It seems the only thing pastors enjoy as much as reading good books is sharing them with others.  In no particular order, here are the books that most nurtured my soul in 2011:

Biography: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas.

This volume offers an amazing education on the life of one of the 20^th century’s most influential Christians, and one of history’s great examples of principled resistance to systemic evil.  Bonhoeffer’s courage, wisdom, and commitment to follow Jesus wherever he might lead is bracing and inspiring.  (Honorable mention in biography goes to Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand.  Dang.)

Spiritual formation/church life: With: Reimagining the Way you Relate to God by Skye Jethani.

This is a great book!  With simplicity and wisdom, Jethani exposes four common dysfunctions in the ways we relate to God (as rule-following appeasers, as those who attempt to manipulate God to get what they want, those who define their relationship with God primarily by what they do for God [pastors beware], and as those who treat God as a cosmic vending machine).  By contrast, he points to the truth that we are made primarily for relationship with God, and helps us lean into that truth in healthier ways.

Family: Sticky Faith by Kara Powell and Chap Clark.

Studies show that at least half of our Christian teens leave the church after high school.  How do we instill in our children a lasting love for Jesus and his church?  Drs. Powell and Clark have been researching this for years, and their practical guidance on this is invaluable.

Pastoral/leadership: The Pastor by Eugene Peterson.

What is a pastor, and how does being a pastor differ from the dominant leadership models of our time?  In telling his story, Peterson unpacks the good, bad, and ugly of pastoral life and leadership.  Beautifully written, humorous, and moving, Peterson’s memoir focuses more on what a pastor is than what a pastor does, grounding his readers in the sacredness of vocation rather than technique-based ministry.

Global: Enough: Why the World’s Poorest Starve in an Age of Plenty by Roger Thurow and Scott Kilman.

Written by two Wall Street Journal reporters, this volume documents the amazing advances we’ve made in agriculture, and how short-sighted and (at times) self-serving aid policies prevent those advances from taking root where they are most needed.  Must reading for those working with the global poor.

Biblical studies: How to Read the Bible in Changing Times by Mark L. Strauss.

This hermeneutic text is both scholarly and practical.  Focusing especially on contemporary application of the Scriptures, Strauss interacts helpfully with authors like Kevin Vanhoozer, N. T. Wright, William Webb and others in charting what he terms a “heart of God” hermeneutic.  Great resource for both pastors and lay people.

Old dead guys: The Secret of Guidance by F. B. Meyer.

Dallas Willard names this little book his personal favorite on the topic of divine guidance, and now I know why.  Profound, practical, and biblical, the first two chapters alone are worth the trouble of chasing down a copy.

Devotional: Sanctuary of the Soul by Richard Foster.

Foster has a unique ability to explain deep things in simple ways.  This little book gives a clear and concise onramp to meditative prayer.  Great devotional reading for any who want to grow in their capacity to listen to God.

Tim Morey (D.Min., Fuller Theological Seminary) is a Burner Blog contributor and founding and lead pastor at Life Covenant Church in Torrance, California, and the author of Embodying Our Faith (InterVarsity Press). He blogs at http://embodyingourfaith.com.