The other day, after getting my haircut, I got a text from my friend Mike Wiggins of Calvary Chapel Port Saint Lucie. Mike asked if I had any lists of book recommendations for young men who aspire to be pastors. It was a great question, and although I had several books come to mind, I didn’t have a list I could just send him. I let Mike know that I, too, would be interested in such a list and asked him to give me a little time to see what I could come up with. That led me on a short but fruitful journey of purpose and discovery.
Now, I’m not the smartest man in the room when it comes to research and reading, so I reached out to Justin Thomas, President of Calvary Chapel Bible College, for a little help. Justin suggested asking the Calvary Global Network executive team for their input, and he kindly sent a message to our chat group requesting book recommendations for those preparing for pastoral ministry.
The following list is a compilation of their responses, with some personal commentary based on my experience with the books they recommended. These are in no particular order, but I hope the list is helpful to you. So, without any further delay, here are ten books every aspiring pastor should read:
1. On Being a Pastor by Derek J. Prime & Alistair Begg
Let’s start with a book by Alistair Begg and Derek J. Prime. I have to confess that I haven’t actually read this one yet, but it was recommended by multiple people on our executive team, including Rafael Manzanares and Mike Neglia. Alistair Begg is a great pastor and preacher who recently spoke at the CGN Ministry Leaders Conference. Though I haven’t read this book yet, Begg’s sermons have been a huge encouragement to me over the years.
On Being a Pastor is a straightforward, pastoral look at what it means to shepherd people well. This isn’t about platform—it’s about faithfulness. If you’re stepping into ministry, this book helps you think biblically and practically about what that really means.
Like I said, I’ve already “stepped into it,” but I bet I would’ve been better off if I’d consulted this book first.
2. Preaching and Preachers by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
This is the first book that came to mind when Pastor Mike asked about a reading list. It’s hands-down my favorite book about preaching. I’ve read it multiple times and love the focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our proclamation. This was also Justin Thomas’s first recommendation. Guys, it’s really good.
If you want to preach, read this. Lloyd-Jones brings weight and seriousness to the pulpit, but it’s not dry—it’s alive with the Spirit. He’ll remind you that preaching isn’t just teaching—it’s a calling empowered by God.
3. Why Grace Changes Everything by Chuck Smith
When I was a Bible College student at CCBC, we were given a few books during our first semester that were required reading in addition to the regular course work. Back then, I was somewhat of a procrastinator—and to this day, I still struggle with putting things off until the last minute. I’ve even been given a few helpful books on procrastination, but I haven’t gotten around to reading them yet. (Pause for laughter.)
Anyway, back at school I only had one day left to read Why Grace Changes Everything and write a short report on it. So, I did what any responsible student would do: I grabbed a few friends, drove to the nearest Denny’s in Lake Elsinore, and pulled an all-nighter. I read the book cover to cover that night—and it changed my life.
I’d grown up in a legalistic church, and I’d never heard the message of grace the way Pastor Chuck explained it. I still remember being blown away by his contrast between a factory and a garden:
“God does not run factories; He grows gardens. He is not interested in your works; He desires to enjoy your fruit.”
Another line that stuck with me:
“Grace transforms desolate and bleak plains into rich, green pastures … Grace changes everything.”
This book will rewire how you see God, yourself, and the people you’re called to serve.
4. Preaching by Timothy Keller
This is another great book on preaching that I thoroughly enjoyed. It comes highly recommended by Brian Brodersen and Justin Thomas. In fact, Justin pulled a big flex in our group chat by letting us know that the book is based on a class Keller once taught titled “Preaching Christ in a Postmodern World,” which he says is even better than the book.
What I appreciated most was Keller’s emphasis on connecting with the culture in our preaching. The late Timothy Keller was a master at this, and his wisdom is packed into every chapter.
5. Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson
Not flashy, not big-platform—just faithful. This one quietly punches you in the gut. Carson tells the story of his dad’s ministry, and it’s a powerful reminder that “ordinary” faithfulness over time is what really counts. Mike Neglia recommended this one and said, “It gets to the heart of ministry—and the experience of all of us regular guys.”
6. On Being a Servant of God by Warren W. Wiersbe
Nick Cady is another clever cat in our executive team group. I expected him to pull out a list of thick theological treatises that, if read, would make you the perfect pastor. I was ready for some heavy hitters. But—surprise, surprise—he recommended this simple but powerful book on servanthood.
And it’s spot on.
Nick says he’s used this book to train people for ministry with great success. If you’re burned out, starting out, or anywhere in between—this one hits home. Wiersbe brings wisdom without hype. He helps you remember that ministry is about service, not self-expression.
7. The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter
Here’s another recommendation from Brian Brodersen. It’s written in older English, but the fire still burns. Baxter’s burden is for pastors to truly know, love, and care for their people—not just preach at them. If you can get past the dated language, it’ll shape how you think about shepherding.
8. Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon
How could we make a list of must-read books without including one from the Prince of Preachers? This book is a goldmine. Spurgeon is bold, funny, sharp, and deeply spiritual. These lectures cover everything from preaching to discouragement to dealing with critics.
One of my favorite parts is when Spurgeon defends the use of humor in preaching. He says, “I would rather hear people laugh than I would see them asleep in the house of God.”
It’s like sitting down with an older pastor who’s been through it all. This one’s a classic.
9. In Praise of Plodders! by Warren W. Wiersbe
The title says it all. Ministry isn’t about sprinting—it’s about steady, faithful progress over time. Wiersbe reminds us that God honors those who keep showing up—teaching the Word, loving people, and not quitting.
Within our executive team group, we got not one but two must-read books by Wiersbe. I love Warren Wiersbe, and his commentaries are also a great resource for young pastors. Pick this small volume up for a powerful reminder to keep plodding forward.
10. The Making of a Man of God by Alan Redpath
Our final book on the list is one of my personal favorites. It was the textbook for our Life of David class at Bible College, and it’s extremely practical and helpful for any up-and-coming pastor.
The Making of a Man of God walks through David’s life—his calling, failure, heartbreak, and restoration. Redpath doesn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s what makes this book so powerful. It’s honest, it’s biblical, and it speaks to the soul.
I hope this list of recommended books has been helpful. Even if you’ve read some of them before, I’d encourage you to revisit them—I know I will. It’s important to keep sharpening your pastoral toolbox.
Think of it like the haircut I got right before Pastor Mike asked me for this list: You can let things grow wild and unkept, but it’s a lot better to take the time to clean things up and stay fresh.
