What it’s about: This book addresses the dynamic of men and women working together in ministry. Using biblical examples, personal interviews with ministry leaders and practical advice on topics such as modesty, boundaries, communication, and interaction as siblings, the authors outline how staff and lay leaders can develop healthy working partnerships in their ministries. 

Why read it? If you are a ministry leader responsible for leading staff teams including men and women, this book is an amazing resource to provide healthy God-honoring perspective. Loved it!

On the shelf of: Jenni Cantron, Executive Director, Cross Point Church, @jennicatron, www.jennicatron.tv

What it’s about: This book focuses on a paradigm shift for family ministry, away from the church being the spiritual leader in a child's life to coming alongside parents, putting them in the driver's seat. The model focuses on 7 milestones in a child's spiritual development and gives practical handles for the parent to seize the moment, not only creating lasting memories, but leveraging their influence in their child's life and spiritual development.

Why read it? It makes sense to capitalize off the milestones that naturally occur in family life such as child dedication, baptisms, graduations and life transitions and use these events to help the parent pour into the spiritual life of their child. If your church is forming their family ministry strategy or looking for a practical model that doesn't try to reinvent family life, this is a great read that will give you practical steps and tools to apply.

On the shelf of: Sherry Surratt, Director, Leadership Network, www.sherrysurratt.com, @sherrysurratt

What it’s about: Seth, in characteristic beyond the box thinking, proposes a new way to think about work. We have gone from two teams (management and labor) to a third team, the linchpins. These are the people who own their own means of production, who can make a difference, lead us and connect us.

Why read it? To be reminded that every successful organization is built around people - "people who interact with other people. Men and women who don't merely shuffle money, but interact, give gifts and connect."  Successful churches recognize the same.

On the shelf of: Greg Ligon, Vice President and Publisher, Leadership Network, @gregligon

What it’s about: Bill Hybels summarizes his leadership methods under four key categories: vision and strategy, teamwork and communication, activity and assessment, and personal integrity.

Why read it? This book contains a variety of leadership principles in bite-sized chunks that are immediately applicable. My key takeaway from this book is never say someone’s ‘no’ for them. This motto revolutionized the way I approach asking others to serve in the local church.

On the shelf of: Casie Stevens, Executive Director, New Community Church, @casieface, www.facebook.com/casie.stevens

What it’s about: This is a great book on leadership being passed on to the next generation. Even though I wouldn't consider myself the "next generation" Andy Stanley gives timeless information for all individuals who find themselves in leadership or desiring to be a leader by identifying five concepts: competence, courage, clarity, coaching, and character.

Why read it? This book challenged me to be a better leader. It also gave me tools to use during a re-structuring time at our church.

On the shelf of: Trish Monnahan, Women’s Ministries Director/Pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, tmonnahan@fellowshiponline.com

What it’s about: A story of thirteen churches and their leaders who moved them from stagnancy to greatness. Using a statistical approach similar to Jim Collins’ Good to Great, it identifies key patterns and characteristics common to churches that experienced turnarounds. 

Why read it? This well researched study helps translate and confirm the business principles in Good to Great into the church world. Rainer´s study is directly applicable in any church situation in need of a turnaround.

On the shelf of: Anders Michael Hansen, European Church Planting Network, andersmichael@ecpn.org

What it’s about: You know all those statistics that scare you to death about the future of Christianity in America. Well, they're mostly wrong and made up. This book explodes some of those myths and with careful research shows the totality of the picture.

Why read it? While you have to dig through some stats, this book reveals some evidence that Christianity is healthier than you may think.

On the shelf of: Dave Travis, Managing Director, Leadership Network, blog: learnings.leadnet.org, @davetravis

What it’s about: Hunter argues through three rather lengthy essays that state current theories on social change are deeply flawed. He advocates for what he calls "faithful presence" of believers who not only work together with other believers but with people in every domain "for the common good" within a vision of a "new city commons."

Why read it? Although we may never be able to create a perfect world here on earth, by enacting shalom and seeking it on behalf of all others through the practice of faithful presence, it is possible, just possible, that we will help to make the world a little bit better.

On the shelf of: Eric Swanson, Leadership Community Director, Leadership Network, eric.swanson@leadnet.org

For more reviews and resources, visit our blog at books.leadnet.org.