Stand Strong With These Top 7 Books on Stress Resilience

Charles Stone has served in vocational ministry for over 40 years, most recently as lead pastor in London, Ontario, at a large multicultural church. He has authored eight books; his most recent release is Stress Less: 9 Habits from the Bible and Brain Science to Build Resilience and Reduce Anxiety (Moody Press).

Stress looms large in our lives today—strained relationships, tight finances, health challenges. It affects our leadership, mental and physical health, and spiritual vitality. Each year, the American Psychological Association conducts a survey called the Stress in America™ survey. The results show that stress levels continue to rise, made worse by the COVID-19 crisis. 

But despite how overwhelming all of it can feel, God has not left us to fend for ourselves in the battle against stress. Scripture is full of biblical characters who, by God’s grace, found victory amid difficult circumstances. Jesus himself promised us an abundant life, even in the face of trials (John 10:10).

In addition to having Scripture to rest on, we have the church’s brilliant thinkers—such as Augustine, Aquinas and John Calvin—to remind us that all truth is God’s truth. This includes what we have learned through science about how to build resilience against stress. By embracing the wisdom from both Scripture and science, we can find ways not only to handle stress and reduce its harmful effects but also to grow stronger through it.

In my Ph.D. research on the stress resilience of over 400 Canadian pastors, I discovered many biblically sound, evidence-based tools that can help us all develop a resilience to stress. Here are seven insightful books that provide practical, science-backed and biblically grounded strategies to help both pastors and their congregations manage stress well. 

101 Ways to Be Less Stressed: Simple Self-Care Strategies to Boost Your Mind, Mood and Mental Health by Caroline Leaf (Baker Books) provides practical, science-backed tips to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Leaf offers simple, actionable strategies for everyday life, combining biblical insights with brain-based practices. 

Pastoral Burnout and Leadership Styles: Factors Contributing to Stress and Ministerial Turnover by W. Ruben Exantus (AuthorHouse) based on a study of pastoral burnout, explores how different leadership styles affect the likelihood of burnout. Exantus examines the unique pressures pastors face and offers insights into how adopting specific leadership approaches can either ease or worsen stress. It’s a must-read for pastors who want to reflect on their leadership style and its impact on their well-being.

Flourishing in Ministry: How to Cultivate Clergy Well-Being by Matt Bloom (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers) explores the factors that contribute to clergy health and long-term ministry success. Bloom provides insights into personal, relational and spiritual practices that help pastors thrive rather than merely survive. His research offers practical guidance for finding fulfillment in ministry, making it an invaluable resource for pastors at any stage.

Congregational Leadership in Anxious Times: Being Calm and Courageous No Matter What by Peter L. Steinke (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers) draws on family systems theory to offer practical guidance for leading congregations during periods of anxiety and conflict. He encourages pastors to remain self-differentiated and brave when facing challenges within their churches. This book is a powerful tool for pastors navigating conflict while protecting their own mental and emotional health.

These secular resources also offer practical insights.

A Failure of Nerve (Revised Edition): Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix by Edwin H. Friedman (Church Publishing) challenges leaders to resist the “quick fix” mentality and develop a non-anxious presence, especially during crises. His focus on emotional strength and self-differentiation aligns with biblical principles of steadfastness. This book is a great resource for pastors seeking to lead with courage and calmness amid stress. 

Burnout: The Cost of Caring by Christina Maslach (Malor Books) delves into the emotional and physical toll of burnout, especially in caregiving professions like ministry. Maslach identifies the key contributors to burnout—emotional exhaustion and depersonalization—and offers strategies for prevention and recovery. This is a must-read book for anyone in a caregiving role, including pastors.

The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It by Kelly McGonigal (Avery) flips the traditional view of stress on its head. She argues that stress isn’t always harmful—our mindset about it plays a crucial role in how it affects us. Through research-backed approaches, McGonigal shows how we can harness stress for growth, strength and better performance. It’s a fascinating read for those who want to change their relationship with stress and use it as a tool for growth.

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