10 Best Church Administration Books Of 2024
In the early days of my role in church administration (before I had a solid list of church administration books), I remember feeling overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities. Managing volunteers, budgets, and events all at once can be a real challenge.
- I often felt buried under a mountain of paperwork and tasks that never seemed to end.
- I struggled to keep our budget organized and on track, leading to some stressful financial surprises.
- I found it hard to motivate volunteers and staff when I wasn’t confident about our overall direction.
These issues happened because I didn’t have the right tools to guide me through the complexities of church management.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best church administration books—so you can avoid the same struggles and run your church more smoothly. Each of these books offers practical advice and proven strategies to help you stay organized, manage people better, and keep your church running strong.
Best Church Administration Books Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best church administration books I think are worth reading in 2024:
- Church Administration Handbook by Bruce P. Powers
- Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry by Robert H. Welch
- The Volunteer Church by Leith Anderson and Jill Fox
- Church Policies and Procedures by Chris Rappazini and Nelson Miller
- Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom S. Rainer
- Foundations of Church Administration by Bruce L. Petersen, Edward A. Thomas, and Bob Whitesel
- Effective Church Administration by J. L. Deskins
- Together We Lead by Adam Hughes and Jody Dean
- Managing the Ministry by Jody Dean
- The Pastor and Church Administration by Jonathan Leeman, et al.
Find more details about each book below.
Overviews of the 10 Best Church Administration Books
1. Church Administration Handbook by Bruce P. Powers
Summary:
This comprehensive guide, available in hardcover, offers a well-rounded view of the day-to-day responsibilities involved in church administration. It covers everything from finances and human resources to legal considerations and strategic planning, all framed with a focus on Christian values and principles found in the Bible. Bruce P. Powers lays out practical steps to help pastors and church leaders build efficient systems that foster growth and ensure smooth operations, following the teachings of Christ.
What You'll Learn:
- How to manage church finances effectively
- Organizational structure and governance for churches
- Legal and tax considerations for church administrators
- Human resources management for a church environment
Why You Should Read It:
If you're seeking to bring greater structure, efficiency, and professionalism to your church’s administration, this book is essential. Powers provides clear, actionable steps to guide church leaders through often-overlooked administrative challenges, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.
Quote From The Book:
"Church administration is not merely a secular function added to the spiritual work of ministry but is an essential aspect of church life that empowers the church to be effective in fulfilling its mission."
About The Author:
Bruce P. Powers is a professor of Christian education and leadership. He has authored multiple works in the field of church administration and leadership.
2. Church Administration: Creating Efficiency for Effective Ministry by Robert H. Welch
Summary:
Welch focuses on creating efficient administrative structures to help ministry leaders and deacons focus on spiritual matters. The book covers budgeting, staffing, and policy creation, aligning with the church’s mission in the 21st century. As a best-seller, it's a valuable resource for church leadership and Bible studies.
What You'll Learn:
- How to streamline church operations
- Best practices for budgeting and financial planning
- Creating and managing policies for long-term growth
- Practical ways to delegate tasks effectively
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a must-read for anyone looking to optimize their church’s operational structure while keeping ministry as the core focus. Welch’s approach blends theology with practical administrative techniques, making it a balanced guide for modern church leaders.
Quote From The Book:
"Efficiency in church administration is not about cutting corners, but about creating more room for the Holy Spirit to move through streamlined processes."
About The Author:
Robert H. Welch is a seasoned expert in church administration and leadership with extensive experience in theological education. He is a frequent speaker and advisor to churches across the country. For the latest updates, connect with him through Twitter.
3. The Volunteer Church by Leith Anderson and Jill Fox
Summary:
This book focuses on mobilizing volunteers in the church. Anderson and Fox provide strategies for recruitment, retention, and maximizing volunteer potential, aligning with the mission of the church, Christian leaders' goals, discipleship, and personal devotions.
What You'll Learn:
- How to recruit volunteers who are passionate about serving
- Effective ways to match volunteers’ skills with church needs
- Methods to retain volunteers and keep them engaged
- The role of leadership in fostering a volunteer-driven culture
Why You Should Read It:
The Volunteer Church is perfect for leaders who want to better harness the power of their congregants. By focusing on effective volunteer management, this book helps build a church community that thrives on collaboration and shared purpose.
Quote From The Book:
"Volunteers are not just extra hands to complete tasks—they are the lifeblood of the church's mission."
About The Author:
Leith Anderson is a well-known pastor and author, having served as president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Jill Fox is an expert in volunteer coordination and has worked with numerous church ministries across the country. Connect with him on Twitter.
4. Church Policies and Procedures by Chris Rappazini and Nelson Miller
Summary:
This book provides a detailed guide to the development and implementation of policies and procedures in the church setting. Rappazini and Miller emphasize the importance of structure, consistency, and clear communication in managing the church’s day-to-day activities. The book includes templates, real-world examples, and legal considerations for creating a safe and efficient church environment.
What You'll Learn:
- How to develop clear policies that align with church values
- Legal considerations in policy development
- Best practices for creating procedures that improve church operations
- How to communicate and implement policies across church departments
Why You Should Read It:
For church leaders looking to formalize their operational processes, this book offers practical guidance and tools. It’s a must-read for administrators who want to ensure their church operates legally and efficiently while maintaining a focus on ministry.
Quote From The Book:
"Policies are not roadblocks to ministry but guardrails that keep the church on mission and out of unnecessary danger."
About The Author:
Chris Rappazini is a professor and church consultant specializing in ministry leadership, while Nelson Miller is an attorney who works with churches on policy and legal matters.
5. Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom S. Rainer
Summary:
This practical guide addresses the challenges Christian church leaders face when implementing change. Rainer uses the metaphor of moving a pulpit to explore resistance and offers steps for navigating transitions in leadership, mission, outreach, and administration.
What You'll Learn:
- Why people resist change in church settings
- The key steps to leading a church through organizational change
- How to communicate effectively during periods of transition
- Strategies for overcoming obstacles to change and fostering unity
Why You Should Read It:
Change is inevitable in any organization, and churches are no exception. This book is a must-read for pastors and leaders who want to navigate change while keeping their congregations engaged and unified. Rainer provides a compassionate yet strategic approach to leading through transition.
Quote From The Book:
"Change is hard, but stagnation is death. The church that refuses to move forward will eventually cease to exist."
About The Author:
Thom S. Rainer is a well-known church consultant, author, and speaker. He has written extensively on church growth, leadership, and cultural change within church communities.
6. Foundations of Church Administration by Bruce L. Petersen, Edward A. Thomas, and Bob Whitesel
Summary:
This book is a foundational resource for pastors and church leaders managing Christian church administration. Petersen, Thomas, and Whitesel cover leadership, finance, facilities management, and strategic planning, providing a comprehensive guide for effectively running your congregation. A must-have for your wish list.
What You'll Learn:
- Key components of church leadership and administration
- Financial management principles for churches
- Strategies for maintaining church facilities and resources
- Effective planning and decision-making for church growth
Why You Should Read It:
Foundations of Church Administration provides a solid framework for understanding the many facets of church management. It's a must-have for pastors who want to ensure that their administrative practices align with their spiritual mission while promoting long-term growth and stability.
Quote From The Book:
"Church administration is the bridge between the spiritual and the practical, enabling the church to fulfill its mission with excellence."
About The Author:
Bruce L. Petersen, Edward A. Thomas, and Bob Whitesel are all respected leaders in church administration and leadership studies. They have collectively written numerous books and articles on church management and leadership development.
7. Effective Church Administration by J. L. Deskins
Summary:
J. L. Deskins provides a step-by-step guide to mastering the administrative responsibilities of church leadership. This book is designed for church administrators who need practical strategies to improve daily operations, manage church membership, handle financial management, and coordinate church supplies effectively.
What You'll Learn:
- How to organize and maintain church finances
- Strategies for managing church staff and volunteers
- How to streamline church operations for more effective ministry
- The legal and ethical responsibilities of church administrators
Why You Should Read It:
This book is invaluable for anyone in a church leadership position who wants to enhance their administrative skills while staying focused on spiritual goals. It provides a balanced approach to blending administration and ministry for a smoothly run church.
Quote From The Book:
"Effective administration in the church isn’t just about keeping things in order; it’s about creating an environment where the ministry can thrive and grow."
About The Author:
J. L. Deskins is an expert in church administration and has spent years consulting churches on how to improve their operational efficiency. He is also an accomplished author and speaker in the field of ministry leadership.
8. Together We Lead by Adam Hughes and Jody Dean
Summary:
Together We Lead focuses on the intersection of leadership and administration, offering a dual approach to managing both people and processes within the church. Hughes and Dean explore the dynamics of leadership in ministry while emphasizing the role of strong administration in fostering effective teamwork and church growth.
What You'll Learn:
- How to integrate leadership and administrative tasks effectively
- Building cohesive teams for church ministry
- The importance of collaboration between church leaders and administrators
- Leadership strategies for fostering a healthy church culture
Why You Should Read It:
For leaders who want to ensure their church’s growth and success, this book offers insights into the relationship between strong leadership and efficient administration. The authors blend practical wisdom with theological insights, making this an essential guide for church leaders at any stage.
Quote From The Book:
"Leadership and administration are not separate tasks; they are intertwined aspects of church life that, when combined, lead to sustainable growth and ministry success."
About The Author:
Adam Hughes and Jody Dean are both experienced church leaders and educators in ministry leadership and administration. They have written extensively on leadership and church operations.|
9. Managing the Ministry by Jody Dean
Summary:
Managing the Ministry is a hands-on guide for church administrators and leaders looking to enhance the operational side of their ministry. Jody Dean provides practical advice on managing the business aspects of the church, from budgeting and finance to event planning and staff management, all while staying rooted in biblical principles.
What You'll Learn:
- Key principles of financial stewardship for churches
- How to effectively manage church staff and volunteers
- Practical tools for event planning and ministry programming
- The importance of integrating administration with spiritual leadership
Why You Should Read It:
If you are looking to improve the administrative functions of your church while keeping the focus on ministry, this book offers practical tools and strategies. Dean’s insights help bridge the gap between church leadership and administration, making this a well-rounded resource for any church leader.
Quote From The Book:
"Good management is about freeing up the church to focus on its mission, not bogging it down with unnecessary bureaucracy."
About The Author:
Jody Dean is a recognized expert in church administration and leadership. He is a professor and consultant, helping churches navigate the complexities of managing their ministry.
10. The Pastor and Church Administration by Jonathan Leeman, et al.
Summary:
This book offers a pastoral perspective on church administration, emphasizing that good administration is a form of spiritual stewardship. Leeman, alongside other contributors, outlines the responsibilities of pastors in managing church affairs while ensuring that administrative tasks support the church’s mission. The book highlights the balance between pastoral care and operational efficiency.
What You'll Learn:
- The biblical basis for pastoral involvement in church administration
- Practical ways pastors can oversee finances, staffing, and facilities
- How to align administrative practices with the spiritual goals of the church
- Techniques for managing a church while preserving pastoral integrity
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for pastors who want to better understand their role in church administration. It provides a theological framework for administrative tasks, ensuring that church leaders can manage operational aspects without losing sight of their spiritual calling.
Quote From The Book:
"Good church administration is not a distraction from the ministry but a vital part of fulfilling the church’s mission in a God-honoring way."
About The Author:
Jonathan Leeman is an author, pastor, and editorial director at 9Marks, an organization dedicated to church health. He has written extensively on church polity, pastoral ministry, and theology.
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