Beat the Burnout Disease

Anne Jackson‘s book, Mad Church Disease: Overcoming the Burnout Epidemic, is a book that I wish someone had given me seven years ago before I re-entered the ministry by launching a church.  No, come to think of it, I wish someone had given me a copy in 1988 before I entered the ministry at all.  It should be required reading for everyone that wants to serve Jesus and His Church.

What I love about this book, other than Anne’s writing style, is that it’s just so authentic.  Anne lets you see many of the hurts she’s suffered in the ministry as well as some victories too.  While this book tackles a lot of sensitive subjects very directly, you never feel preached at or condemned because you know the author has been there too.  You just can’t help be feel that you’re talking to a friend.  (That’s why I find myself referring to Anne as Anne and not just Jackson.)

The whole book spoke to me on a lot of levels but the last few chapters really impacted me deeply.  As someone that has experienced burnout, left the ministry and came back again for more, I can tell you from first-hand experience that everything Anne says in this book rings absolutely true.

There’s simply too much in this great book to cover in any detail here but I do want to say that the section on handling betrayal in the ministry is particularly powerful and, in my estimation, worth the entire price of the book.

Again, I highly recommend this book.  If you’re just starting out, this will save you a lot of pain in future years.  If you’re close to burning out, the book will help you turn that around and beat back the disease.  If you’re already well into burnout, it could be your road map back to healthy ministry again.

Let me quickly add that if you’re completely out of the ministry, like I was eight years ago, there’s still a place for you at the table.  Don’t give up on your dream of serving the Lord.  God certainly hasn’t.  With Him, there really is no plan B.  He knew everything that you were going to go through and He will redeem it all in due time IF you’ll seek Him and allow Him (and His plan) back into your life.

One little phrase that Anne said late in the book has stuck in my mind.  She said, “The key in escaping is where you run.”  I couldn’t agree more.  When the pressure is on, you’re going to run somewhere.  You’re going to do something to escape.  Please, run to the Lord.  He is the only thing that can truly make you whole again.

Get this book and don’t just read it.  Experience it by seriously thinking about what’s said there.  Go through the great exercises at the end of each chapter.  Read the case studies too.  Process it all and then apply what you’re learning and you’ll be a far healthier person in the end.

You can order the book here.

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WIN THIS BOOK!

BTW, PastorGear is also giving away two copies of this great book this Friday.  See this post to learn all the details about how you can win.

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