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RESOURCES


John F. Kennedy once said, "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." This idea was crafted into me by my father, a major influence in my life. Even now, as someone in the second half of their life, and called to lead a large church, I understand the importance of being a learner. I've had many mentors through the years and have many today. Some, I know very well, and others we've never met, but they've taught me many lessons through their writing and voice. Below are some of the significant voices that have and are inspiring and challenging me today. 

  • Black and white photo of a statue of a person holding a spear or staff, with the head and upper body visible.

    Tale of Three kings

    A lead pastor I worked for early in ministry had me read this. I didn’t realize at the time how relevant and significant it would be in my own journey. Gene Edwards uses the story of three kings in the Old Testament to demonstrate how to biblically submit to authority and handle spiritual abuse. A MUST read for ministry leaders.

  • Draw the Circle

    This is the one book my wife and I read every year. It continues to challenge and deepen our prayer life. It’s a 40 day prayer challenge than will only take you minutes to read each day but will benefit you for years.

  • Book cover titled "Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth" by Samuel R. Chand, featuring two bundles of wires facing each other.

    Leadership Pain

    Samuel Chand writes, "there is no growth without change, no change without loss, and no loss without pain." If you desire to grow, you will experience pain and this book will help you process that pain and learn how to use it for the good. My number one recommended book to church leaders. 

  • Book cover titled 'Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry' with an abstract, colorful leaf design background.

    Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership

    Ruth Haley Barton articulates so well the tension that occurs when your faith and vocation collide. So appreciate her emphasis and practicality on caring for your soul. If you love Dallas Willard, you'll love this book. 

  • Cover of a book titled 'from Weakness to Strength' by Scott Sauls, with a foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada, featuring a colorful hexagon pattern background.

    From Weakness to Strength

    If you're a leader, you struggle at times. This is especially true for pastors. I love Scott's venerability and practical suggestions for those who wrestle with insecurity, pride, and criticism. Fantastic read.

  • Cover of book titled 'Developing Female Leaders' by Kadi Cole, featuring illustrations of a woman and a man on a path with open doors.

    Developing Female Leaders

    This book was so incredibly helpful for me to understand how to better lead and empower women who serve on our team. In my opinion, this should be required reading for every male leader. 

  • Jesus and the Disinherited

    This book helped reshaped how I understand the gospel's power for those pushed to the margins. It's a message every believer needs to wrestle with, and especially pastors. Written in 1949, it’s still extremely relevant and applicable in our current culture, challenging us to ask hard questions about who we're really reaching and whose voices we're amplifying. This book will wreck you in the best possible way.

  • Cover of a book titled 'Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes' by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O'Brien, featuring a grayscale background of Bible text and a pair of sunglasses with a world map reflected in the lenses, casting a shadow over the text.

    Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes

    An enlightening book for those desiring to properly interpret Scripture. Authors do a great job of helping Western readers understand the cultural bias we bring to a book with Eastern roots. 

  • Book cover of 'The Color of Compromise' by Jemar Tisby, with a black and white photograph of a large crowd gathered in front of a brick building, featuring the title and author's name in bold text.

    The Color of Compromise

    In my opinion, the rejection of this book’s message by some in the evangelical church only confirms it’s importance. As a pastor of a multi-ethnic congregation, I so appreciate and value Jamar’s courage to bring light to the complicity of the American Church in the history of racism in our country.

Podcast Recommendations

  • Carey Nieuwhoff Leadership Podcast

    Lead Like Never Before

    If you are a pastor or leader, you should take the time to listen to Carey's podcast. He regularly interviews impactful people from both the church world and corporate world. What I love about Carey is his transparency and practicality with every episode. 

    A smiling man with short hair, glasses, wearing a white shirt and dark suit, standing against a blue background with text about the Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast and The Art of Leadership Network.

  • The UNSTUCK Church Podcast

    Amy Anderson

    If you work in ministry and are unfamiliar with the Unstuck Group, you should not only check out this podcast but also visit their website. Fantastic resource for helping with staffing, culture, and vision/mission alignment. 

    Logo for 'The Unstuck Church Podcast' with a microphone icon on a dark gray background.

  • OnScript Podcast

    Engaging Conversations on Bible & Theology

    A fantastic podcast featuring interviews and discussions with leading theologians, biblical scholars, archeologist, and authors. They cover a broad range of topics in theology, biblical history, and biblical archeology. You’ll learn a ton, trust me.

    On Script logo with a quill, and a listening score of 52, top 0.5%, with a listen notes icon and text.

  • AI for Churches Podcast

    AI for Churches

    With the ever increasing use of artificial intelligence in our world, the church and ministry cannot ignore this. Grateful for a podcast that wrestles with the ethics and practical uses of AI in the church. 

    Logo for AI for Churches Podcast with a purple background and geometric light effects.

  • Here We Go Podcast

    Alan Hannah & Spencer Sweeting

    My colleague and friend, Spencer Sweeting, and I host this podcast where we have transparent conversations about faith, culture, and whatever else comes to mind. Visit the “podcast” page on this website for a quick look.

  • Lex Fridman Podcast

    Lex Fridman

    I was introduced to this podcast by a friend and fellow pastor a couple of years ago. Lex is a computer scientist who has taught at MIT and is a brilliant interviewer. On his podcast, he interviews politicians, scientists, rabbi's, athletes, historians, and many other intriguing people. All I know is I learn a ton from listening to this.

    Cover photo of Lex Fridman Podcast with a man in a suit and tie against a black background.