Podcast & Book Recommendations

In the hustle of today’s ministry culture, it’s easy to prioritize productivity over personal and organizational health. But lasting fruit comes from deep roots. This list of podcasts and books has all been really helpful to me. It’s designed to help pastors and church leaders nurture emotional, spiritual, and systemic well-being. Whether you’re planting a church, leading a staff team or organization, or navigating burnout, my hope is that these resources offer you some practical tools and timeless wisdom to help you lead with integrity, clarity, and rest. From emotional health to strategic leadership, each resource will help you start with healthy—and stay healthy—for the long haul of faithful ministry.

If I’ve missed one of your favorite books, podcasts, etc., please let me know!

__________

Podcasts for Healthy Church Leadership

1. The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast – Pete Scazzero
   Focuses on inner life, emotional health, and leadership rooted in spiritual maturity.

2. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership – Ruth Haley Barton
   Explores the spiritual rhythms and practices needed to lead from a deep place with God.

3. The Church Leadership Podcast – Lifeway
   Offers practical wisdom for leading churches well, with a focus on sustainable ministry.

4. Unhurried Living Podcast – Alan and Gem Fadling
   Helps leaders slow down and recover rhythms of grace for life and leadership.

5. Being Human – Steve Cuss
   Teaches leaders how to manage anxiety, emotional systems, and the pressures of ministry.

6. The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
   Interviews with top church and business leaders on burnout, resilience, and innovation.

7. The Leader’s Journey – Trisha Taylor & Jim Herrington
   Integrates family systems theory, leadership development, and personal formation.

8. Lead Culture – Jenni Catron
   Offers insights on leading with clarity, emotional intelligence, and organizational health.

9. ChurchPulse Weekly – Barna + Carey Nieuwhof
   Data-driven conversations on trends, burnout, and spiritual vitality in church leadership.

10. Everything Just Changed – Mark Sayers & Jeff Henderson
    A thoughtful and theological take on cultural change, renewal, and resilient leadership.

Books for Healthy Church Leadership

1. The Emotionally Healthy Leader – Peter Scazzero
   A foundational guide to integrating emotional maturity with spiritual depth in leadership.

2. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership – Ruth Haley Barton
   Teaches leaders how to lead from a grounded, spiritually attentive inner life.

3. A Long Obedience in the Same Direction – Eugene Peterson
   A classic call to faithfulness and character in a culture obsessed with quick results.

4. Canoeing the Mountains – Tod Bolsinger
   Helps churches navigate leadership challenges in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

5. The Deeply Formed Life – Rich Villodas
   A vision for Christian formation that integrates justice, presence, and spiritual rhythms.

6. Resilient Ministry – Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman, Donald Guthrie
   Research-based insights into what helps pastors thrive over the long haul.

7. The Power of the 72 – Felicity Dale
   A missional book that empowers lay leadership and promotes a healthy church culture.

8. Tempered Resilience – Tod Bolsinger
   A follow-up to Canoeing the Mountains on how leaders are formed through crisis.

9. Leading on Empty – Wayne Cordeiro
   A vulnerable and practical book on avoiding burnout and recovering joy in ministry.

10. When Narcissism Comes to Church – Chuck DeGroat
    A powerful guide to diagnosing toxic leadership cultures and pursuing healing.