Discover 12 Must-Read Books For Young Leaders

Recommendations from Watermark Staff

When it comes to reading, most of us have more aspirations than time, and trying to read every stellar Christian book would be a Sisyphean task. To help you prioritize, we’ve asked our staff leadership which books they would recommend unreservedly to any believer who wants to grow as a Christian and a leader. Wherever you are in leadership or your faith journey, we think you’ll find these twelve books helpful and valuable.

1. A Tale of 3 Kings by Gene Edwards

Deeply insightful despite its simplicity, A Tale of 3 Kings looks at the lives of Saul, David, and Absalom for leadership examples to imitate or avoid. Among other things, it’s a reminder to avoid self-promotion, serve with integrity and humility, embrace suffering, and trust God’s timing and control. It’s a game changer, especially for leaders still recovering from their own wounds.

2. Lead by Paul David Tripp

None of the Christian leadership principles covered here—such as character over skill, the danger of isolation, and the importance of humility--will be completely novel, but Tripp’s practical wisdom makes it read like a revelation. Notably, he challenges the church to build a better leadership culture, doing better for both pastors and congregants. Pick this one up whether you’re brand-new to ministry or a seasoned veteran.

3. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

Our senior pastor Blake Holmes cites this Puritan classic as his favorite book. A simple allegory that illustrates the Christian journey, it’s relatable and memorable, invaluable for explaining spiritual development both as a leader and as a follower. No wonder it’s still one of the most popular Christian books of all time 350 years after its publication!

4. The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Timothy Keller

If you still haven’t gotten around to reading this bestseller, set aside an hour or so to explore what true humility looks like—not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. At a grand total of 48 pages, it’s easy to squeeze into a busy schedule.

5. Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle

Despite the title, pretty much anyone looking to strengthen their relationship with God can benefit from this punchy little volume on Christian living--and despite its publication date (1886), it’s remarkably timely and relevant. Puritan Bishop J.C. Ryle speaks with the wisdom of a lifetime spent fighting sin and following Christ, sharing the traps and stumbling blocks that everyone encounters.

6. Knowing God by J.I. Packer

Deeper and more accurate understanding of God’s essential characteristics leads to wonder, joy, and transformation. Packer’s foundational classic pushes readers towards greater devotion by looking closely at who God is and how we relate to Him. There’s lots to chew on in here, but it all boils down to seeking knowledge of God as the ultimate prize, not as a means to some other reward.

7. How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins

One of the newer books on this list, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge speaks candidly to people who want to make a difference but haven’t been given official authority in their organization or ministry. By cultivating four essential behaviors of all great leaders—self-leadership, positivity, critical thinking, and action--you can be a galvanizing force for Christ no matter what your title.

8. Habits of Grace by David Mathis

Practical, compact, and steeped in Scripture, Habits of Grace recontextualizes familiar spiritual disciplines (listening to God, speaking to God, and gathering with His body) as pathways to the source of all joy: Jesus Christ. Mathis avoids legalism, emphasizing the need to establish realistic, sustainable habits.

9. Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer

It’s easy to fall into a rut of worshiping a God who’s not the one revealed in the Bible—one who’s weighed down with our own baggage and expectations. Tozer’s modern classic is a meditation on God’s character and nature designed to bring deeper understanding and awe. With illuminating illustrations and new perspectives on familiar truth, this is one to read and re-read.

10. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson

Drawing deeply from the Songs of Ascent in the book of Psalms, the author of beloved biblical paraphrase The Message poses a simple challenge to a society that craves immediate gratification: to obey, and obey, and keep obeying, no matter how weary you become. There is no shortcut to spiritual maturity, but A Long Obedience in the Same Direction will bolster the strength of anyone walking this lifelong road. Take your time with this one.

11. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

The church rightly rejects unbiblical secular psychology, but too much zeal in that direction can lead to equally unbiblical struggles like emotional suppression, conflict avoidance, and weak boundaries. Transformative and grounded in Scripture, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is Pastor Scazzero’s reflection on his own journey to emotional wellness, packed with warning signs to watch for and ways to begin to change.

12. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders

Wise, direct, timeless, and easy to understand, Spiritual Leadership draws from Scripture and the lives of Christian heroes of the faith to motivate a new generation of disciples to fully surrender to Christ. Challenging and practical, this is perhaps the book on servant leadership and guidance from which even Christians in non-leadership roles can benefit.

Parting Encouragement

With no shortage of great books on the market, we humbly submit these twelve as essential reads for any believer looking to grow in faith and leadership. Whether you’re still discerning God’s call or have been leading for years, these books are full of practical, Scripture-based wisdom. We hope you're as challenged and encouraged by them as our staff has been.

*Looking for even more must-read books for young leaders? Check out our additional book recommendations in our 12 Books Every Young Leader Should Read and Top 12 2023 Church Leadership Recommended Books articles.