The single greatest way you can grow as a leader in 2025 is to read books. As a fellow pastor, I’d like to save you time and focus your attention where it needs to be for maximum growth and development.

We’re continuing our series as I count down my top 15 best books for church leaders, narrowed down from hundreds of books that I’ve read in 2024. Add these to your own reading list.

Here’s the next 3, in no particular order.

#4: Church on Trial: How to protect your congregation, mission, and reputation during a crisis by Phil Cooke
In the ministry world where unpredictability is the only certainty, church leaders face a unique challenge — navigating the upheaval precipitated by crises. From unforeseen scandals to disruptive emergencies, leaders must be equipped with grounded solutions to manage them with confidence and poise. That is why Phil Cooke’s Church on Trial is a must-read — an essential guide for maintaining integrity and preserving the good standing of your church in the face of a crisis.

#5: Moon Port Pastor: Adrian Rogers and the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, Florida by Phil Kramer
There is a timeless, inspirational message to be found when talking about the Merritt Island years of Adrian Rogers. With a priority upon the inerrant Word of God preached in a dynamic and endearing way along with an emphasis upon personal evangelism, readers will feel as though Adrian Rogers once again stands behind the Merritt Island pulpit, challenging them just as he challenged his congregation 60 years ago.

#6: The Journey of Modern Theology: From Reconstruction to Deconstruction (Revised Paperback Edition) by Roger E. Olson
Roger Olson widens the scope of the story of modern theology to include a fuller account of modernity, more material on the nineteenth century and an engagement with postmodernity. Olson guides us on the epic journey of modern theology, from the liberal “reconstruction” of theology that originated with Friedrich Schleiermacher to the postliberal and postmodern “deconstruction” of modern theology that continues today.

Stay tuned for more of my best books for church leaders, to add to your reading list for 2025!

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

P.S. Can’t wait for the full list to be revealed? If you’d like to access the full report now, just click here to request it for FREE ($39.95 value).

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.