10 Inspirational Books to Encourage Pastors This Christmas

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Pastors give their all—week after week, sermon after sermon, prayer after prayer. And while Christmas is a season when they pour even more into their congregations, it’s also the perfect time to pour back into them. Inspirational Christian books for pastors this Christmas can serve as more than just thoughtful gifts—they can become lifelines of rest, reflection, and revival.

Whether you’re shopping for your church leader, mentor, spouse, or a beloved friend in ministry, these ten books are carefully chosen to inspire their spirit, deepen their faith, and strengthen their leadership journey.

From theological insights to soul care, from practical guidance to heart-level encouragement, these books speak directly to the unique highs and lows of pastoral life.

1. “The Emotionally Healthy Leader” by Peter Scazzero

Every pastor knows how easy it is to get spiritually dry while serving others. Scazzero's book digs deep, helping leaders confront emotional blind spots and cultivate inner health.

This book is a game-changer for any shepherd who wants to lead from a place of overflow—not burnout. It’s a timely reminder that your soul matters as much as your sermon.

2. “Spiritual Leadership” by J. Oswald Sanders

This timeless classic challenges pastors to rise above mediocrity and lead with biblical authority, integrity, and humility. With deep theological roots and real-world application, it speaks to every season of ministry.

If the pastor you’re gifting values growth, legacy, and servant leadership, this book will meet them right where they are.

3. “Gentle and Lowly” by Dane Ortlund

One of the most tender, soul-stirring books in recent years, Gentle and Lowly centers on the heart of Christ for sinners and sufferers. It’s not a ministry manual—it’s a heart reset.

Perfect for pastors who carry the burdens of their flock, this book is like spiritual balm—reminding them that Jesus is gentle, kind, and full of compassion… even for leaders.

4. “Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership” by Ruth Haley Barton

Ministry leadership often comes at the cost of personal connection with God. Barton’s book is a much-needed invitation for pastors to lead from the inside out—anchored in spiritual depth, not just outward productivity.

This book is perfect for pastors seeking balance between soul and service. With practical spiritual disciplines and deep reflection, it helps leaders align their inner life with the demands of their outer calling.

5. “Resilient” by John Eldredge

Ministry isn’t for the faint of heart. In a post-pandemic world full of fatigue and disillusionment, Resilient offers tools to help leaders recover strength, joy, and endurance.

This is a powerful read for pastors who are feeling tired or weary. It’s not a pep talk—it’s a spiritual survival guide that meets them where they are.

6. “Letters to the Church” by Francis Chan

Chan delivers a bold wake-up call to return to the simplicity, purity, and power of the early church. This book challenges pastors to examine their own ministry with fresh eyes and renewed purpose.

It’s the kind of read that sparks both conviction and courage—a great choice for pastors looking to step out in faith and lead boldly.

7. “The Imperfect Pastor” by Zack Eswine

Raw. Honest. Deeply pastoral. Eswine reminds leaders that being ordinary is not a flaw, and that faithfulness—not fame—is the real goal of ministry.

For the pastor who feels the pressure to do more, be more, or impress more, this book offers a much-needed sigh of relief and an invitation back to grace.

8. “Sacred Rhythms” by Ruth Haley Barton

Spiritual disciplines can easily get lost in the hustle of church life. This book gently leads pastors back into practices like silence, solitude, and listening to God.

It’s perfect for the contemplative leader—or the busy one who needs help reconnecting with the rhythms of grace.

9. “The Trellis and the Vine” by Colin Marshall & Tony Payne

This book reframes ministry in terms of discipleship—not programs. It challenges leaders to build people, not just structures, and to prioritize spiritual multiplication over busyness.

Give this to the visionary pastor who’s always thinking about growth—not just numerically, but spiritually and eternally.

10. “Replenish” by Lance Witt

Pastors are often running on empty. Replenish is all about soul care for leaders—creating healthy rhythms that help them lead with integrity, rest, and longevity.

This is the kind of book that reminds them they’re human, too—and gives practical tools to stay rooted in Christ while leading others to Him.

Encourage and Equip: Give the Gift of Inspirational Christian Books for Pastors This Christmas

The best gifts for pastors aren’t always flashy. Often, they’re quiet—like pages filled with truth, insight, and peace. These inspirational Christian books for pastors this Christmas are more than thoughtful presents. They’re moments of pause. Invitations to go deeper. Resources that whisper, “You’re seen, you’re valued, and you’re not alone in this calling.”

Whether your pastor is seasoned or just starting out, weary or on fire, these books meet them where they are—and walk with them as they lead others.

So bless your pastor this Christmas with something that truly feeds their soul. Because those who pour into others every day deserve to be poured into, too.

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