The column "Leadership Whiteboard" provides a short visual leadership coaching moment. It introduces and explains a new sketch in each issue, provides leadership coaching for further development, and shares a leadership quote and recommended book.
Leadership Whiteboard | Just Ten?
Recently, a close pastor friend — a respected leader and lifelong learner — asked me a deceptively simple question: “If you could only recommend ten books for every pastor’s library (excluding commentaries and reference tools), what would they be?”
I loved the question. And I loved that he wasn’t just asking me; he was polling several trusted voices. That’s the mark of a teachable leader.
But here’s the tension: Which type of pastor? Senior? Student? Family? Children’s? Are we talking about personal growth or professional skills? Sermon prep or soul care? To be helpful, I decided my list should stretch across both spiritual leadership and personal development, like a good college education that blends general studies with your major.
I also avoided books published by our own team to prevent bias and stayed away from pure theology or sermon prep texts. These books had to shape the whole leader — mind, heart, and habits. So, here’s how my list shook out — not in order, and not in bullet points (on purpose, so keep reading):
No surprise, I start with leadership. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders remains a timeless leadership primer (or substitute Lead by Paul David Tripp for a more modern take). A second recommendation, Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger, speaks to adaptive leadership when ministry heads into uncharted territory.
Next, How We Got to Now by Steven Johnson will stretch you to see both convergent and divergent paths in how big ideas develop. I would also include Rembrandt Is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey — a stunning reminder that God hardwired beauty and story into Scripture, not just theology. Every leader needs perspective, so I’d toss in Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. Yes, a children’s book because few stories model selflessness, introspection, and friendship better.
For the biography category, pick one of your own or consider three options: The Life of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards, King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, or Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham. Stories shape us more than manuals.
Developing Emotionally Mature Leaders by Aubrey Malphurs makes emotional intelligence both practical and spiritual. On the personal side, Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs helps every pastor maintain the health of their marriage. Intellectually, stretch yourself with Masterpieces of World Philosophy by Frank Magill (out of print but worth hunting down used).
Finally, choose one of the following apologetic works to build confidence in your faith: The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer, The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard, Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis, or Mama Bear Apologetics by Hillary Morgan Ferrer (for worldview defense in a post-Christian culture).
Yes, I stretched the “Top Ten” rule. But ask me again next year, and the list might flex again. Great leaders never stop learning.
Now it’s your turn. What’s on your "Top Ten" list? I’d love to hear from you.
