13 Best Church Planting Books To Learn New Approaches In 2024
Church planting is fundamental to the spread of the gospel and Kingdom of God. It's also really flippin' tough. I know! In 2019, I helped to plant New Life Fellowship, a thriving church in a mid-size urban center in Ontario, Canada. In the process, I realized firsthand the challenges to be considered and overcome:
- Setting (and maintaining) church culture
- Building community
- Setting policies
- Leadership development
- Legal and financial regulations
I've discovered, though, that there is much wisdom to be explored in church planting books! We found valuable insights into ministry, leadership, and community development! I've gathered some of the best books on church growth, strategic planning, and pastoral care here. These essential reads offer practical strategies for effective church planting and leadership.
Ideal for both new and seasoned planters, these books are a crucial resource for reaching the lost and impacting your community for Jesus
Best Church Planting Books Shortlist
Here is a short list of church planting books I recommend worth reading in 2024:
- Church Planting Movements by David Garrison
- Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im
- The Church Planting Wife by Christine Hoover
- Church Planting Is for Wimps by Mike McKinley
- Church Planter by Darrin Patrick
- The Nuts and Bolts of Church Planting by Aubrey Malphurs
- Launching Missional Communities by Mike Breen and Alex Absalom
- Replant: How a Dying Church Can Grow Again by Mark DeVine and Darrin Patrick
- Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil by Christopher B. James
- Planting by Pastoring by Nathan Knight
- Apostolic Church Planting by J. D. Payne
- How to Plant and Grow a Church by Rob Skinner
- Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City by Timothy Keller
Find more details about each book below.
Overviews Of The Best Church Planting Books
1. Church Planting Movements by David Garrison
Summary:
Church Planting Movements examines the rapid multiplication of church movements globally in the 21st century. David Garrison provides an in-depth analysis of how these movements, rooted in God's guidance and scripture, originate, grow, and endure, offering crucial insights for church planters.
What You'll Learn:
- Key principles that drive church planting movements
- Strategies for starting and sustaining a church planting movement
- Real-life examples from various cultural contexts
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers an in-depth look at successful church planting models, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical advice. It is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the key factors that lead to the rapid growth of church communities.
Quote From The Book:
"Church planting movements are a rapid and exponential increase of indigenous churches planting churches within a given people group or population segment."
About The Author:
David Garrison is an esteemed missiologist and author known for his extensive research and influential works on church planting and evangelical strategy. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
2. Planting Missional Churches by Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im
Summary:
Planting Missional Churches is a comprehensive guide that addresses the why, where, and how of church planting by examining New Testament principles. Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im combine their practical, real-world expertise (supported by thorough review of other reliable books on the subject). The result is a practical, applicable, actionable guide for starting and growing missional churches.
What You'll Learn:
- The theology and principles behind missional church planting
- Practical steps for starting a new church
- Tips for engaging and serving your community effectively
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a practical handbook for church planters, offering step-by-step guidance and real-world examples. It’s ideal for new planters and experienced leaders looking to adopt a missional approach.
Quote From The Book:
"Missional churches are biblically faithful and culturally relevant, engaging the community around them with the gospel of Jesus Christ."
About The Authors:
Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im are respected pastors, authors, and experts in church planting and leadership.
3. The Church Planting Wife by Christine Hoover
Summary:
The Church Planting Wife provides a heartfelt and practical look at the unique challenges the wives of church planters face. Christine Hoover shares her personal experiences and offers wisdom and encouragement for women working alongside their husbands in church planting.
What You'll Learn:
- The emotional and spiritual challenges of church planting
- Practical advice for maintaining a healthy marriage and family life
- Encouragement and support for women in church planting roles
Why You Should Read It:
This book is an invaluable resource for church-planting wives. It offers a mix of personal stories, practical guidance, and spiritual support, helping readers navigate the unique challenges and joys of supporting a church planter.
Quote From The Book:
"As church-planting wives, we must find our identity and purpose in Christ alone, not in the success or failure of our church or our husband's ministry."
About The Author:
Christine Hoover is a Christian author, podcaster, and Bible study teacher dedicated to helping women integrate the gospel into their daily lives. Explore more of her insights by discovering her works, following her on Twitter, or visiting her website.
4. Church Planting Is for Wimps by Mike McKinley
Summary:
Church Planting Is for Wimps by Mike McKinley offers an honest and often humorous look at the realities of church planting. It chronicles McKinley's journey from taking over a struggling church to revitalizing it, providing practical advice and encouragement for those involved in or considering church planting. The book combines personal anecdotes with insightful lessons.
What You'll Learn:
- Strategies for overcoming common challenges in church planting and leadership
- Inspirational anecdotes highlighting the realities of ministry work
- Insights into the rewards of engaging in ministry work
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a must-read for its honest and humorous exploration of church planting, providing practical advice grounded in real-life experiences. Mike McKinley’s journey of revitalizing a struggling church offers valuable lessons and encouragement.
Quote From The Book:
"Church planting is not for the faint of heart, but it's an incredible journey of faith and perseverance."
About The Author:
Mike McKinley is the senior pastor of Sterling Park Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia, and an author known for his engaging writing and practical approach to ministry. Explore his insights and teachings by discovering his works or visiting his website.
5. Church Planter by Darrin Patrick
Summary:
Church Planter: The Man, the Message, the Mission by Darrin Patrick examines the essential aspects of church planting, focusing on the character of the planter, the clarity of the gospel message, and the importance of a clear mission. It provides practical advice and biblical insights to equip new and seasoned church planters for effective ministry, emphasizing the personal and spiritual qualities needed for successful church leadership.
What You'll Learn:
- The personal and spiritual qualities essential for church planting
- Clear and compelling communication of the gospel message
- The necessity of a well-defined mission for effective ministry leadership
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for anyone involved in church planting as it details the crucial character traits needed for leadership, provides strategies for effectively communicating the gospel, and emphasizes the importance of having a clear and compelling mission.
Quote From The Book:
"A church planter must be a man of godly character, a compelling communicator, and a visionary leader."
About The Author:
Darrin Patrick was a pastor, author, and speaker known for his focus on church leadership and planting. Though he is no longer with us, his impactful work continues to inspire and guide many. Explore his works and teachings on his Amazon portfolio to benefit from his extensive knowledge and insights.
6. The Nuts and Bolts of Church Planting by Aubrey Malphurs
Summary:
This book is a comprehensive guide that details the step-by-step process of starting and growing a church, drawing inspiration from the Book of Acts. It covers developing a vision, strategic planning, and effective growth strategies, all tailored to meet the specific needs of a church planter. With practical tools, templates, and real-life examples, it provides everything necessary to help build a sustainable ministry within the local church context.
What You'll Learn:
- Step-by-step guidance for starting a new church
- Strategies for effective church growth and development
- Practical tools and resources for church planters
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers a detailed approach to developing a vision, strategic planning, and implementing effective growth strategies. With practical tools, templates, and real-life examples, it provides the essential resources needed to build a strong and sustainable ministry.
Quote From The Book:
"Successful church planting requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a commitment to continuous growth and development."
About The Author:
Dr. Aubrey Malphurs (Ph.D., Dallas Theological Seminary) was the senior professor of leadership and pastoral ministry at Dallas Theological Seminary and the founder of The Malphurs Group. Though he is no longer with us, his extensive works on church leadership and planting continue to inspire and guide many; explore his teachings through his website or his writings.
7. Launching Missional Communities by Mike Breen and Alex Absalom
Summary:
Launching Missional Communities by Mike Breen and Alex Absalom provides a comprehensive guide to starting churches and creating missional communities that focus on discipleship and outreach. This book also offers strategies for multiplying churches, ensuring that these communities continue to grow and expand their impact.
What You'll Learn:
- Deep understanding of the core principles behind missional communities
- Specific, actionable steps for launching, growing, and sustaining missional communities
- Emphasis on discipleship and mission within community formation and function
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers detailed strategies and actionable steps for creating and sustaining missional communities, making it an invaluable resource for church leaders who aim to foster vibrant, mission-oriented groups. The practical guidance and real-life examples provided help to translate theory into effective practice.
Quote From The Book:
"Missional communities are designed to be small enough to care, but big enough to dare."
About The Authors:
Mike Breen and Alex Absalom are experienced leaders in church discipleship and missionary strategies, each with extensive experience in their respective fields.
8. Replant: How a Dying Church Can Grow Again by Mark DeVine and Darrin Patrick
Summary:
Replant by Mark DeVine and Darrin Patrick guides church leaders and members in revitalizing struggling congregations. It offers practical strategies and inspiring stories to help churches transition from decline to growth.
What You'll Learn:
- Effective strategies for church revitalization, focusing on practical steps for renewing a church’s mission and vision
- Actionable insights on leadership transitions, merging congregations, and dismantling ineffective structures to foster a thriving, mission-driven community.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for those seeking to understand the intricate process of church revitalization, offering unique insights into the spiritual and practical challenges of transforming a dying congregation. It provides valuable lessons on navigating leadership changes, fostering community renewal, and ensuring long-term growth and sustainability
Quote From The Book:
"Replanting is about new life, not just survival."
About The Authors:
Connect with Mark DeVine by exploring his works to gain deeper insights into his teachings and contributions to historical theology and doctrine.
For Darrin Patrick, explore his works and teachings on his Amazon portfolio to benefit from his extensive knowledge and insights into church leadership and planting. Though he is no longer with us, his impactful work continues to inspire and guide many.
9. Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil by Christopher B. James
Summary:
Church Planting in Post-Christian Soil: Theology and Practice by Christopher James offers an in-depth exploration of new church plants in Seattle, analyzing their success and their unique challenges in a post-Christian society.
What You'll Learn:
- Successful strategies and models for planting churches in post-Christian contexts
- Practical theological insights and evaluates different church models to understand how they can thrive in a culturally challenging environment
Why You Should Read It:
This book reveals innovative approaches for engaging post-Christian communities through in-depth case studies and practical strategies, offering valuable insights for anyone involved in church planting and revitalization.
Quote From The Book:
"Church planting in post-Christian soil requires new approaches and a deep understanding of cultural contexts."
About The Author:
Christopher James is an Associate Professor of Evangelism and Missional Christianity at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (one of many excellent evangelical seminaries). Explore his works and insights by connecting with him on LinkedIn and following him on Twitter.
10. Planting by Pastoring by Nathan Knight
Summary:
Nathan Knight's "Planting by Pastoring" presents a compelling vision for starting healthy churches by emphasizing the crucial role of pastoral care. The book argues that effective church planting is rooted in the principles and practices of pastoring, providing a balanced approach to growth and discipleship.
What You'll Learn:
- Insights into the critical role of pastoral care in church planting
- Practical strategies for nurturing and growing a new congregation
- Effective balancing of evangelism and discipleship in the early stages
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers a thorough guide to church planting, focusing on the critical role of pastoral care in fostering a spiritually healthy and mature congregation. It presents detailed strategies for nurturing new members and achieving a balance between evangelism and discipleship, making it an essential resource for church leaders committed to sustainable growth.
Quote From The Book:
"True success in church planting is not measured by the number of attendees but by the spiritual maturity and health of the congregation."
About The Author:
Nathan Knight is the pastor of Restoration Church and serves on the leadership team for the Treasuring Christ Together church planting network. Explore more about his works on his Amazon portfolio.
11. Apostolic Church Planting by J. D. Payne
Summary:
J. D. Payne's "Apostolic Church Planting" provides a comprehensive guide to starting new churches based on apostolic principles. It focuses on biblical methods and practices to ensure new church plants are grounded in strong theological foundations.
What You'll Learn:
- Understanding the biblical principles of apostolic church planting
- Practical steps for starting a new church from scratch
- Strategies for developing leaders and fostering a missional mindset
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a vital resource for church planters seeking to establish churches that are deeply rooted in sound theology while being actively missional and engaging, modeled after the practices of the early apostles. It offers a detailed roadmap for creating vibrant, theologically grounded communities focused on outreach and fulfilling the Great Commission.
Quote From The Book:
"Apostolic church planting is about going to the unreached, making disciples, and planting churches that multiply."
About The Author:
J. D. Payne is a professor of Christian Ministry at Samford University and previously served as the pastor for church multiplication at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama. Explore more of his insights and work on his website, and connect with him on LinkedIn and Twitter.
12. How to Plant and Grow a Church by Rob Skinner
Summary:
Rob Skinner's "How to Plant and Grow a Church" is a practical manual for church planters, offering step-by-step guidance on establishing and growing a new church. It covers everything about how to start a church, from initial planning to long-term growth strategies.
What You'll Learn:
- Step-by-step guidance for starting a new church
- Effective methods for attracting and retaining members
- Strategies for building a strong church community and leadership team
Why You Should Read It:
This book offers detailed, actionable guidance on church planting, covering everything from initial steps to effective member retention and community building, making it a crucial resource for establishing and nurturing a thriving church.
Quote From The Book:
"Planting a church is not just about starting services; it's about creating a community where people can grow in their faith together."
About The Author:
Rob Skinner is a seasoned church planter and pastor with a passion for helping new churches succeed. Explore more of his works on his Amazon portfolio, and discover more on his website.
13. Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City by Timothy Keller
Summary:
Timothy Keller's "Center Church" offers a comprehensive framework for gospel-centered ministry, emphasizing the importance of balancing theological depth with practical application. It provides insights on how to effectively engage with and transform urban communities through the power of the gospel.
What You'll Learn:
- Principles of gospel-centered ministry
- Practical strategies for engaging and transforming urban communities
- Balancing theological depth with cultural relevance
Why You Should Read It:
This book presents an innovative, gospel-centered church growth strategy for urban outreach. It provides a clear roadmap for reconciling doctrinal purity with practical outreach, making it an invaluable resource for those aiming to effectively impact their city with the gospel.
Quote From The Book:
"To reach people, the gospel must be contextualized — it must be adapted to the cultural narratives and ways of life of those it seeks to reach, without changing its core message."
About The Author:
Timothy J. Keller was the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, co-founder of Redeemer City to City, and author of several influential Christian books. Though no longer with us, his legacy continues to impact many through his writings and teachings. Explore his website and works for more insights and resources.
A Final Word:
Whether you are a church planter, ministry leader, or executive pastor responsible for church management, these books provide a solid foundation for understanding and navigating the complex issues that arise in church planting.
We've got some excellent other book round-ups for you:
Join The Lead Pastor Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest resources, best practices, and insights on managing churches from expert pastors and church leaders.