For the last few years I have set out with a goal to read a book a week between audio books, kindle and physical books I came close this year. I am nearing 40 books as we close out the year. Next year we will try again! Here are my top 10 books from this year in no certain order. (Mostly because I couldn’t decide).
All links to purchase these book are amazon affiliate links and help support me and my reading adventures.
1. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership  – Ruth Haley Barton
Summary
“Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership” explores the critical connection between a leader’s inner spiritual life and their outer leadership effectiveness. Using Moses as a model, Barton emphasizes the importance of solitude, self-awareness, and spiritual disciplines to sustain leaders in the midst of demanding responsibilities. She highlights practices like silence, discernment, and Sabbath-keeping to help leaders avoid burnout and remain rooted in their calling. Grounded in Christian spirituality, the book calls leaders to align their actions with their true selves and rely on God’s guidance, fostering authentic and transformative leadership.
Why I liked it:
I have now held leadership positions for nearly 20 years and no other book I have read so directly connects the inner spiritual life with your ability to lead. Leadership is full of burnout and sad stories, but if we can appropriately, intentionally, and proactively care for our soul we can be sustained in leadership. I love the depth of this book along with very practical advice along the way.
I also enjoyed the audiobook version with my wife find it HERE
(If you don’t have a audible account try it out here )
2. Non-anxious presence – Mark Sayers
Summary:
“Non-Anxious Presence” explores how leaders can navigate cultural upheaval and uncertainty by embodying calm, resilience, and faith. Sayers argues that true leadership arises not from control but from creating stability amidst chaos, particularly in an era of widespread anxiety driven by technological disruption and societal shifts. Drawing on Christian principles, he emphasizes the importance of spiritual practices like prayer and reflection to cultivate a grounded presence. By embracing discomfort and viewing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, leaders can inspire transformation and guide others toward hope and renewal in challenging times.
Why I like it:
I think every leader whether in church or the marketplace needs to read this book. As we all know our world has shifted gears, especially post COCID, but even more so with the technology age. Mark Sayers does a great job showing the shifts over the years and how taking a non-anxious stance as leaders is the most needed thing in the world outside of God. He also shows us how God is what is needed in our leadership to help us be non-anxious presences. God thrives in chaotic anxious situations and with him by our side, and in our lives, we can too.
3. The Chaos Machine by Max Fisher
Summary:
The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World explores the profound and often disturbing impact of social media on individuals and societies. Drawing on investigative reporting, psychological research, and firsthand accounts, Fisher delves into how platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter (X) exploit human vulnerabilities through algorithms designed to maximize engagement, often amplifying extremism, misinformation, and division. The book reveals the consequences of these dynamics, from political upheavals to personal harm, while scrutinizing the tech industry’s responsibility and lack of accountability. Ultimately, it serves as a wake-up call about the urgent need to understand and address the ways social media is shaping modern life.
Why I like it:
This book will open your eyes to the effects of social media not only in the world but in your own life. It is a hefty book with a lot of information but Max Fisher does a great job making it compelling and hard to put down. If you want a behind the scenes look at how social media is trying to gain control of your time, read this book.
4. Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
Summary
Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking explores how the thoughts we repeat to ourselves—our “soundtracks”—can shape our lives. Acuff offers practical strategies for identifying and replacing negative, unhelpful mental patterns with positive, empowering ones. Drawing on research and personal stories, he provides a three-step framework: retire broken soundtracks, replace them with new, purposeful ones, and repeat these new thoughts until they become automatic. The book encourages readers to harness the power of their inner dialogue to overcome overthinking, build confidence, and achieve their goals.
Why I like it:
Mental health is something that I deal with and have dealt with for the majority of my life. This book has helped me to see that the soundtracks we choose to play in the background of our life shape our day to day lives. Much like the soundtracks in a movie shape our feelings as we watch a scene play out. We have the ability to choose our soundtracks, and I have been constantly playing some negative soundtracks for a large part of my life. Now my life hasn’t changed much but I am trying to make that change and would encourage you to do so a well.
The book isn’t pictured because I listened to it on audible (which he includes added stories in the audible version compared to the book). I highly recommend it!
Find it here on Audible:
(If you don’t have a audible account try it out here )
5. Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
Summary
Permission to Feel emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence in achieving personal and professional well-being. Drawing on his expertise as a psychologist and researcher, Brackett introduces the RULER approach (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating emotions) to help readers better navigate their emotional lives. He argues that understanding and managing emotions can reduce stress, improve relationships, and foster creativity and productivity. Using personal anecdotes, scientific research, and practical strategies, the book serves as a guide to cultivating emotional awareness and resilience in a world often dismissive of feelings.
Why I like it:
We focused this past year on our emotional health specifically becoming followers of Jesus that live with an emotionally healthy spirituality. This book is not a faith based book but a scientific view of emotions. I believe Christians need to understand that our emotions are God given. He created us with emotions, he experiences emotions, and gave them to us as a gift. This book gives great detail in an easy to read format about emotions, how to understand them, and what to do with them. Stop ignoring your God given emotions and embrace them!
6. It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
Summary
It Didn’t Start With You explores how inherited family trauma can shape our emotional health, relationships, and behaviors. Drawing on research in epigenetics, psychology, and neuroscience, Wolynn explains how unresolved traumas from previous generations can manifest as anxiety, depression, or physical illness in descendants. He provides practical tools for identifying and breaking these inherited patterns through storytelling, visualization, and mindfulness. By addressing the root causes of emotional pain, the book offers a path toward healing and creating a healthier legacy for future generations.
Why I like it:
This book is eye opening to see how our past trauma going back multiple generations (as Numbers says “to the 3rd and 4th generations) effects our life today.  Mark gives great stories and practical steps to see how trauma that may have happened in your family tree could be still be living out of you today.  I think everyone should read this and do the work to clear yourself from your past. (and you thought all your problems stemmed from your childhood…)
7. The Truth About Us by Brant Hansen
Summary
The Truth About Us challenges the pervasive human tendency to believe we are “good people” by exposing our biases, self-righteousness, and inability to accurately assess ourselves. Drawing on biblical principles, psychology, and humor, Hansen argues that true freedom and peace come from embracing the reality of our brokenness and leaning fully on God’s grace. By surrendering the need to prove our own goodness, we can cultivate humility, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with others and with God.
Why I like it:
If you have never read anything by Brant Hansen, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books. (You won’t want to put it down!) Besides being a fun entertaining book, this book so helpfully shares how we work against ourselves to become who God wants and needs us to be. If you think you are a good person, pick up this book because it will be good for you!
8. The Liturgy of Politics by Kaitlyn Schiess
Summary
The Liturgy of Politics explores how Christian spiritual practices shape political beliefs and actions. Schiess argues that the church’s liturgies—its worship, rituals, and teaching—form its members’ political instincts in profound ways, often more than explicit political discussions. She critiques how some Christian communities have uncritically absorbed partisan ideologies and calls for a deeper alignment of spiritual practices with the teachings of Christ. By recovering the church’s role in shaping hearts and minds, Schiess envisions a faith that actively engages in politics with justice, humility, and love at its core.
Why I like it:
This book gives clear and detailed information about the relationship between politics and the Church. Both how we got to where we are today and clear steps to view politics with a Biblical and Christian worldview. With all the division in the world and the very clear call from Christ to be a united body, every Christian should read this book with an open mind and unify themselves to Christ.
9. How’s your Soul? By Judah Smith
Summary
“How’s Your Soul?” is a reflective and insightful book that encourages readers to check in with their inner well-being. Smith, a pastor and author, explores the importance of emotional and spiritual health, focusing on how one’s soul plays a crucial role in shaping happiness and purpose. Through personal anecdotes, biblical wisdom, and practical advice, he invites readers to take an honest look at their inner life, offering guidance on finding peace and joy through a deep connection with God. The book emphasizes the importance of caring for the soul and addressing its needs in order to live a fulfilling life.
Why I like it:
Judah Smith’s story telling always pulls me in. I think that this book is a very needed book for this next generation. I listened to the audio book version which I would highly recommend as Judah adds some of his sermon clips and other illustrations that are not in the book. Either way this book is a must read for anyone who wants to grow and experience the fullness of the abundant life that God offers.
10. Barking Up the Wrong Tree by Eric Barker
Summary
“Barking Up the Wrong Tree” explores the science behind success, happiness, and personal fulfillment, challenging common assumptions and offering practical insights. Barker delves into topics such as the importance of emotional intelligence, the role of luck, and the value of persistence, debunking myths about how to achieve success. Drawing from research in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, the book encourages readers to question popular self-help advice and offers a more nuanced approach to navigating personal and professional challenges. Ultimately, it emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for success.
Why I like it
I think redefining success is key to everyone’s mental health and this book gives clear evidence that there is not one key to success. Eric shares intriguing story after story that give evidence to both sides of every success argument and that for most people a balanced effort in life is what will play out the best. This book will open your eyes to the opportunities for success that you have in your life and motivate you to take a step in that direction.
Honorable Mentions
Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer
This book does a great job of explaining what a life of following Christ should look like. I will be using it to kick off our 2025 sermon series!
Atlas of the Heart – Brene Brown.
This book is great exploration of our emotions. Brene looks at the importance of these emotions specifically at how they help us connect or disconnect with other people.
Secrets of a Fruitful Heart – Bob Sorge
A great book looking into the parable of the sower and how it relates to our spiritual walk. Learn how to become soil that is welcoming to the seeds God is planting in your life.
The Resilient Pastor – Glenn Packiam
Every pastor should read this book as it gives great insight to the world and culture we are living in today.
The Truth about Leadership – Kouzes & Posner
One of the best leadership books I have read that gets down to the basics of what people are looking for in a leader and how to become that person.
Overcoming Codependency – Shane Blackledge
A must read. Most people do not recognize where codependency exists in their lives let alone understand how to break free with the help of Christ.
Growing Young – Powell, Mulder, & Griffin
If you work with young adults or want to involve young adults in your church read this book!
Life without Lack – Dallas Willard
An Eye-opening book to how to live the abundant life that God created us for and Jesus came to offer us.
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill
Classic book on setting your mind to achieve the things you want.
The 4 Hour Workweek – Timothy Ferriss
Learn how to make the most of your time or make your time work for you.
Want to become a reader?
I am lucky that I grew up in a home of readers. I spent many a night up reading books of all sorts in my childhood and I am glad that has continued into my adulthood. If you aren’t a reader but would like to be here are a few helpful tips.
- Set a reading goal. Maybe its 30minutes a day or an hour. Set something and stick to it. Don’t turn on the TV or grab your phone until you complete your goal.
- Replace watching television or scrolling social media with reading especially before bed!
- If the book you start isn’t keeping your attention, start a new one
- Consider using the Kindle app on your phone and read when you are waiting somewhere instead of scrolling social media
- Celebrate Milestones. Make it exciting to finish your first book and then your 5th book. Whatever keeps you motivated.
- Consider Audiobooks. This is the first year that I have added audiobooks to my life. It has its pros and cons but if it gets you reading its worth it! (Try an audible account here )