We asked the PLI team for book recommendations based on what they’ve been reading lately. So, if you’re wondering what to read next, or what to add to your to-read pile, check out this list. We have books focused on ministry and leadership, on growing in faith and character, books for parents to enjoy with their kids, and books to simply enjoy or be challenged by!

from Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director:

I like reading. Some people listen to music when they exercise or are driving. I listen to books. I wake in the morning and always have a book or three on my coffee table waiting to accompany my morning cup o’ joe. Here are just a few recommendations from what I’ve read this year:

• Leading Through by Kim B. Clark, Jonathan R. Clark, & Erin E. Clark – Probably the best and most influential book I’ve read this year…how to lead without exerting influence.
• A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman – Easily the second most important book I read this spring. This book will challenge your leadership in deep and profound ways.
• Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud – This might be the third most important book I read this spring. If you’ve ever needed to end something this will help you do it.
• A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards – Wonderful devotional read…my third time through. If you’re a leader and haven’t read this book, put it on your list. It might help you not to become a spear thrower like King Saul.
• The Last Romantic by Jeffery W. Barbeau – I absolutely loved this academic study of C.S. Lewis and his relationship with romanticism.

from Scott Rische, Director of Training:

I’m reading for the next Senior Leader Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. Great insights, wisdom, and challenge for putting on the character of Christ. Also have read and can recommend Adorning the Dark by musician and songwriter Andrew Peterson. My son Benjamin, the artist and character animator, shared the book with me. 

from Kellie Stocker, Campaign Manager:

One of my favorites is Charles Martin (Christian Fiction) The Water Keeper, The Letter Keeper, The Record Keeper, and his latest The Keeper. A recent ministry-related book I just finished is The Great Dechurching by Jim Davis and Michael Graham. Living Fearless by Jamie Winship is another good one!

from Bryan Blackford, Director of Operations:

I am reading Essentialism by Greg McKeown for the 4th time. McKeown’s “disciplined pursuit of less” concept helps cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. I’ve applied some of its principles before, but I want to revisit them to ensure I stay aligned with my priorities.

from Sherrah Behrens, Content Coordinator:

I read fiction almost exclusively, and especially love books for kids. For a sweet picture book about prayer to read with kids, I highly recommend All the Things I Say to God by Tanner Olson (a PLI alum!). For older kids, I recently read Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier. It’s heavy in parts, but is ultimately a lovely story of resilience, sacrifice, and love. It’s heart-breaking and heart-mending at the same time. And for teens and adults alike, I will always recommend Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri. Even my 13-year-old son liked it.

from Jessica Wardenburg, Social Media Coordinator:

I’m reading the whole Bible this year with The Bible Recap program. It offers a ton of resources including a podcast and YouTube videos and can be done as a church body, small group or individual setting.

from Jennifer Hein, Leadership Essentials Coaching and Content Leader:

I just finished The Sirens, by Emilia Hart. Now reading The Story She Left Behind, by Patti Callahan Henry. Next up: The Power of Showing Up, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. I’ve also been utilizing “Prayers of a Parent for Teens” by Kathleen Nielsen. It’s less of a read and more of a resource.

from Rika Beckley, Director of Donor Engagement:

I’m about three-quarters of the way through Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill, Special Agent in the United States Secret Service, and a Lutheran author. It’s so interesting!

Now it’s your turn! What are you reading this summer that you’d recommend to the PLI family? Post it in the comments!