I made it a priority this year to read more than I ever have, and I have enjoyed it so much. So many books spoke into my life over the past year. I originally wanted to choose my top ten, but ultimately had to include twelve.

My Top Twelve Reads of 2015

Fairness Is Overrated: And 51 Other Leadership Principles to Revolutionize Your Workplace by Tim Stevens.

This should be required reading for every church leader.

“The success of leaders will rise or fall based on the decisions they make about the people around them.”

Spiritual Leadership: A Commitment to Excellence for Every Believer by J Oswald Sanders.

So glad I discovered this classic this year. A great read for every leader.

“True greatness, true leadership, is found in in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”

The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day: Revitalize Your Spirit and Empower Your Leadership by John Maxwell.

I love every thing by John Maxwell. He has an uncanny way of taking complex ideas and sharing them in simple ways.

“Leadership develops daily, not in a day.”

The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin.

A little book, with a big message.

“Extraordinary benefits accrue to the tiny minority of people who are able to push just a tiny bit longer than most.”

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmene Gallo.

A must read for anyone who speaks in front of a crowd.

“To reach people’s mind, you have to touch their hearts.”

The Customer Rules: The 39 Essential Rules for Delivering Sensational Service by Lee Cockerell.

If you are in any way involved in first impressions or guest services this is a must read.

“There is no way that the quality of customer service can exceed the quality of the people who provide it.”

Communicating for a Change: Seven Keys to Irresistible Communication by Andy Stanley and Lane Jones.

Me-We-God-You-We (A simple formula for crafting great sermons)

“Preaching is not talking to people about the Bible; it is talking to people about themselves from the Bible.”

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff.

The funnest, most inspirational, book I’ve ever read.

“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.

Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck by Jon Acuff.

We could save a lot of young people from heartache if we made this required reading in High School.

” Hustle is the fuel that pushes you to do the things other people don’t, so you can enjoy the the results other people won’t.”

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller.

I think the world needs more Donald Miller’s. People who aren’t scared to share their thoughts, doubts, and frustrations about God, Jesus, and the church.

“Believing in God is as much like falling in love as it is making a decision. Love is both something that happens to you and something you decide upon.”

The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do by Jeff Goins.

For everyone who feels like they’re coasting through life instead of living out their calling.

“When you are stuck fulfilling an obligation instead of chasing a dream, you aren’t your best self.”

Just As I Am: The Autobiography of Billy Graham by Billy Graham.

I have always wondered how Billy Graham became the greatest evangelist the world has ever seen.

“It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.”

What books left an impact on you over the past year? What books should I add to my list for 2016?