Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro is a great book on stress, burnout and recovery in ministry. It's an important piece of writing as it's not the usual theoretical offering of danger signs and remedies, it is a survivors account. The narrative of Waynes' breakdown leads to a thoughtful and reflective approach to the issues, the experience; and then a journey to recovery. It's further enhanced by the stories and quotes of other ministers and holding these against a medical and psychological understanding of the breakdown and recovery process. Theological themes and reflection are also integral to the writing.
This feels like a VERY important book for anyone in ministry to read but especially those in the highly visible and demanding role of minister/vicar/pastor. I found it useful not only for my own learning and 'health check' but as a useful insight into the huge pressures involved in leading a church.
It's also surprisingly readable given the subject matter
I'm flagging this up here as I think this is a key piece of reading for Youth Ministers. It's also highly useful for understanding the sphere that your employing ministers operates in ... and some of the stress symptoms they may well be exhibiting.
(As I got the copy free from the UK distributor I'm quite happy to pass it on (within the UK only I'm afraid). I've written a number between 1 and 20 in the front cover, guess correctly and it's yours)
6
14
17
7
13
We are reading this book as a staff at our church right now. It does seem to be pretty good, has a lot of good stuff so far in it.
There seems to be some lack in supernatural and more heavy on the physiological... but I am only a few chapters in at this point. We will see how it goes.
Let's try number 3
12, obviously
Pi?
15?