Below, we've collected a list of some of the best books on executive management topics. Van Lunen Fellows are encouraged to explore this list, although anyone with an interest in Christian education and leadership will find them useful. This material is selected by the Van Lunen Center's director and faculty, and some of it has been worked into Van Lunen Fellows Program sessions.
Recommended reading for leaders in Christian education
Allen, David. Getting things done: the art of stress-free productivity. New York: Viking, 2001.
Bolman, Lee G., and Terrence E. Deal. Reframing organizations: artistry, choice, and leadership. 4th ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2008.
Cloud, Henry. Necessary endings: the employees, businesses, and relationships that all of us have to give up in order to move forward. New York: HarperBusiness, 2010.
Collins, James C. Good to great: why some companies make the leap--and others don't. New York, NY: HarperBusiness, 2001.
De Pree, Max. Leadership is an art. New York: Doubleday, 1989.
De Pree, Max. Leadership jazz. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
Dweck, Carol S. Mindset: the new psychology of success. New York: Random House, 2006.
Foster, Richard J. Prayer: finding the heart's true home. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1992.
Fullan, Michael. Leading in a culture of change. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2001.
Greenleaf, Robert K. Servant leadership: a journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. 25th Anniversary Edition. New York: Paulist Press, 2002.
Heath, Chip, and Dan Heath. Switch: how to change things when change is hard. New York: Broadway Books, 2010.
Jeavons, Thomas, and Rebekah Burch Basinger. Growing givers' hearts: treating fundraising as ministry. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Kotter, John P. Leading change. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press, 1996.
Michaelson, Wesley. Leadership from inside out: spirituality and organizational change. New York: Crossroad Pub. Co., 2004.
Ortberg, John. The life you've always wanted: spiritual disciplines for ordinary people. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 1997.
Ortberg, John. If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 2001.
Ortberg, John. Everybody's normal till you get to know them. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2003.
Palmer, Parker J. Let your life speak: listening for the voice of vocation. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2000.
Patterson, Kerry. Crucial conversations: tools for talking when stakes are high. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002.
Patterson, Kerry. Crucial accountability tools for resolving violated expectations, broken commitments, and bad behavior. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2013.
Quinn, Robert E. Building the bridge as you walk on it: a guide for leading change.San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
Sergiovanni, Thomas J. Strengthening the heartbeat: leading and learning together in schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2005.
Simmons, Rachel. The curse of the good girl: raising authentic girls with courage and confidence. New York: Penguin Press, 2009.
Smith, James Bryan. The good and beautiful life: putting on the character of Christ. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2009.
Spears, Larry C., and Michele Lawrence. Practicing servant-leadership: succeeding through trust, bravery, and forgiveness. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2004.
Willard, Dallas. The divine conspiracy: rediscovering our hidden life in God. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1998.
Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the heart: putting on the character of Christ. Colorado Springs, Colo.: NavPress, 2002.
Wright, Walter C. Mentoring: the promise of relational leadership.Bletchley: Paternoster, 2004.