Books That Shaped My 2025

I enjoy a good book. I’ve often heard it said that we should visit many good books, but live in the Bible…and I agree. My number one book of any year will always be the Bible. However, I also want to share the other books that shaped my 2025.

As a pastor, I believe it’s an occupational hazard to keep reading and thinking about ideas. Even in a digital age filled with podcasts, YouTube videos, and many other resources, I still ask people what book(or books) they are reading (or listening to). I enjoy reading, and I hope you do too, especially since you are reading this article.

My reading preferences are often varied: leadership, business, entrepreneurship, biography, religion (church or church history), study books, and some that are just for fun. I also have a DNF (Did not finish) list, but that may be a piece of writing for a different time.

For 2025, these are the books that shaped how I thought, led, and pastored this year.

David the Great by Mark Rutland

https://amzn.to/3Yp5dFr

This book was very helpful and influential as I prepared a sermon series on King David and King Saul that I preached at Lighthouse in the fall of 2025. Rutland writes in a way that invites the reader to learn about King David and David’s relationship to Saul and the formation of his character.

As I read, I often felt as if I were discovering these biblical stories with fresh eyes, as if I were seeing them almost all over again. The reflective questions throughout the book were helpful, pushing me to think about the new information in light of Scripture.

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

https://amzn.to/4aYD2UY

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you hear information you already know, but for whatever reason, a different “voice” is what finally helps things click?

Leaders Eat Last was that kind of book for me. Much of the book’s content had been shared with me before, and some of the concepts I may even have taught others. However, this was the book that I needed at this particular season. It was very important to receive the message again. It reminded me to view leadership from the perspective of the people I am trying to lead, not just from my own position.

Reclaiming Glory by Mark Clifton

https://amzn.to/4smi4G6

This book was almost a revisit. I originally purchased Reclaiming Glory (first publication) years ago, but in the spring of 2025, I decided to walk a Sunday school class through the material. In my opinion, it’s a phenomenal book that helps churches honestly evaluate who they are and begin thinking about what’s next in the steps of growth and of being vital in the community.

It also became a valuable resource in multiple conversations throughout this year, not only within my own church but also with others. The reason this book makes my top list for 2025 is twofold: I hadn’t read it in a long time, and the reissued edition includes new stories, additional sections, and a refreshed layout. Preparing to teach it required me to read the updated version carefully, and I’m glad I did.

Nobody is Coming to Save You by Scott Man

https://amzn.to/4pGvbA2

As you can see in the photo and read the title, this is obviously a secular book. If you’re familiar with it, you’ll understand why I chose not to include the full tagline. That said, it’s a strong book on leadership.

One idea that stood out to me throughout the book is what Mann refers to as “rooftop leadership.” This idea is a reminder to meet people where they are, not where you want them to be. I can’t count how many times, over the years, I’ve taken people for granted and tried to lead them toward where I think they should be instead of recognizing where they actually are. This book was a timely and humbling reminder.

Pastor Mark’s Conclusion

Were there other books? Yes. This year, I felt like I could have written an entirely different list made up of books that ended up on my DNF (Did Not Finish) list. Sometimes I didn’t like the writing style, other times I felt there was a lack of connection to the material, and in one case, I didn’t like the ending.

However, I need you to hear. Reading matters, but why you read matters more. As a pastor and as your friend (I mean, you’re reading this, so I’m going to act like we are friends), my encouragement is to go and read. Expand your thinking, learn something new, or strengthen an area of your life.
Do I have recommendations? Absolutely. For a great place to start, you can visit my list of 20 Books that Christians Should Read.

Growth rarely happens by accident, and reading is one of the simplest ways that I know to pursue it intentionally. And who knows, one of the books you pick up this year might be exactly what you need.