I’m in the process if going through my first book Mad Church Disease: Overcoming The Burnout Epidemic and am realizing what an important book it truly is. I wrote it in 2007, when I was twenty-seven…and that seems like ages ago. Knowing that, as I flip through the pages I see how clearly God had His hand in the words. This is not some attempt at a false modesty; God just really spoke loudly the message that needed to be communicated in that book. Somehow, I listened the best I could.
I found out in February that it was out of print – nobody from the publisher told me, nobody offered to let me buy any copies…there were none. How it happened was outside of the parameters of my contract and because of that, all the rights were reverted back to me.
At first, I was crushed. Then I realized the potential the news brought. With another seven years of life and ministry experience and after talking with literally thousands of pastors and church staff, I was encouraged and inspired to add pertinent value to the book.
The study questions and burnout assessments are getting expanded considerably. New stories are being added. As ancillary products I’m writing a devotional and creating a plan that can be customized for anyone who’s feeling burned out or on the brink.
Some of you have read it. What would be helpful for you to have included in this book?
It’s my hope to begin pre-selling it soon (if you’re on the “extra inspiration” email list on the right side of my blog, you’ll get some pre-sell discounts and free stuff…!) and I’d appreciate any feedback you have on what would help you be a healthier minister of the Gospel.
Comments
6 responses to “Your Thoughts! What Should Be Included in the Updated Version of Mad Church Disease?”
Might be a little bit outside the scope of the book, but maybe how to deal with the impact of burnout caused by other areas of your life (career, relationships ect) on your ministry? I’m struggling to work out what it means to engage healthily and productively in ministry when I’m a bit burned out from stuff I’ve got going on that’s not ministry related.
I can’t wait to read this book! It seems to be in line with a conviction my husband and I have about not becoming “cogs in the machine” by taking on roles in the church, but rather to serve in a more organic manner by building relationally. It frustrates the heck out of many in our church that we “refuse to use our gifts” but in actuality we have connected with so many people beyond those in the same age bracket and family type as ours because we have TIME and aren’t burnt out by “ministry”. And we both do use our gifts just not directly in the church organization.
What I do want to suggest is that there seems to be (at least in the churches we’ve attended) a lot of pressure on those in the 30-45 age bracket to serve and I know too many women who are busy raising families and yet feel immense pressure to make different children’s & women’s ministries happen. If they decide to back out and not volunteer time and resource, they feel guilty for “not serving”. Why?
Why does the church deem serving in church organized ministries and using gifts in the church the only valid way to do ministry and use one’s gifts? We have long felt used in church and uncared for. It seems to be all about how can you make us look good, rather than how can we share the love of Jesus. And perhaps those who do that are burnt out themselves and looking for relief from their own pressures by pressuring those who don’t appear to be serving. And around and around we go…
As a pastor who is (for the foreseeable future) no longer serving on a church staff, I’d love to see you address conflict & stress (which lead to burnout & walking away).
As well, I think it could be really helpful to deal with the way emotional illnesses (depression, anxiety, bipolar, etc.) intertwine with the burnout issues – both for the person suffering and the people who care for them.
Anne, I was JUST thinking of your book the other day. How timely it was for me back in 2007 when I was on church staff and how many times I’ve remembered the wisdom in it as I’ve continued working in ministry. So happy you’re republishing and count me in for any promo or “new and revised reviews” you need. Praying for you for wisdom.
no ANDAr stand this book IAM remiber good book
NO idea how to overcome the burnout. I have officially LEFT the building. Returning makes knots form in my stomach.
I have no idea how to explain what I am feeling for fear they will think I have rejected Christ’s Way, which is not the case.
I need this book.