Leading On Empty by Wayne Cordeiro
Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your Passion
Excerpt:
It was a balmy California evening. I had gone for a jog before I was to speak at a leadership conference. I still can't recall how I got there, but I found myself sitting on a curb weeping uncontrollably. I couldn't tell if it took place suddenly or gradually, but I knew something had broken inside. I remember lifting my trembling hands and asking out loud, "What in the world is happening to me?"
I HAD BEEN LEADING ON EMPTY.
That incident began a three-year odyssey I could never have imagined. It was a journey through a season of burnout and recalibration that would radically change my lifestyle, my values, my goals, and even adjust my calling.
Are you leading on empty? If you're a church or ministry leader, you probably identify with Wayne Cordeiro's experience of being overwhelmed by the demands of ministry. At times you may find yourself depleted of energy and longing to escape the constant pressure.
In Leading on Empty, Wayne Cordeiro candidly shares his experience with the hope that it will encourage others headed down the same path. He was able to get back in touch with his life, get back in proper balance, and allow God to reenergize his spirit in a way that propelled him forward to greater levels of service. Learn from his experience how you can continue a fruitful ministry. Better yet, take advantage of Wayne's helpful advice early on and avoid burnout altogether.
Order your copy here today!
See the candid interview with Wayne Cordeiro Here.
"Leading on Empty" Receives Literary Award
Leadership magazine recently selected "Leading on Empty" as a book for their 2009 Golden Canon Leadership Book Awards. That was an unexpected honor! Here in part, is the article in January's issue describing the best books of the past year:
Leadership Magazine created the Golden Canon Awards, the ten books of 2009 most valuable for church leaders. The winners were selected by a diverse group of more than 100 pastors and leaders, including our contributing editors, who selected the best books in two categories: The Leader's Outer Life, and The Leader's Inner Life.
The Leader's Inner life: THE BEST OF THE BEST ON OUR VERY SHORT LIST ...
Leading on Empty: Refilling your tank and renewing your passion by Wayne Cordeiro (Bethany House) "This book should be handed out with seminary diplomas with a note that says: When you hit a wall (and you will), read this!" -Robert Gelinas
Reviews
A must buy!
If you don't encourage your church leaders (or business leaders) to read any other book do make sure they have this one, Leading on Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. If you know any leaders who are heading for 'burnout, or who have experienced it then this is a book they, and you, should read. Most of my friends in full-time ministry have either succumbed to, or narrowly avoided, burnout; many have seen it as a sign of weakness or failure. But it's not, and Wayne Cordeiro encourages readers to recognize the signs and take the necessary steps to avoid burnout. And he should know; a successful pastor, leader of the biggest church in Hawaii and a sought after speaker, he found himself sitting on a roadside inCalifornia crying his eyes out when he hit 'the wall'. The book tells how he came through and how each of us can also do so. Rob Parsons says "Every church leader should read this book because it will rescue you and change your life" and I agree. If you know a church leader then buy one for yourself, read it, and then give it to them. It might be the best thing you have ever done for them.
By Clem Jackson
Christian Marketplace Editor
Dear Pastor Wayne,
I Pastor a church here in the remote area of Northwest PA and we experienced something that I thought we never would...a massive church split. It was extraordinarily violent...but I would think every Pastor thinks that. I got a hold of all your authored works and when I read 'Leading on Empty' I was looking into a mirror. It seemed as though it all hit home, something unusual happened though. As I read through the book I just kept saying to the Lord, 'that's me, I'm fried.' When I finished 'Leading on Empty', I woke up the next day and I wasn't fried anymore. I gave it some time thinking that I was fooling myself, but ever since then, about 2 months ago...I've been fine.
I asked the Lord how this unfriedness happened. He simply impressed upon me that because I was honest in my personal assessment while reading the book, that the anointing that was upon you and what you had penned, liberated me from all the agony and powerlessness which is what I was experiencing from the trauma 2 years ago.
In the ministry as you know, we see a lot that comes down the pike. One thing is for sure, those two ladies wisdom and understanding sure can talk...if only I listen...I'm not fried anymore...I have a way to go to get my mojo totally back... but at least I am on the way.
Thanks for all the help, it is sincerely appreciated!
Dr. Cordeiro,
Last week I received a copy of your book, Leading on Empty, from a friend in ministry. Wednesday I brought with me to read on the plane. This theme resonates with me as I often find myself prioritizing time to "refill and renew". As a district official, with a geographic responsibility that covers 6 states, I often have to encourage Pastors' who are exhausted and depleted of their passion, wanting to leave ministry. These wonderful woman and men in ministry often struggle with identity in their call, depression, and experience emotional crashes, that destroys them, In the Latino Church, our community is less likely to obtain appropriate care, and there is evidence of the disparity in treatment.
I believe your insight would serve as a catalyst for many of our ministers/constituency to "refill and renew". Please let me know how we can have your ministry be a blessing to us.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Roger Ovalle,
Assistant Superintendent of the North Pacific Latin District of the Assemblies of God
Dear Wayne,
This summer I am taking my staff through a total strategic reorganization which includes a summer reading deal. We are working through your new book together. I have just read the first few chapters, but I had to stop and write - which I don't do, but felt impressed by the HS to do so.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency. I feel cooked and done in so many ways, but there is a process, and I am working through it and pushing my team through it. Your story will be part of our story and for that I am grateful.
May God continue to use you in profound and uncommon ways.
One of the most practical and hope filled-books ever I've read on burn out and depression. Cordeiro's counsel isn't theoretical, but born out of the experiences of one of the most godly men I know. Cordeiro lays open the inner regions of his heart and soul as he skillfully and gently guides the reader through the turmoil of the dark night of the soul. He shares with those of us in the trenches how not only to cope with but overcome the constant demands of pastoral ministry. I'm sure this book will be part of the salvation of many pastors over the next few years. Thanks Wayne for sharing your soul with us.
Bill Easum