The Measure of Our Success

our success

A number of years ago my good friend Shawn Lovejoy brought out a book called “The Measure Of Our Success.” I asked Shawn a few questions to allow you to get a glimpse into what his new book is all about. It’s going to be a great resource for pastors.

Measure of Our Success Interview:

Scott: Shawn, you’ve been blogging for many years, but Why a book & Why now?

Shawn: Well, believe it or not, I don’t love to write. I just feel passionate about some things and that drives my laptop keyboard at times. I must say, though, that I just felt compelled by God to write this book. That’s the only thing that would move me to crank out 200 pages!

Scott: Compelled is a powerful word, why were you so compelled to write this work?

Shawn: I love pastors. I love pastoring. But I think I love pastoring pastors more than anything else. Church Planting, specifically, was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I have felt compelled to be a lid lifter for pastors who are getting the you-know-what kicked out of them like I’ve experienced. Ministry is so hard. So many pastors need permission to be who God has called them to be; and they need to know they aren’t the only ones that have the struggles they do.

Scott: YOU mention in the book that “there’s a dark side of the force in ministry these days.” Can you expound on that statement?

Shawn: Absolutely. Recent studies show that eight out of ten pastors are disillusioned, discouraged, and discontent with how their ministries are turning out. Last time I checked, those are not fruits of the Spirit. Satan is sifting pastors, and they’re hurting. I hate it.

Scott: Why do you believe that it’s this way?

Shawn: I’ve wrestled a lot with this. Through churchplanters.com I’ve also been able to talk with hundreds of ministry leaders about this. Here’s my conclusion: Our root problem is that too many of us as pastors have exchanged God’s definition of success for our own. We have placed yokes on ourselves that Jesus did not place on us. I’ve personally wrestled with this; and I’ve watched thousands do the same; and it’s literally killing many of us! Thus, this “impassioned plea to pastors” is for all of us to radically alter the measures of our success.

Scott: What are some key concepts that you draw attention to and write about in the book?

Shawn: Sure. Much of the book comes out of my own experience and story of being sifted! “Hi, my name is Shawn, and I’m a workaholic.” Other parts are things I’ve learned from others as a pastor’s coach and consultant. In both cases, what I love most about the book is its practical nature. There is enough in here to radically alter a pastor’s life, ministry, and family.

Scott: What’s your primary goal and hope for the book?

Shawn: I am so proud of the way the book turned out I believe God spoke to me on this one all along the way. I really do believe God will use this work to save lives, families, and ministries. That’s why I want t get it in the hands of every pastor in America. That really is my hope.

Scott: I thank you for your friendship, leadership and being a pastor of pastors. I also want to thank you for writing this book about our success.

Shawn: Thank you!

 

You can find the Measure of Our Success here.

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scottwilliams2@churchleaders.com'
Scott Williams served as a key leader and Campus Pastor for LifeChurch.tv. He is the Chief Solutions Officer for Nxt Level Solutions, a consulting company he founded to help businesses, non-profits and individuals with both internal and external growth. Scott is speaker, strategist, consultant and developer of leaders. He is an avid blogger at BigIsTheNewSmall.com, and leverages Social Media to make a Kingdom impact. Scott is passionate about leadership development, organizational growth and diversity. He is the author of “Church Diversity – Sunday The Most Segregated Day Of The Week.” Scott is married, a father of two, and lives in Oklahoma City, OK.