Mad Church Disease (Chapter 1 Discussion)

Today marks the first discussion for our new book club.  I’m so excited to partner with Sarah Salter as we share some insights from Anne Jackson’s great book, Mad Church Disease.  This week we’re jumping into chapter 1, and next week we’ll be heading over to Sarah’s blog for a discussion of chapter 2.  

I am in no way dissecting the chapter or able to present all the wonderful ideas and thoughts within. I'm hitting the high-points and encouraging discussion.

If you haven’t read the chapter, you should be able to still be a part of the conversation and gain/share some insight. That said, you definitely need to get this book (hardback, electronic, or audio version available) for the full picture of Anne’s experiences and the education we can gain from all of it.  Now that we’re done with the long introduction…

Chapter 1

Anne Jackson (the author) believes that the burnout epidemic is killing the greatest call. I have to agree with that as I have watched leaders and ministers who have sputtered and faltered. Some recovered and some haven’t yet.

One of the things that jumped out to me in this chapter was that silence doesn’t help anyone.  Anne said that it was in these times of silence that she began believing the lies that we’re whispered in her ear about herself, her work at the church, and the people around her.

It’s funny how an argument is airtight in our minds until we speak it out and let someone else speak to it. Maybe that’s why silence is such a valuable tool of the enemy.

Church workers and leaders can experience a tremendous amount of stress.  There’s added pressure because of the importance of what you’re doing.  You want to impact the Kingdom, see people changed and flourish, experience great outpouring—how can you let up? Isn’t that wrong?

The problem is you aren’t all powerful like God, and even God chose to rest on the seventh day.  Resting and maintaining a relationship with God and accountability with others is not a suggestion—it’s part of God’s process.  It’s not a means to an end. It’s the whole point.

As I read, I realized too that we don’t make it easy on each other to be honest or even take breaks that we need.  I know as a leader there is only so much I can do so help that comes from almost anywhere is incredible. You don’t want to lose that so if we aren’t careful we can send a message to those around us, “Be honest, but not about that.” You sometimes don’t want to ask the question that needs to be asked because you are afraid you’ll lose the help. That’s not pleasant to look at, but it is reality.

We all have to press through sometimes, but we can’t always soldier on for God when we need to find ourselves in God.  If we don’t slow down, we are headed for disaster.

One thing that I knew, but hit me in the face again as I read Anne’s account is how much is really at stake. Family, marriage, relationships, physical health, mental health, and even the ministry I’m working so hard for—they are all tied together and flow from a healthy relationship with God and work.  It’s bigger than me and my passion and dreams.

God created us for relationship, first and last.  The things we do for Him need to come from that place and not vain ambition or misguided attempts to please Him and gain His love.

Here’s a great quote from Anne:

“I thought the more I sacrificed, the more I loved Jesus. The more hours I put in God’s work, the more I was committed to his cause. I wanted to make God proud, and I did a great job at it. The only problem? God wasn’t my God. My pride was my god.”

There are times for sacrifice, yes; but obedience is better than sacrifice.  We sometimes wrongly assume that ministry will cease if we don’t kill ourselves at it.  I’ve wrestled with these feelings before, but walking away when it was warranted and required has never caused a church collapse.

That’s the trap, I believe. The time away and separated brings a newness and fresh passion to the work God has given you to do so the enemy tries whatever He can to take that from us. May we be wiser than that and set up the proper disciplines, safeguards, and accountability that keep us from falling into that.

• These points stood out to me, but for those who read the chapter, what stood out to you?
• For everyone else, do you see this silence as a problem? Do you have people you can openly share with?
• Do you feel you’re vulnerable to trying to fulfill your duty “at any cost”?

Can’t wait for you to join the conversation!