Best Religious Leadership Books of 2026

Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence For Every Believer is a proven classic book about leadership development. J. Oswald Sanders, a Christian leader for almost seventy years, presents key principles of leadership in both the temporal and spiritual realms with examples from Scripture and biographies of eminent men of God. The book covers topics such as the cost, responsibility, tests, qualities, and criteria of leadership, as well as the art of reproducing leaders. Sanders emphasizes that even natural leadership qualities are God-given and their true effectiveness can only be reached when used to the glory of God. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Christian spiritual growth and leadership.

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is a compelling defense of gender equality in the church and home. Philip B. Payne challenges the idea of "biblical womanhood," arguing that the Bible's teachings consistently affirm gender equality. Through careful exploration of 14 Bible passages, Payne demonstrates that the Bible does not endorse gender hierarchy but instead emphasizes the Holy Spirit's gifting of all believers for ministry, the oneness of the body of Christ, humility, service, and mutual submission required of all believers, and the freedom and willingness to relinquish freedom in order to spread the gospel. This book is a must-read for those seeking to better understand the Bible's teachings on gender equality.

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt is a thought-provoking book that challenges American Christians to consider how they have manipulated the gospel to fit their cultural preferences. Platt invites readers to believe and obey what Jesus actually said about being his disciple and to abandon everything for the gospel. He tells the story of a suburban church that gets serious about the gospel according to Jesus and urges readers to join in The Radical Experiment, a one-year journey in authentic discipleship. This book is a must-read for every Christian who wants to live a life that truly follows Jesus.

Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time by Ken Blanchard is a practical and transformational book that guides readers through the process of discovering how to lead like Jesus. Blanchard draws on his experience as a renowned leadership expert and coauthor of The One Minute Manager to provide simple yet profound principles from the life of Jesus, as well as dozens of stories and leadership examples from his own life. The book emphasizes the importance of aligning the heart, head, hands, and habits to become an effective leader. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to integrate their faith with their role and responsibility as a leader.

In Sinu Jesu is a journal of a monk's spiritual communication with Our Lord and Our Lady. The book provides a unique insight into the fundamental aspects of the spiritual life, including prayer, surrender to divine providence, liturgical prayer, and the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary and saints in our lives. The book has been granted an imprimatur and has already influenced the spiritual lives of priests, religious, and laymen. It is a must-read for all Christians seeking to renew their holiness through adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

No More Excuses: A 90-Day Devotional for Men, published by LifeWay Press, challenges men to lay down their excuses, stop compromising and fight to be a man of character and commitment. The book offers daily inspiration with Scripture verses, brief devotionals, and thought-provoking questions to help men find purpose, meaning, and direction in life. The book is an excellent resource for men who want to strengthen their spiritual journey and become the man God has called them to be. Overall, No More Excuses is a unique and powerful tool that can help men overcome setbacks and obstacles, grow spiritually, and lead with strength and godliness.

Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future is a practical guide for church leaders who want to navigate the changes and challenges of the modern world while remaining true to their faith. The book offers a three-step process for cultivating grassroots, participatory spiritual growth, with real-life stories and spiritual practices to make each step accessible. The authors also explore how these steps can change a church's culture and establish a new, biblically grounded way of being church. Overall, Leading Faithful Innovation is an inspiring and insightful read that offers a fresh perspective on what it means to follow God in today's world.

Lead Like It Matters is a revised and updated version of the book It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It. In this book, Craig Groeschel, a New York Times bestselling author and senior pastor of Life.Church, shares his insights on how to build a thriving, enduring ministry and organization. He uses his leadership skills and combines biblical principles to equip readers with the tools to recognize, implement, and master the seven leadership principles for a church that lasts. This book is a must-read for every church leader who wants to build a meaningful ministry.

The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn is a motivational book that tells the story of Fred, a mail carrier who loves his job and cares about the people he serves. Sanborn reveals four basic principles that can help readers bring fresh energy and creativity to their lives and work: making a real difference every day, building strong relationships, creating real value for others without spending a penny, and constantly reinventing oneself. The book is revolutionary yet simple, and it has the potential to be life-changing. Overall, The Fred Factor is an inspiring read that teaches readers how to excel in their careers and make their lives extraordinary.

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship: Moving from Shallow Christianity to Deep Transformation is a book that addresses the discipleship crisis faced by the global church. The author, Peter Scazzero, emphasizes the need for emotionally healthy discipleship to create a transformative culture in the church. The book is a step-by-step guide that offers practical strategies to help church leaders cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus and integrate personal history, family, and vulnerability in discipleship. The book is a winner of the 2022 ECPA Christian Book Award for Ministry Resources, and it is a must-read for pastors and church leaders who want to create a deeply changed discipleship culture.