Books every leader should read.

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader. It’s never been easier to read than today with iPhone apps, Kindle, and the iPad. I want to share eight books that every children’s pastor should read. I apologize if you’ve written a book and it didn’t make the cut. Don’t take it personally! Eight is a small number to choose from. I have listed these books alphabetically, not by priority. (And, in case you’re wondering, the Bible isn’t included. It comes before the eight!)

A Tale of three Kings by Gene Edwards. This is a book that I read every year about David, Saul and Absalom. It reminds me that God uses humble, broken people.

Already Gone by Ken Ham. If you want to know why kids leave the church and what you can do to stop it, you better read this book.

Mad Church Disease by Anne Jackson. Does working in the church ever interfere with your relationship with Christ? I thought so. You need this book.

Purple Cow by Seth Godin. I remember the first time my friend Nevan Hooker told me about the book. I bought it and the light turned on. You’ll learn how to make your ministry great by being remarkable.

Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie. Do you know your strengths? What about the strengths of your staff? Great leaders learn to identify weaknesses and maximize strengths.

The Effective Executive by Peter Drucker. Every leader needs to read this classic more than once. Learn how to organize your tasks, get things done right, and about everything in between.

Raising a Modern-Day Joseph by Larry Fowler. This is a book that every parent in the church needs to read. They will get help forming a strategy for growing great kids.

Children’s Ministry Volunteers That Stick by Jim Wideman. Get the help you need recruiting, training and most importantly, keeping volunteers in your ministry. Jim knows his stuff.

I was suppose to stop at eight, but here are a few extras:

Axiom by Bill Hybels. This is a great book packed with short leadership proverbs that we all need to hear. I’ve shared a lot of this book with our staff at KidzMatter.

Think Orange by Reggie Joiner. This new book is a popular one in children’s and family ministry. Reggie gets practical about the relationship the church and family can have together.

Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby. In this book, you’ll learn that leading with love is the way to go.

What books would you add to the list?