More Book Recommendations: Church Life

I previously posted a list of books I recommend. These are largely Christian volumes aimed at a more general audience. As a Seminary student, I would to recommend some books I have read both at Seminary and apart from my Seminary studies (as well as some I have in progress but believe I've read enough to recommend them. These are primarily about practical church work and not about theology or Biblical Studies. My theology and Biblical studies lists will come later.

The Purpose-Driven Church by Rick Warren has become something of a classic now. The Purpose-Driven phenomena is frequently abused, misinterpreted, or otherwise misunderstood by both critics and fans. I recommend reading it yourself (cover-to-cover) before judging the book.

Confessions of A Reformission Rev. by Mark Driscoll will also clarify what an Emerging church is and what it is not (there is frequent confusion on all sides about this movement). It details Driscoll's story in planting Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington. Driscoll is Scriptural in his theology but is definitely not a traditional Southern Evangelical loaded with traditions and legalism. The book is very challenging.

Visioneering by Andy Stanley. Though not specifically about church work it is definitely a must read and should be read by all pastors and staff in light of church mistry.

The Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley. Also not specifically about church work but a must read along the same lines as Andy Stanley's other work.

Spiritual Leadership by Henry and Richard Blackaby. The Blackaby's have a unique take on leadership that sets their work apart from all other works on leadership. Much practical insight here.

Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. This is a true classic that has impacted many over the years.

Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer. For those going into church planting, this book which I have in progress has already been worth every penny spent on it.

Boundaries of Light by Elmer Towns and Ed Stetzer. Guidance to those in the Emerging church movement on how to remain Biblicallly faithful while ministering to post-moderns.

Power in the Pulpit by Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix. A thorough and exhaustive guide to expository preaching that is valuable.

Communicating For A Change by Andy Stanley. Stanley's unique take on preaching has much practical wisdom.

Letters To Timothy by John Bisagno. Worth every penny you spend on it for the pastor. A treasure of practical wisdom on practical ministry.

Back To The Heart of Youth Work by Dewey Bertolini. This book written almost twenty years ago has much valuable wisdom on relating to people in general in ministry even if you are not specifically in youth work. Absolutely priceless for the youth/student minister.

Teaching To Change Lives by Howard Hendricks. Another classic - this one is about teaching.

There are probably more I could list but that is what I have thought of for now.