Books Written By Women…Recommended for Men
In Mike Frost’s blog post, Brotopia, he highlights five ways male pastors can affirm women in ministry. One of those suggestions was to quote (and presumably read) women authors and theologians. Steve Estep does this well in his book, The Call to Preach. But most books, written by men, on anything pastoral related seldom use gender-inclusive language and rarely quote from female authors and theologians.
Therefore, I thought I would give you some starting points. Here are some good books with great content written by women. I hope you will check out a few.
If you haven’t read Quiet by Susan Cain, then please do your congregation a favor and make it a priority.
Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy Cuddy
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown. Anything by Brene Brown. Yes, she really likes the S*** word. You’ll get over it.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. She also uses some “language”. But we are pastors and we need empathy. This book will help you find a little for your congregation and even yourself.
Anything by Dr. Brenda Salter-McNeil. I recommend you start with Roadmap to Reconciliation.
Discovering Christian Holiness: The Heart of Wesleyan-Holiness Theology by Diane Leclerc. She also co-wrote Essential Beliefs. I highly recommend that one, too.
Practicing Christian Doctrine by Beth Felker Jones.
Emily P. Freeman is a newer author. Her latest book, The Next Right Thing, is about decision making. It is a practical book with applications at the end of each chapter.
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation by Ruth Haley Barton
Reality-Based Leadership by Cy Wakeman
Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor has several books. You might start with The Preaching Life.
Present Over Perfect by Shawna Niequist. It’s a good read about learning to lean into holiness.
Hopefully, these will get you started. I know there are many more. Feel free to share your favorite books written by female authors. I am always looking for more to add to my list.
