Years ago, when I was a fledgling pastor, I heard that good leaders must be readers, so I added books to my puny personal budget. Every time I wanted to drop books from my budget, I would remember that “you will never think great thoughts unless you read great thoughts.” Here are ten books I have been reading lately—not necessarily the top ten, just ten. Some are good, some are just OK, but all have taught me something.

The Leadership Baton by Forman, Jones, and Miller
Finally, someone else who believes the local church can actually train their own leaders rather than sending them off to seminaries and Bible colleges.

Centurion Principles by Col. Jeff O'Leary

nteresting leadership insights and applications from great military leaders including Hannibal, Alexander the Great, George Washington, and the Roman Centurion.

God is the Gospel by John Piper
Reformed theology meets evangelical devotions. No one makes God look so big and man so small like our Reformed brothers.

Derek Prince: A Biography by Stephen Mansfield
I cut my spiritual teeth on Derek's foundations series and New Wine Magazine as a teenage new believer in the 70's.

Boards that Make a Difference by John Carver
For all who have heard me talk about the Every Nation re-org, this is where the idea of “policy governance” comes from.

Millennials Rising by Howe and Strauss
This is not a Christian book, but these guys believe the Millennials are more open to spiritual things than previous generations. I agree. The high school fields are ripe for harvest!

The Souls of Black Folk? by W.E.B. Dubois
Originally published in 1903 by one of the most influential African Americans.

The Promise No One Wants by Joey Bonifacio
This is the book everyone needs. Joey says more in seventy pages than others say in 700.

Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler
What can I say; I've been on way too many long flights lately.

Shaiton's Fire by Jake Thoene
A Christian version of Clive; even more long flights.