10 book every new pastor must read

What a great question! Here are 10 books that every new pastor might find helpful in their ministry:

  1. "The Pastor" by Eugene Peterson: A must-read for any pastor, this book explores the role of the pastor and the challenges they face.
  2. "The Trellis and the Vine" by Colin Marshall and Tony Payne: A thought-provoking book that challenges pastors to focus on the spiritual growth of their people rather than just managing the church's programs.
  3. "The Gospel and Personal Evangelism" by Mark Dever: A practical guide to personal evangelism that emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel in everyday conversations.
  4. "The Church and the Surprising Offense of God's Love" by D.A. Carson: A thought-provoking book that explores the nature of the church and the importance of living out God's love in the community.
  5. "The Pastor's Justification" by Jared C. Wilson: A book that explores the pastor's own need for justification and the importance of living out their own faith in their ministry.
  6. "The Leadership Pipeline" by Ram Charan, Stephen Drotter, and James Noel: A practical guide to leadership development that can help pastors build a strong team and develop their own leadership skills.
  7. "The Peacemaker" by Ken Sande: A helpful book that provides practical guidance on conflict resolution and peacemaking in the church.
  8. "The Power of Vulnerability" by Kate Bowler: A thought-provoking book that explores the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in ministry.
  9. "The Pastor's Wife" by Gloria Furman: A book that provides guidance and encouragement for pastors' wives, who often face unique challenges in their own ministry.
  10. "The Ministry of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson: A book that explores the importance of motherhood and the role that mothers play in shaping the next generation of leaders.

These books offer a mix of practical guidance, theological reflection, and personal encouragement that can help new pastors navigate the challenges of ministry and build a strong foundation for their work.