President Harry Truman once said, “Not All Readers Are Leaders, but All Leaders Are Readers”.
Recently, I reached out to several key leaders at Champion Forest. I asked them to recommend one book that has shaped how they lead. Here's what they said.
Name: Jarrett Stephens
Position: Senior Pastor (Global)
Book: Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
Why should every leader read this book?
This book covers a plethora of topics and leadership principles that are helpful to those serving in any leadership capacity. Sanders uses scripture, history, and the lives of faithful believers to illustrate and underscore the leadership principles he outlines in each chapter. What I love most about this book is that it’s rooted in sound theology and practical in its application. Short and concise chapters make it an easy read.
Name: Jeff Young
Position: Executive Pastor (Global)
Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Why should every leader read this book?
The principles and concepts in this book have been instrumental in multiple areas of my ministry. From understanding Level 5 leadership to assessing and building teams to crafting directional priorities and retaining focus on those priorities by reducing distractions so that the flywheel can build momentum, no leadership book has influenced my understanding and practice of leadership more.
Name: Steven Miori
Position: Communications Pastor (Global)
Book: On Writing Well by William Zinnser
Why should every leader read this book?
On Writing Well is not a book about leadership, but I believe every leader writes in some way. Whether it is a letter, a handwritten note to a coworker, or an email to a team member, everybody writes. This book is the single most practical resource I’ve read to help me communicate more effectively.
Name: Chris Todd
Position: Finance & Administration Pastor (Global)
Book: The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes & Posner
Why should every leader read this book?
The Leadership Challenge is an excellent read for anyone looking to develop or enhance their leadership skills. It outlines five principles that are easy to understand and practical to implement. Also, the examples provided throughout the book give a real-life understanding of how to apply the principles.
Name: Steven Morris
Position: Campus Pastor (North Klein)
Book: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle
Why should every leader read this book?
Leaders play a major role in shaping the culture where they lead. The Culture Code helps leaders think strategically about their influence, leadership, and team. Small habits can lead to huge changes for the better (or worse) in the culture/morale of any team. A great culture, more often than not, leads to great results.
Name: John Wills
Position: Missions Pastor & Residency Program (Global)
Book: Good to Great by Jim Collins
Why should every leader read this book?
Everyone wants quick results, but Jim Collins emphasizes the importance of long-term, sustained success. He also provides several case studies of companies that “just missed it” and evaluates why they fell short. Everyone would benefit from his practical evaluation and advice.
Name: Averri LaMalle
Position: Campus Pastor (Jersey Village)
Book: The Coach Model for Christian Leaders: Powerful Leadership Skills for Solving Problems, Reaching Goals, and Developing Others by Keith E. Webb
Why should every leader read this book?
I recommend this leadership book as a guide to both aspiring leaders and experienced leaders because it is written from a biblical worldview and the action steps are practical and duplicable for effective servant leadership. The model is intentionally relational as it prompts leaders to coach others by helping them leverage their gifts to realize solutions allowing others to be empowered for a bias toward action.
Name: Ramon Medina
Position: Lead Pastor, Espanol (Global)
Book: The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters by Albert Mohler or Un líder de Convicciones (Spanish Translation)
Why should every leader read this book?
Albert Mohler emphasizes the importance of spiritual leadership. He reminds the leader that leadership is more than a plan, it is a purpose. This book will help move leaders from good leadership to great spiritual leadership.
About Abigail O'Neel
Abigail O’Neel served as a resident at Champion Forest Baptist Church in Northwest Houston. Abigail holds a ThM and an MDiv from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS). Her research focuses on theological anthropology, gender and sex, embodiment, sociality, and siblingship. She is the founder and host of The About Her Podcast and currently writes for her church and various parachurch ministries. She and her husband, Caleb, live in Houston, Texas.
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