Linchpin: Are You Indispensible? by Seth Godin: IAfter reading this book, I realized why my work ethic was so different from my father’s. It was not that I was unwilling to work hard, but rather I was unwilling to work hard for something I did not feel passionate about.

Winning on Purpose by John Kaiser: Many churches fail because their structure does not match their mission. In this book, John Kaiser outlines a new model of biblically based church governance.

The Workplace is a Captive Audience, and the Prisoners are Listening by Rick Yeatts: It's no secret that being a believer in the workplace can be tough. Trials will come that test the limits of our faith. What does God desire from his people in these difficult times? How do our trials impact the lost that surround us at work? This article provides some advice and encouragement for when your faith is put to the test.

The House Church Book by Wolfgang Simpson: The modern church is humankind's imperfect interpretation of God's divine blueprint. Throughout history, people have strived to determine what God wants for his church on earth. One movement gaining momentum is the house church format.You may recognize my name as editor of the Emerging Leader e-Newsletter, but this is my first time as contributor. As a current member of a house church, Al asked me to review Wolfgang Simpson's new book on his vision for the future of the house church movement. Enjoy!

Tribes: Sometimes the riskiest thing a leader can do is to play it safe, and the safest thing a leader can do is to take a risk. Tribes by Seth Godin addresses the changing nature of groups -- from businesses to churches -- and how sticking to the status quo might spell extinction. Vivid lessons for the church abound in this secular book.

The Making of a Leader: A leader's journey rarely follows the same path as another. However, there are similar milestones along that path that are common to all leaders. Dr. J. Robert Clinton's book describes these milestones, helping to give leaders some perspective as they navigate a life of ministry.

Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzer

Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality by Henry Cloud

Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald

Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Parker Palmer

Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation by Garr Reynolds

Missional Renaissance: Changing the Scorecard for the Church by Reggie McNeal

Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D.

It: How Church Leaders Can Get It and Keep It by Craig Groeschel

Building the Bridge as You Walk on It by Robert Quinn