I’m excited to announce that my new book went live on Amazon today.
This has been a fun project to work on and it was spurred along by the positive feedback I received from you, the faithful readers of this blog.
Right now, Before You Go is only available in the Kindle format from Amazon. I’m going to release it in other formats later this summer.
Don’t have a Kindle reader?
Not a problem. It can be read on any device (Macs, PCs, iPads, iPhones, Android devices and Blackberries) with the Kindle reader app. (Available here)
Who should read Before You Go?
1. All Minister/Pastor types who are thinking about changing churches. While I’ve written from the perspective a Lead Pastor, it will also be a helpful read for ministers filling other staff roles.
2. Members of search teams looking to improve their search process. It will give search teams insights into what candidates may be thinking throughout the process, as well as some deeper questions to explore during the interview.
3. Ministers who have recently moved to a new church. Much of what is in the book applies to the first year of ministry at a new church too.
4. Church leaders: Elders, Deacons, Staff, Ministry Leaders, and Volunteers. Staff transitions are a critical aspect of church life. Every church leader needs to be aware of the behind-the-scenes complexities described in Before You Go.
5. Anyone making a career transition. Many of the principles in the book apply to other professions and organizations. I’d love to hear how how you are able to apply what you read in Before You Go to your particular situation.
6. Anyone who enjoys reading what I write. Some of the content was originally posted here on the blog, but much of it is new. The content originally posted here has been reshaped, revised, and improved. I tell bits and pieces of my ministry story that I haven’t shared anywhere else.
Did you know it’s super easy to buy a Kindle book as a gift for someone else? You buy it and they get an email from Amazon telling them to come download their new book. One person could buy a bundle of them for an entire search team in just a few minutes. Pretty cool.
Telling Stories, Asking Questions, Learning Lessons
I can see this quickly becoming a series based on your own experiences. The next one could be in two parts, the first part called, “Now that you’re staying”, and the second part could be called “Now that you’re leaving”. Reading both halves could provide some much needed tension for the reader. It’s kind of like Choose-Your-Own-Adventure for grown ups. The third installment could be called “Working on you”.
Great ideas Sam! Two questions I’ve been wrestling with are “How do you know when its time to go?” and “How do you know if you should stay?”
Your first question, “How do you know when it’s time to go” would be addressed (but not answered) in the second half of the book. The second question you asked “how do you know if you should stay” would be addressed (but not answered) in the first half.
One thing I’ve always valued about you is that rarely answer other’s questions for them so that you don’t rob them of the journey. Keep it up, bro. I’m stinkin’ proud of you.
Thanks for a great book! I am recommending it to everyone I know! Speaking to the questions you are wrestling with above, I have been wresting with them for the last 2 years and just this past spring decided to go, so this has been on my heart for quite some time. I have been in my current position for over 10 years now. To help me decide, I have considered Paul’s staying and going while on his mission trips as a guide… in 1 and 2 Cor he outlines how he had an opportunity for ‘effective work’ in Ephesus despite opposition (1 Cor 16:9) and so stayed for a while longer, then, after he moved on from there and while he was at Troas the Lord had opened a door for him but he did not stay because he had no peace of mind (2 Cor 2:12-13). In my case I see the continued potential of an open door here, but I too have no peace of mind due to pressing family needs, so we are moving. Thanks again for a great presentation of this subject!
Mark–thanks for reading the book and coming back here to comment. I really appreciate it. I’m also glad to know it was helpful. I’d love it if you left a brief review at Amazon.
I like your approach using Paul’s example. We could come up with a pretty good list of ways to know when it is time to move on using his story in Acts. When they try to stone you. . .it may be time to move on!