Hope and Healing for a Stronger You

  • 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. Death by Pastoring addresses a critical topic for pastoral leadership--reorienting your personal life towards spiritual and physical health before it’s too late. 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 of The Circle Maker and Lead Pastor of National Community Church
  • 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
  • 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 and President of Ready Set Grow and 415 Leaders
  • Stress and anxiety convince us that we are all alone and that no one understands the pressure we endure as pastors. Through personal stories, Biblical wisdom, and authenticity, Shane and Sue remind us that we are not alone, and that change is possible. If you are a pastor and are tired of feeling overwhelmed, this book will reconnect you with the Good Shepherd and help you walk with him to a place of renewal and hope.Justin Davis, Pastor, Co-founder of RefineUs Ministries and USA Today Bestselling Author of Being Real > Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to Transformation
  • 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. Without integrating emotional health with our spiritual life and leadership, pastors fall away, quit, or die trying. Death by Pastoring gives us an honest look at hardships and provides practices to move toward health and wholeness. Shane and Sue lay out a paradigm shift to encourage and empower overwhelmed leaders. Frank Potter, District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Potomac Ministry Network, and Lisa Potter, Author of The Collective Journey and Executive Director of Women Who Lead
  • Shane and Sue are the perfect examples of what it means to lead and suffer. They have walked through the stress of leading and transitioning a growing church. They will help many pastors lead ministries from a position of health. Travis Jones, Co-Pastor of Motivation Church and Church Planting Strategist for Church Multiplication Network
  • 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, Ministry Leader, Author, and Host of the Make Life Matter Podcast
  • 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 and Karen Blandino, LPC, Authors and 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
  • Death By Pastoring is a necessary resource for any leader looking to grow, heal, and lead with healthy boundaries. Sue and Shane give us all a glimpse into real-life ministry stressors from their personal experience; then they provide a map to recover with hope. This book is a breath of fresh air. It’s sure to affirm and encourage every pastor. Brittany Jones, Co-Pastor of Motivation Church, Mental Health Advocate, and Founder of KNOWN
  • A must-read for pastors and their spouses. Shane and Sue address the core issues of pastoral stress and present solutions for the unique challenges of ministry. We strongly endorse this book as it brings sustainability and encouragement to your calling.Brad and Heidi Mitchell, Lead Pastors of The River Church and Co-Founders of Build Your Marriage
  • As a forty-two-year veteran leading churches, schools, and ministries, I have observed that ministerial health in America is in a precarious state. Leaders have endured catalytic moments of distress. Shane and Sue are exemplary leaders who pivoted during a painful season and emerged stronger and more effective in their mission. After Shane’s stress-induced heart attack, my dear friends determined to become better, not bitter; these champions became heroes who command my admiration. Their message of hope has become a valuable blessing to leaders at their retreats, conferences, and staff consultations. I have personally benefitted from their keen insights. Since they have now packaged their principles in this book, thousands more will be empowered to mitigate their stress and become victors instead of victims. Mark Morrow, Lead Pastor of CrossWalk 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 and Marcia Bethke, Lead Pastors of One Church
  • Stress tells us that a particular pressure exceeds our resources to deal with it. The stress upon every leader is unique, especially leaders in helping professions. All too often, a leader’s self-care routine is missing from stress management. Shane and Sue have provided a resource for stressed-out pastors and leaders to move forward from a place of restoration and health. This book is a worthy addition to any self-care toolbox.Jeremy Lanning, LPC, CCPT, CLC, CBC, Counselor and Psychotherapist
  • My friends Shane and Sue Schlesman, have poured their hearts into this book you hold in your hands. It is transparent and transformational. It offers understanding and wisdom. It encourages pragmatic steps that undoes death by pastoring to, one day, offering life by pastoring. Well done, Shane and Sue!Sam Chand, bestselling author of Leadership Pain, Dream releaser, Leadership architect and consultant, Creator of the Sam Chand Leadership Institute
  • Soulspeak reeks of authenticity. You’ll love it. Book of the century?... Maybe. Runner up? ….Could be. Whether you pray hourly, daily, weekly, monthly or yearly, Soulspeak will bless your life.Dr. Kevin Leman
  • Soulspeak is literally the best book I've read in 10 years! I was hooked from the first paragraph. Sue hits to the heart of what it actually means to follow Jesus. If you want to experience spiritual freedom and authenticity, Soulspeak will lead you into a deeper understanding of who God is and how to relate to him.Dr. Michael Smalley
  • I started reading Soulspeak, and I couldn’t put it down. Sue’s writing style visually brings the stories of Scripture to life in your mind and heart. This book is an easy read with an impacting message about the power of prayer. I loved it!”Lisa Potter
  • When it comes to prayer, we need all the help we can get. Soulspeak will take your prayer life to the next level. Sue has written this book in a manner that is both practical and inspirational.”Mark Batterson
  • Sue clears a path for the rest of us. In each chapter, she walks us through solid theology, shares transparent, real-life examples, and guides us into easy application. Soulspeak left me hopeful, inspired, and empowered.Lori Hatcher
  • I started reading this book and literally could not put it down. I have highlighted my way through the first 8 chapters and cannot wait to finish it. I will continually go back to re-read Soulspeak for encouragement. It is a wonderful reminder of God’s mercy and grace and that His plan is always the perfect plan.”Amazon reader
  • Developing a prayer life is often considered one of the more challenging, overwhelming, or mysterious aspects of the Christian faith. Sue's practical and biblically-sound wisdom helps readers see prayer as a doable and necessary part of our daily walk. A must-read for any Christian serious about moving forward in their faith!Vicki P.
  • Relatable and challenging. In true Mary Poppins fashion, Soulspeak delivers good medicine with the sugar of humor. From the first chapter of my electronic book, I realized that I wanted a hard copy to re-read with my highlighter in hand.Daniel M.
  • ​​Sue offers a fresh and personalized perspective to the spiritual discipline of prayer. She encourages us to go deeper into God's heart and pray from the longings and yearnings of our hearts--in true, raw, honest communion with our Heavenly Father. After I read Soulspeak, I had a list of everyone I'd like to give it to because it's filled with encouragement that you don't have to be a "super saint" to start to see answered prayer.Mark K.
  • Sue Schlesman writes from the heart and from decades of living. That makes this book authentic. I read one chapter at a time, then paused for a few days, lingering over the words that had been read. Trying and changing my thinking. Then the next chapter. A useful book for delving deep into a subject that plagues most of us: unanswered prayer. This is a book to be read and re-read.Amazon reader
  • Sue Schlesman has made fire. From the first page to the last, Soulspeak will awaken your soul and bring you into the greatest personal revival of your life!Chuck Balsamo
  • I felt this author's ability to draw new insights from "old" Bible passages, but she also took passages and verses that I hadn't connected with prayer and brought fresh ideas to draw closer to God during prayer. I highly recommend this book. No wonder it has won awards.Kathryn M.
  • Death by Pastoring Finding the Heartbeat of a Healthy Leader

    With compassion and vulnerability, Shane and Sue unpack the process for transforming stressful success-driven ministry by offering Scriptural insights, practical application, and helpful resources, Order hardcopy, study guide, &/or master classes here.

    Sam Chand, bestselling author of Leadership Pain, writes a provocative foreword about the stress pastors and their spouses carry today. He calls Death by Pastoring “transparent and transformative.”
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  • Death by Pastoring Study Guide Finding the Heartbeat of a Healthy Leader

    This is the essential companion to the book that addresses the alarming statistic that over 42% of pastors contemplate leaving the ministry. Dive deeper into transformative insights and practical strategies to overcome the overwhelming stress that plagues pastoral life. This guide goes beyond the book, offering valuable tools and resources to empower pastors and ministry leaders to thrive in their calling.
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  • Soulspeak Praying Change into Unexpected Places

    What if praying was about more than changing the events around you? What if praying actually changed you?

    Using seven patterns of prayer, Sue will show you how to pray from the deepest places of your soul—from the longings, pain, bitterness, and hopelessness—right into the heart of God and the world around you.
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  • Best of Friends

    A childhood story about friendship, loyalty, and the beauty of disabilities.

    Fifth-grader Katie wants to be best friends with the new girl who seems to be good at everything. That means leaving behind her unpopular friend Esther and her intellectually-disabled neighbor, Louis.
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