Top 10 Leadership Books for Church Leaders

If you’ve been in church production or worship ministry for any amount of time, you know leadership can feel like juggling the spiritual, the technical, and the personal—all at once.

You’re leading volunteers, solving problems, managing emotions, and trying to keep your own heart healthy in the process.

That’s why reading is so crucial for leaders.

Reading isn’t just about information—it’s about transformation. It stretches your perspective, deepens your empathy, and sharpens your decision-making. Studies show that the world’s top leaders—CEOs, entrepreneurs, pastors—read multiple books a month. Why? Because they know continuous learning is the key to sustained growth.

In ministry, where we’re constantly pouring out, reading fills the tank back up.

Here are 10 books (plus one bonus!) that have shaped my leadership—spiritually, mentally, and practically—and how they can impact yours.

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1️⃣ Lead Like Jesus — Ken Blanchard & Phil Hodges

If you only read one book from this list, make it this one. I’ve read Lead Like Jesus with multiple teams over the years, and it’s shaped how I think about leadership more than anything else.

Ken Blanchard writes, “Leadership is not about love of power; it’s about the power of love.”

This book reminds us that leadership isn’t about status—it’s about posture. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve. He washed feet, listened to people, and modeled humility. Philippians 2:5–8 says, “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus… who made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”

I’ll be honest—there have been seasons where I’ve let ego sneak in. Where I thought leadership was about getting things done or proving myself. But this book keeps pulling me back to the heart of why I do what I do: to serve others and glorify Christ.

“He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” — Philippians 2:7

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Leadership starts on the inside. You can’t lead people where you haven’t gone yourself.
2. Servant leadership is the model. We don’t give orders—we create environments for people to thrive.
3. Ego kills ministry. When pride creeps in, even subtly, you stop reflecting Jesus.

This book recalibrates your heart every time you pick it up.

Reflection:

• Are you leading for recognition, or out of a calling to serve?
• Where might pride be getting in the way of true servant leadership?

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2️⃣ The Divine Mentor — Wayne Cordeiro

I read this book early in my ministry career, and it completely changed how I approach time with God. Cordeiro says, “The Word of God is meant to mentor you—if you’ll slow down and let it.”

When I was younger, I read the Bible to prepare messages or find quotes for meetings. But this book convicted me to stop reading for others and start reading for myself again. Ministry burnout doesn’t come from working too hard—it comes from leading on an empty tank.

The truth is, you can’t pour out what you haven’t received.

Now, my quiet time is where God fills my heart before I fill anyone else’s.

Wayne Cordeiro reminds us that ministry burnout isn’t a time issue—it’s a soul issue.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. You need a daily connection with God, not just a weekly one. You can’t pour out what you haven’t received.
2. Scripture is meant to mentor you. The Bible isn’t for prep—it’s for transformation.
3. Private devotion sustains public ministry. The best leaders are shaped in the secret place.

Reflection:

• Is your time in the Word primarily for you—or for your next ministry assignment?
• What would change if you treated your Bible like a conversation, not a textbook?

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3️⃣ Fired Up — Dr. Andrew Johnston

Dr. Johnston is brilliant at unpacking what drives motivation. I got to meet him at a conference years ago, and his wisdom stuck with me.

He writes, “Energy is contagious. Leaders who carry clarity and passion set the temperature of their environment.”

One Thursday night, I came into rehearsal tired. Long week. Short temper. By the end of the night, two people asked if I was okay—and they weren’t being nosy. They were responding to the tone I had set. This book taught me that as leaders, we don’t reflect the atmosphere, we create it.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Energy is contagious. Your tone sets the team’s tone.
2. Leaders are thermostats, not thermometers. Don’t react to chaos—regulate it.
3. Passion + Purpose = Longevity. Burnout isn’t about doing too much, but about doing too much of what doesn’t matter.

We are the temperature setters. When we bring energy, focus, and faith—our teams follow.

Reflection:

• What kind of “energy” do you bring into your team environments?
• Would you follow your own attitude into battle—or be looking for the exit?

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4️⃣ Leaders Eat Last — Simon Sinek

This is one of the best books on culture you’ll ever read. Sinek says, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

When people feel safe, valued, and supported—they thrive. When they feel disposable—they withdraw. I’ve seen both in ministry.

I once worked under a pastor who would take blame publicly and give credit privately. I learned more from watching his humility than from any meeting we ever had. It reminded me that trust outlasts talent.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. The best leaders create safety. People should know you care about them more than what they do.
2. Trust > Talent. Trust keeps momentum; talent alone doesn’t.
3. Leaders sacrifice for their people. True leaders go last—they serve first.

Reflection:

• Does your team feel protected or pressured?
• When’s the last time you sacrificed something to serve your team?

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5️⃣ How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge — Clay Scroggins

This one hit home during a tough season. I was frustrated by decisions I couldn’t control. A mentor recommended this book, and it reframed everything.

Scroggins says, “You don’t need authority to lead—you need responsibility.”

Influence grows when you lead faithfully where you are, not where you wish you were. I’ve seen young volunteers gain influence simply by owning their roles and doing them with excellence.

Leadership starts with stewardship, not status.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Influence isn’t about position. You don’t need a title to lead—you need responsibility.
2. Be faithful where you are. Do your best work in the season you’re in.
3. Lead yourself first. Excellence, integrity, and humility attract influence.

Reflection:

• Are you leading well in the season you’re in—or waiting for the next one?
• What’s one area you can take more ownership of this week?

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💡 Quick Note:
All of these principles are why I started ChurchAVpro—to help churches like yours simplify production and amplify the message.
If your team needs coaching, consulting, or development, book a free 20-minute consult at churchav.pro.

And don’t miss the Worship Devotional: Volume 1—a great tool to keep your team spiritually centered while they serve.

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6️⃣ The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership — Jenni Catron

This book ties leadership to the Great Commandment: heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Catron writes, “Great leaders know how to integrate all four dimensions of who they are.”

If you lead all heart but no mind—you’ll burn out.
If you lead all mind but no heart—you’ll lose people.

I’ve lived both. Healthy leadership requires balance. Some seasons I need to slow down and care more deeply for my team. Other times, I need to tighten systems and clarify expectations. Both matter.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Healthy leadership starts with a healthy leader. You can’t pour from an empty soul.
2. Balance matters. Blend heart and mind, passion and process.
3. Self-awareness multiplies leadership. Know your strengths—and your blind spots.

Reflection:

• Which “dimension” do you tend to lead from most—heart, soul, mind, or strength?
• Which area needs the most attention right now?

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7️⃣ Crucial Conversations — Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler

This book has saved me from more leadership disasters than I can count. Ministry is full of difficult conversations—misunderstandings, hurt feelings, tension.

One line from the book changed how I lead: “When stakes are high and emotions run strong, the best leaders create safety, not pressure.”

I’ve learned that conflict isn’t the enemy. Avoidance is.
When I started leaning into tough talks with honesty and empathy, trust deepened—even when the conversation was hard.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Conflict isn’t bad—avoidance is. Healthy conflict builds trust.
2. Focus on safety, not winning. Listen to understand, not to fix.
3. Facts before feelings. Stick to what you know before assuming motives.

Reflection:

• Who do you need to have a conversation with this week?
• Are you trying to win the argument or build the relationship?

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8️⃣ The Volunteer Project: Stop Recruiting and Start Retaining — Jacobsen, Sanders, Watson

Every production or worship leader needs this book. It flips the script on how we think about volunteers.

The authors say, “The best way to grow your team isn’t to recruit more—it’s to care better.”

That hit me.
Early on, I was obsessed with filling positions. I’d chase new recruits instead of investing in the people I already had. Once I started focusing on developing and pastoring my current volunteers, our retention skyrocketed—and so did morale.

People don’t quit ministry. They quit leaders.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Stop recruiting. Start retaining. The best way to grow your team is to keep the people you already have.
2. People quit leaders, not ministries. Care matters more than cool.
3. Development keeps people engaged. Growth builds loyalty.

Reflection:

• How often do you intentionally connect with your volunteers outside of Sunday?
• What can you do to show appreciation this week?

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9️⃣ Extreme Ownership — Jocko Willink & Leif Babin

This book is a masterclass in accountability. Written by Navy SEALs, it’s blunt, intense, and absolutely relevant to ministry.

Jocko writes, “Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.”

When things go wrong on Sunday—and they do—it’s easy to point fingers. “It was the band’s fault.” “The projector froze.” “The notes didn’t update.” But leadership means owning the outcome and asking, “What could I have done differently?”

The best leaders take responsibility for failure but give away credit for success.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Take ownership, no excuses. You own the outcome—good or bad.
2. Simplify and communicate. Complexity kills clarity.
3. Discipline equals freedom. Preparation makes space for flexibility and creativity.

Reflection:

• How do you respond when something goes wrong?
• What would your team learn if you took responsibility first?

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🔟 The Checklist Manifesto — Atul Gawande

This might not sound exciting, but it’s brilliant. The idea is simple: checklists protect excellence.

Gawande says, “Discipline is not the enemy of creativity—it’s the foundation for it.”

When systems are clear, creativity thrives. I used to think checklists stifled people, but the opposite is true. They create confidence. When your team doesn’t have to remember every small detail, they’re free to focus on the bigger picture.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Checklists save time and sanity. Even surgeons use them.
2. Systems create consistency. Work smarter, not harder.
3. Write, refine, repeat. Document your process so creativity can thrive.

Reflection:

• Do your systems free people—or frustrate them?
• What’s one process you could simplify this week?

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Bonus: Make the World More Awesome — Jeremy Brownlee

This one’s personal. Jeremy’s not just a friend; he’s a teammate and someone I deeply respect. His book captures the heart of leadership development perfectly.

He writes, “You don’t multiply leaders accidentally—you multiply them intentionally.”

This book reminds me that leadership isn’t about being the best. It’s about bringing out the best in others. I’ve watched Jeremy live that out—celebrating progress, mentoring others, and creating a culture where people believe they can grow.

Top 3 Takeaways:

1. Leadership development is intentional. You don’t multiply leaders by accident.
2. Celebrate growth, not perfection. Progress > performance.
3. Awesome leaders make others awesome. True leadership lifts others higher.

Reflection:

• Who are you developing right now?
• Are you building followers—or future leaders?

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Final Thoughts

Here’s the truth—leadership in ministry is hard. It will stretch your faith, your patience, and your heart. But leaders who keep learning are the ones who keep lasting.

Every one of these books has challenged me to think differently about leadership—to lead with humility, care for people deeply, and stay faithful in the unseen moments.

If you want to lead well for the long haul:

• Keep reading.
• Keep learning.
• Keep your heart soft and your hands steady.

Because the Kingdom doesn’t need more exhausted heroes—it needs healthy, humble coaches who multiply others.

If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Comment below or connect with me at churchav.pro or on Instagram @churchavpro.

And if you or your team need help growing—whether it’s through coaching, consulting, or developing your volunteers—reach out. That’s what ChurchAVpro is all about:
Simplifying production. Amplifying the message.