impact their community for Christ. He illustrates the health of missional churches through nine distinctives. Filled with solid research, illustrations and great stories from other missional churches, it will encourage every pastor who desires to see lives changed for God's kingdom.

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders.
This classic has been around for many years, but the revised edition is definitely worth a read or reread by anyone who is in leadership. Sanders, a true spiritual giant, gives solid biblical advice about practicing biblical leadership. Practitioners would do well to refer to this volume every year as a tune-up for spiritual direction. Saturated with scripture, each section becomes a tremendous bible study to help develop that longed-for solid core of Christ-like character which leads others in kingdom building. Published by Moody Press.