[psalm63adam]

I thought this might be an interesting topic - my first one as one of the moderators of this seldom-seen forum...

What books on Christian leadership have really impacted your life? I'll give you my list:

Spiritual Leadership - J. Oswald Sanders

This book is an older book. I read it for the first time in college in the early '90's, and now we're reading it again at staff meeting at my church. There are some great quotes, especially from early leaders of the Salvation Army. Sanders has an interesting perspective, because he comes from a missionary background.

In The Name Of Jesus - Henri Nouwen

This book might be the most impactful book when it comes to leadership. It deals more with the heart of leadership than the do's and don'ts. I was reading another book called The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball, and he made the point that when we learn about leadership, we should always use the Maxwell-Nouwen sandwich approach - that we should incorporate both elements.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John Maxwell

Even though I waffle in my opinion of Maxwell (especially after hearing how he really is as a leader from people who have worked for him), this book gives very practical ways to improve your leadership.

Courageous Leadership - Bill Hybels

Another good book from the senior minister of Willow Creek. Again, I waffle in my opinion of Hybels, but it's a good book.

AquaChurch - Leonard Sweet

This book helps you develop leadership skills that will help "pilot" your church in the postmodern waters.

The Heart Of The Artist - Rory Noland

Another Willow Creek book. Surprisingly, there aren't very many good books on worship leading. This one and the next two below are the only books I've really learned a lot about worship leading from books.

An Hour On Sunday - Nancy Beach

This book does a good job of teaching what leading a creative arts team is all about. This is becoming more and more of a responsibility of a worship minister, and this is a good book for it.

Worship Is A Verb - Robert Webber

This is a good book that discusses more of the theology of worship.

Unlearning Church - Michael Slaughter

Slaughter is the pastor of a church about 30 minutes away from me called Ginghamsburg Church. He does a good job of talking about the attitudes and traits of leadership that used to work and what leadership within a church looks like now.

Leadership Trilogy - Five Smooth Stones For Pastoral Work, Working The Angles: The Shape Of Pastoral Integrity, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning To The Art Of Spiritual Direction - Eugene Peterson

Not only did Peterson do a good job with The Message version of the Bible, he also writes some great books. His pastoral trilogy are the best books I've read about what it takes to be a pastor of integrity, honesty and leadership.

The Heart Of A Great Pastor - H.B. London Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman

This is the book I need to read right now, because of all that is taking place at my church (possibly two ministers leaving, staff turmoil, a dearth of leadership). It's a great book that reminds me of why I got into ministry in the first place, before the church politics, infighting and frustration kicked in.