Mad Church Disease
I recently finished up the Kindle version of Anne Jackson’s new book, Mad Church Disease. First of all, let me reiterate that I love reading and taking notes using the Kindle. Completely changes how I engage a book.
Secondly, this book in particular is one of those books that every person on staff in a ministry should read. If you aren’t currently facing the “disease” of which Anne writes, you probably will. Here are some of the highlights from my reading:
- “I had allowed spending time with God to be replaced by spending time doing things for God.”
- “The fear of letting people down, especially in spiritual matters, can often cause us to feel obligated or pressured into meeting unrealistic expectations, or worse, spending more time doing things for God instead of being what God wants us to be.”
- “If the leader is exhausted, then the people following that leader will feel exhausted.” –Bill Hybels
- “There are a lot of Christ-followers who haven’t taken the time to figure out what their holy discontent is, and so they’re doing a gradual slide into apathy and complacency—and that is unconscionable in a broken and lost world.” –Bill Hybels
- “My experience is that it’s really easy to trash-talk churches or methods that aren’t what we think they should be.”
- “There are no perfect churches to serve in, no perfect pastors to work for, and no perfect environments.”
- “I could have prayed to be healed from depression, but if I hadn’t taken the necessary steps, I would have never come out of it.”
- “An unguarded strength can become your greatest weakness.” –Wayne Cordeiro
- “You are responsible both for the choices you’ve made in life and for seeking God’s plan for your healing.”
- “You should design your ministry around your family values.” –Craig Groeschel
- “One of the most important words in your healing—’NO!’ You may feel guilty for saying it. People may get angry at you for saying it. But you must say it!”
- “The leaders who were the healthiest were the ones who never disrespected the people who hurt them.”
- “We believe lies that tell us that our worth is in our productivity.”
- “We cannot be dependent on ourselves and on God at the same time. When we consider the practice of rest unnecessary, we will also inevitably lose sight of the necessity of God.”
Aside from the great insights, Anne is obviously a gifted writer. I think you will enjoy and be challenged by this book.
I should have read this about 5 years ago. I would probably still have made the great escape, but sooner than I did. Its nice to be an awesome volunteer now.
Nice use of the highlight feature of the Kindle. I’ll do the same with Killing Cockroaches soon.
love the quote, “You are responsible both for the choices you’ve made in life and for seeking God’s plan for your healing.” thanks for the review and nuggets of insight
Tony, Thanks for your summary of these books. I pass them along to staff so they can check out recommended materials.
Is it possible the reason “Burnout” is such
a problem for today’s “Pastor/Leader” is
they have found themselves with a
“Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?
Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
Any congregations “led” by a “pastor” in the Bible?
And every “pastor” I’ve met also had
the “Title” “Reverend.”
Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?
In my experience…
Titles become Idols.
Pastors become Masters.
Heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.
Jesus taught “His Disciples”
NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ.
Mat 23:8-10 KJV
Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about “Idols of the Heart,”
and now God will speak to us according to
the “Idols of our Heart.”
And other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring,
and they shall “hear my voice;”
and there shall be “ONE” fold,
and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.
If Not Now, When?
Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus.
“Amos”, you have to ignore a lot of passages to suggest the Bible doesn’t identify the need for “pastors” within the church who are called to shepherd, lead and teach. Here are just a sample for you to begin your study:
> Jeremiah 3:15
> John 21:16-18
> Ezekiel 34:2
> Ephesians 4:11-13
> Acts 20:28
> I Peter 5:2-3
> I Timothy 3
> I Timothy 5:17
> Titus 1
> II Timothy 2:2
> II Timothy 3:16
> Acts 6:1-7
> Romans 12:6-8
> Hebrews 13:17
> Exodus 18:21
I read through those passages and see a leadership, teaching and shepherding role that looks very much like the role of “pastor” we see in today’s churches.
I think it’s possible you’re getting hung up on the title “pastor”, but failing to recognize God’s design for the church to embrace the role of a “pastor”.
We may not agree on the label, but the role is certainly found in Scripture.