“Shane and Sue have addressed the elephant in the room: pastors don't know how to talk about their overwhelming stress or how to get healthy....This book is a must-read for pastors, non-profit leaders, pastoral staffs, and ministry spouses. As the Church, we cannot wait any longer to get real about the impact of stress and anxiety on pastors and their leadership.”
Mark Batterson
NYT bestselling author & Pastor of National Community Church
“Shane and Sue are the perfect discussion leaders for a critical conversation about pastor burn-out. I’ve had a front row seat to the painful and purposeful changes Shane and Sue have made during a stressful leadership season. They have pursued freedom from anxiety, not an exodus from church or faith. Death by Pastoring is a must-read for every ministry leader.”
Scott Wilson
Founder & President, Ready Set Grow & 451 Leaders
“I love it when an author speaks from experience, not just theory. In Death by Pastoring, Shane and Sue provide an outstanding playbook for pastors on living the assignment of their calling rather than getting burned out. You will discover the peace that comes from being yoked to Jesus and the calm the He brings when you lie down in His green pastures.”
Doug Clay
General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God
“Pastoral ministry can be unrelenting and overwhelming, and the pressure it creates can produce unexpected outcomes. Leaning into their own stories of stress and its crushing effects on the mind, body, and spirit, Shane and Sue Schlesman provide profoundly Biblical and practical insights to help you chart a new path forward. Death by Pastoring offers more than a few tips to navigate stress. It’s a powerful guide to create a life-giving rhythm for a hope-filled future.”
Stephen & Karen Blandino
Authors, Pastors of 7 City Church
“I’m so thankful that Shane and Sue have brought this important conversation into the light. My family and I have been personally impacted by their ministry. As leaders, they prioritize the kingdom of God over the pressures of church ministry. All of us, as ministry leaders and Christ-followers, must receive God’s call to restoration, especially during our painful seasons. This important book will help you reorient your soul to a kingdom that lasts forever.”
Tony Fitzgerald
Founder of Church of the Nations
“Far too many pastors and their wives hover on the edge of weariness and burnout. Shane and Sue show us the way to lead and live well without losing the best of who we are. Rich in wisdom and steeped in authenticity, this is a must-read for anyone in ministry.”
Angela Donadio
Author & Podcaster of Make Your Life Matter
“Death By Pastoring is a necessary resource for any leader looking to grow, heal, and lead with healthy boundaries. Sue and Shane... provide a map to recover with hope. This book is a breath of fresh air.”
Brittany Jones
Mental Health Advocate, Founder of KNOWN, Co-Pastor of Motivation Church
“As pastors of a multi-site church, we are keenly aware of the dangers of mismanaged stress. We have personally watched Shane and Sue’s journey from stress to rest, which came at a high cost. God’s call for us as ministers of the gospel is not to work harder but to work healthier. This book is the clarion call needed for church leaders everywhere.”
Kyle & Marcia Bethke
Pastors of One Church
"Those who lead churches can find many fine books to hone their leadership skills. However, too few honestly look at the stress and hardships resulting from leading. Death by Pastoring gives us an honest look at hardships and provides practices to move toward health and wholeness.”
Frank & Lisa Potter
Former Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Potomac District & Director of Women Who Lead
