By Greg Gibson
Here are some of my favorite books for training pastors and church leaders. Most of these books, I’ve at least skimmed. Many of them, I’ve read. And, the rest I plan to read soon.
Each book was chosen because of its doctrinal faithfulness, the author’s reputation, endorsements, reviews, and clear and simple communication style. Most of the books are by pastors or seminary professors from several denominations. Many of the books are the same ones used in top seminaries in the U.S.
At the end of this list, you’ll also see links to 6 other lists…
1. Bible Study Tools
The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance , Edward Goodrick and John Kohlenberger, MA
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, W.E. Vine
New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition , Editors Don Carson, PhD, R.T. France, PhD, J.A. Motyer, D.D., and Gordan Wenham, PhD
New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Editors: Don Carson, PhD, Graeme Goldsworthy, PhD, Brian Rosner, PhD, T. Desmond Alexander, PhD
2. Hermeneutics: How to interpret the Bible.
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Gordon Fee, PhD, Prof. Regent College, Douglas Stuart, Prof. Gordon-Conwell Seminary
3. Preaching: How to preach. Man-centered vs. Christ-centered. Topical vs. expository. How to motivate disciples to holiness.
Biblical Preaching, Haddon Robinson, PhD, Prof. Gordon-Conwell Seminary
Christ-Centered Preaching, Bryan Chappel, PhD, Pres. Covenant Theol. Seminary
4. Biblical Theology: Understanding the outline & story plot of the whole Bible from Gen.–Rev.
God’s Big Picture: Tracing the Storyline of the Bible, Vaughn Roberts, Rector
The Symphony of Scripture, Mark Strom, Th.M.
5. Apologetics: Defending the faith. How to discern truth from error.
The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel, Author, Former pastor
Witnessing to the Cults: A Practical Study Course for Christian Workers, Alex Wilson and Christine Tetley
Far from Rome, Near to God: Testimonies of Fifty Converted Roman Catholic Priests, Richard Bennett, Former R.C. priest, Author
Health and Wealth: Material Blessings and Suffering in the Christian Life, Christopher Pope, (free article)
6. Systematic Theology: What does the whole Bible say about doctrinal topics?
Systematic Theology, Wayne Grudem, PhD, Prof. Phoenix Seminary
The Cross of Christ, John Stott, Ret. pastor
The Sovereignty of God in Providence, by John Reisinger, Ret. evangelist and pastor
The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, Documented, David Steele, Former pastor, Curtis Thomas, Ret. pastor, Lance Quinn, Drs., Pastor
Are Miraculous Gifts for Today, (4 Views) Wayne Grudem, PhD, Prof. Phoenix Sem.
ALL Old Testament Laws Canceled: 24 Reasons Why All Old Testament Laws Are Canceled and All New Testament Laws Are for Our Obedience, Greg Gibson, Author
Heaven, Randy Alcorn, Former Pastor and Seminary Prof.
The End Times Made Simple: How Could Everybody Be So Wrong About Biblical Prophecy, Sam Waldron, PhD, Prof. Midwest Center for Theol. Studies
7. Biblical Book Studies
Encountering the Book of Romans, Doug Moo, PhD, Prof. Wheaton Graduate School
8. Prayer: How to pray effectually
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala, Pastor
The Complete Works of E. M. Bounds on Prayer: Experience the Wonders of God through Prayer, E.M. Bounds
9. Evangelism: How to evangelize. Man-centered vs. God-centered. Why most churches have 80+% apostasy rates, but some have 80+% perseverance rates.
Appendix: Catalogue of Gospel Declarations in Acts, LoveInTruth.com, Andrew Fountain, Pastor, Former-Principle Toronto Baptist Sem. (Free online)
Tell the Truth: The Whole Gospel to the Whole Person by Whole People, Will Metzger, Campus Minister, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship
10. Pastoral Theology: Practical issues
Biblical Eldership: An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Alexander Strauch
Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn, Former-Pastor and Seminary Prof.
Strengthening Your Marriage, Wayne Mack, D. Min., Ret. Prof. Master’s Seminary
11. Church History: What can we learn from movements’ strengths and weaknesses?
Christian History in Plain Language, Bruce Shelley, PhD, Prof. Denver Theol. Sem.
Edited 6/29/09
