Looking for some must-read books for preachers because you are a preacher/pastor/church leader?
I recently asked other pastors in our Facebook group and on my Twitter account what must-read books they would recommend other pastors/preachers to read this year. These books are not necessarily new books in 2018, but they are recommended books this year.
These books for preachers aren’t all preaching books, but books that other preachers and church leaders find to be important for us to read.
Books are vital for our development as leaders and preachers. If we aren’t reading, we likely aren’t growing. But when we regularly expose ourselves to new ideas, new angles and new thought processes, we open the door to growth.
So here is the list of must-read books for preachers in 2018 as recommended by other preachers and church leaders.
22 Must-Read Books for Preachers in 2018 (Recommended by Preachers and Church Leaders)
Power in the Pulpit by Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix
From Amazon:
“I would not be who I am and I would not be doing what I do if it were not for God’s grace toward me through the reading and applying of this book.” —David Platt.
It’s still used in Bible schools and seminaries today, and it shows no signs of slowing down: Power in the Pulpit is an ideal introduction to preaching.
Dr. Jerry Vines and Dr. Jim Shaddix have achieved a balanced approach to sermon preparation in Power in the Pulpit. This primer combines the perspective of a pastor of 40 years with that of someone who devotes daily time to training pastors in the context of theological education. It offers practical preaching instruction from a tradition that sees biblical exposition as a paramount and frequent event in the life of the local church.
Progress in the Pulpit by Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix
From Amazon:
“Progress in the Pulpit is a master class in preaching, written by two most-qualified authors. Dr. Jerry Vines is truly a Prince of the Pulpit.” — Dr. Albert Mohler Jr., from the foreword
Like musical instruments, preachers get better over time—unless, of course, they neglect maintenance. Progress in the Pulpit is for seasoned preachers looking to refresh their craft and receive guidance for contemporary challenges to preaching.
Small Church Essentials by Karl Vaters
From Amazon:
Do you lead a small church?
Big churches get all the love. Articles, books, conferences—they mostly feature leaders of large congregations. Yet big churches are a small part of the ecclesial landscape. In fact, more than 90 percent of churches have fewer than 200 people. That means small churches play a big part in what God is doing.
Small Church Essentials is for leaders of these smaller congregations. It encourages them to steward their role well, debunking myths about small churches while offering principles for leading a dynamic, healthy small church.
Secrets of a Secret Shopper by Greg Atkinson
From Amazon:
Secrets of a Secret Shopper is a book on the ministry of hospitality, first impressions and guest services for the local church written by Greg Atkinson for pastors and church leaders. The book covers 10 areas of focus including online presence, parking, signage, children’s ministry, security and others.