Scan barcode
A review by bookishpriest
Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright: How to Thrive in Ministry for the Long Haul by Jason Young, Jonathan Malm
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Jonathan Malm and Jason Young are authors, entrepreneurs, motivational speakers, and coaches. They have combined their experience and skills to create Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright: How to Thrive in Ministry for the Long Haul, published in July 2023. This book, as the title suggests, is intended as a guide to effective, sustainable leadership in Christian ministerial settings. I realized early on in reading Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright that I am not the intended audience. Malm and Young work primarily with American Evangelical churches and their vocabulary and assumptions about church practices and structures reflect that.
Throughout the book the authors discuss several of the typical points of tension in Christian ministry. These all revolve, in one way or another, around relationships and expectations. Malm and Young lay out some good, basic ideas for how leaders in Christian settings can set and maintain appropriate boundaries, approach conflict, and develop rhythms for long-term, sustainable ministry. Each major point is accompanied by an illustrative anecdote from a Christian minister in context.
Regardless of one's tradition, there was a recurring theme throughout the book of how "we" (the authors) are able to help "you" (the reader) out of the trouble that you may be veering toward. On a couple of occasions I felt as though the book were an extended pitch for coaching services rather than a whole resource in and of itself.
The content of Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright is generally fine and, on the whole, good advice. It is good advice of the 101 variety and is definitely geared toward a particular Christian tradition. If this sounds like you or someone you know, this could be a fine addition to your library.
More details over at bookishpriest.com!
I received an ARC of this book from Baker Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Throughout the book the authors discuss several of the typical points of tension in Christian ministry. These all revolve, in one way or another, around relationships and expectations. Malm and Young lay out some good, basic ideas for how leaders in Christian settings can set and maintain appropriate boundaries, approach conflict, and develop rhythms for long-term, sustainable ministry. Each major point is accompanied by an illustrative anecdote from a Christian minister in context.
Regardless of one's tradition, there was a recurring theme throughout the book of how "we" (the authors) are able to help "you" (the reader) out of the trouble that you may be veering toward. On a couple of occasions I felt as though the book were an extended pitch for coaching services rather than a whole resource in and of itself.
The content of Don't Burn Out, Burn Bright is generally fine and, on the whole, good advice. It is good advice of the 101 variety and is definitely geared toward a particular Christian tradition. If this sounds like you or someone you know, this could be a fine addition to your library.
More details over at bookishpriest.com!
I received an ARC of this book from Baker Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.