After thirty-six years of recommending resources to pastors and church leaders, Leadership Journal released its final list of the Best Ministry Books of the Year in its Winter 2016 issue, the last issue of Leadership Journal. Two IVP titles, The Vulnerable Pastor and Same-Sex Attraction and the Church, made the list of the Best Ministry Books of 2015.

In The Vulnerable Pastor: How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry Mandy Smith unpacks the biblical paradox that God's strength is revealed through our human weakness. J.R. Briggs, a contributor to Leadership Journal, said, "Vulnerability in ministry is a too often ignored topic. It doesn't need to be. Smith helps readers see that talking about our limitations isn't just a good idea, it's absolutely essential for healthy kingdom leaders, and what people in the pew so desperately long to see." Transparently describing her pastoral journey, Smith shows how vulnerability shapes ministry through our spiritual practices and relationships, influencing our preaching, teaching and even the nuts and bolts of the daily schedule.

Same-Sex Attraction and the Church: The Surprising Plausibility of the Celibate Life compassionately addresses the emotional and life struggles of same-sex attracted Christians—not just the intellectual or theoretical issues. Pastor Ed Shaw experiences same-sex attraction, but he is committed to Scripture and the church's traditional position of fidelity in heterosexual marriage and celibacy in singleness. In this honest book, he shares his pain in dealing with these issues while showing us that obedience to Jesus is ultimately the only way to experience life to the full.

"Shaw unpacks nine missteps the church needs to correct to convey the plausibility of the faithful and celibate lifestyle," said Leadership Journal contributor David Dunham. "This is the best book available on helping the church minister more intentionally to those among us who struggle with same-sex attraction."

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.us/award-winners.