Essential Reads for Restoration and Renewal

No fluff—just powerful, easy reads for restoring your passion and purpose.

Download our 33 Recommended Books

Still not sure? Try one of these…

Leading on Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion by Wayne Cordeiro

This is the number one book that EVERYONE in ministry should read. The author Wayne Cordeiro found himself paralyzed by burnout and recounts his experience and journey back. Here is why this book is amazing:

  • It is a very easy read with a lot of stories included

  • The author’s recounting of his personal struggle makes it relatable.

  • There is practical yet realistic application that helps readers identify their own struggle and how to take steps towards healing.

  • It hits the nail on the head of the slippery slope ministry can be.

Our 2-cents: I read it every year and always find some new that hits me.

Mad Church Disease by Anne Marie Miller

Does serving in the church hurt your relationship with Christ? As the daughter of a pastor, Anne saw firsthand the struggles leaders face and the toll it takes on their families. As a church leader, she was hospitalized because stress began wreaking havoc on her body. She was flooded with over a thousand responses from people pouring out their stories of pain.

  • Each chapter ends with powerful interviews from ministry leaders.

  • Has several checklists & interactive questions to keep readers engaged.

  • Author recounts her struggles not only with burnout but also her experience with church hurt.

Our 2-cents: This is the book that I read that opened me back up to working in ministry again.

Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel

We've all tried to think our way out of bad habits and unhealthy thought patterns, only to find ourselves stuck with an out-of-control mind and off-track daily life. Drawing on the Bible and brain science, Groeschel lays out practical strategies that will free you from the grip of destructive thinking and enable you to live the life of peace that God intends you to live.

  • Learn how your brain works and see how to rewire your “ruts”.

  • While this book is an easy read, you may want to read slowly as there are a lot of nuggets to digest.

  • Powerful quotes are littered throughout the book to help refocus on the key thoughts.

Our 2-cents: The author (and pastor of Life Church) also has a sermon series that goes along with the book and is free online - watch or listen.