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What Are You Reading?

  • Sam Peters
  • Jan 21, 2025
  • 5 min read

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. – Proverbs 4:7 NCV

Leaders are readers—or at least, they should be. What we choose to fill our minds with shapes our thoughts, directs our actions, and ultimately determines the kind of influence we have on those around us. In a world saturated with information, the question isn’t just are you reading? but rather, what are you reading, and how is it shaping you as a leader?

Years ago, a respected leader I deeply admired gave me this sage advice: “When you visit another leader’s home, check out their library. Read what they are reading.” That simple yet profound encouragement has stuck with me ever since.

John Wesley understood this principle well. He once wrote:

“Spend all the morning, or at least five hours in twenty-four, in reading the most useful books, and that regularly and constantly.” – Iain H. Murray, Wesley and the Men Who Followed (Edinburgh, The Banner of Truth Trust, 2003), 89-90.

Wesley’s passion for reading wasn’t just theoretical. In 1760, he penned a letter to a pastor that wasn’t keeping up with his reading:

“What has exceedingly hurt you in time past, nay, and I fear to this day, is want of reading. I scarce ever knew a preacher read so little. And perhaps, by neglecting it, you have lost the taste for it. Hence your talent in preaching does not increase. It is just the same as it was seven years ago. It is lively, but not deep; there is little variety, there is no compass of thought. Reading only can supply this, with meditation and daily prayer. You wrong yourself greatly by omitting this. You can never be a deep preacher without it, any more than a thorough Christian.

O begin! Fix some part of every day for private exercises. You may acquire the taste which you have not: what is tedious at first will afterward be pleasant. Whether you like it or no, read and pray daily. It is for your life; there is no other way; else you will be a trifler all your days, and a petty, superficial preacher. Do justice to your own soul; give it time and means to grow. Do not starve yourself any longer. Take up your cross and be a Christian altogether. Then will all children of God rejoice (not grieve) over you in particular.” – John Wesley to John Premboth, August 17, 1760.

Let me be honest: reading for five hours a day might be a stretch for many of us. On a good day, I manage two. But the charge to read—to consistently invest in growing our minds and spirits—is as relevant today as it was in Wesley’s time. As we approach a new year, let’s reflect on the role reading plays in shaping us as leaders. Toward the end of this article, I’ll share a few books that have made a difference in my life and ministry, and I hope you’ll do the same. I’m already planning my 2025 reading list, and I’d love your recommendations!

The Seeds We Plant in Our Minds

Years ago, I read As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. This early self-help classic, first published in 1902, is loosely based on Proverbs 23:7: For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. Though not explicitly Christian, the book aligns with many of Paul’s teachings on renewing the mind (Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:2). One of Allen’s analogies struck a deep chord with me:

“Man’s mind may be likened to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild; but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. If no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed-seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their kind. Just as a gardener cultivates his plot, keeping it free from weeds, and growing the flowers and fruits which he requires, so may a man tend the garden of his mind, weeding out all the wrong, useless, and impure thoughts, and cultivating toward perfection the flowers and fruits of right, useful, and pure thoughts.” – James Allen, 1902.

What we read today plants seeds in the garden of our minds. Over time, those seeds grow into thoughts, actions, and habits—ultimately shaping the kind of leaders we become. Reading isn’t just about gaining information; it’s about cultivating wisdom, creativity, and effectiveness. Here are three ways ongoing reading can transform your leadership:

1. Expands Perspective and Empathy

Reading pulls us out of our narrow focus and exposes us to diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences. Whether it’s historical literature, theology, or even a good novel, books help us see the world through different lenses. This expanded perspective allows leaders to:

  • Approach challenges with greater creativity and flexibility.

  • Build empathy by understanding the experiences of others.

  • Foster inclusivity and collaboration within their teams.

When we can “step into someone else’s shoes,” we are better prepared to resolve conflicts, inspire teamwork, and make wise decisions.

2. Strengthens Critical Thinking

Reading sharpens our ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate information. Leaders who prioritize thought-provoking material are better equipped to:

  • Make sound, informed decisions under pressure.

  • Discern truth from falsehood in a world flooded with misinformation.

  • Wrestle with the complex issues of our culture.

John Maxwell puts it this way: “Good leaders understand the power of shared thinking. They know that when they value the thoughts and ideas of others, they receive the compounding results of shared thinking and accomplish more than they ever could on their own.”[1]

Poet Ben Johnson adds, “He that is taught only by himself has a fool for a master.”

3. Sparks Innovation and Skill Development

Leaders who read consistently stay ahead of the curve. Books fuel innovation and help us develop practical skills for ministry and beyond. Through reading, you can:

  • Discover new strategies for problem-solving and growth.

  • Stay current with trends and best practices in your field.

  • Draw inspiration from the successes and failures of others.

Reading not only feeds your mind but also ignites your imagination, helping you dream bigger and lead better.

What we read today shapes who we become tomorrow. By consistently planting seeds of wisdom, creativity, and understanding, we harvest a life prepared to impact others for Christ. Paul’s words to the Philippians provide a powerful reminder:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians 4:8 NIV



Share Your Favorites

As promised, though there are many, here are a few books that have helped shape my leadership journey:

  1. How to Know a Person by David Brooks

  2. High Road Leadership by John C. Maxwell

  3. Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolsinger

  4. Win the Day by Mark Batterson

  5. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

  6. The Grasshopper Myth by Karl Vaters

  7. Living Into Community by Dr. Christine Pohl

  8. Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese

  9. Evangelism for the Non-Evangelists by Mark R. Teasdale

  10. Yes, is the Answer, What is the Question? By Cameron Mithell

  11. Small, Strong Congregations by Kennon Callahan

  12. Microchurches by Brian Sanders

Now it’s your turn! What are you reading? Share your favorite books in the comments or on social media. Let’s inspire each other to grow in wisdom and leadership as we plan for 2025.

Connect With Me

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I’d love to hear your thoughts and book recommendations! Let’s continue this conversation. You can connect with me on my social platforms:

If you found this article helpful, please share it on your social media and help spread the message. Together, we can inspire leaders to read and grow. Let’s keep planting good seeds!

[1] Maxwell, J.C., Thinking For a Change, 2003, p. 210

 
 
 

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