Toxic Soul: A Pastor's Guide To Leading Without Losing Heart

by Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Isaacs

No one intends to lead up with a toxic soul, but the compound interest of discouragement and disappointment steals your passion for building God’s church. Somewhere along the way, doing the work of God steals your heart for God, but It doesn’t have to be that way. Toxic Soul examines the challenges church leaders face such as dealing with criticism, people leaving the church, a lack of resources, unmet expectations, and more. It’s possible to lead and love Jesus at the same time. It’s possible to have friends in ministry and not see every other church as a competitor. It's possible to feel successful no matter the size of your church.

Genres: Nonfiction, Leadership

196 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2017

Reviews

[Derrick Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will be reading every year to keep refreshed - thus far one of the best boos on the health of a pastor / leader!

WELL DONE!

[Chad Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The greatest need for pastors in America is soul-care. This book masterfully speaks to this issue. Any person who feels called to ministry will find wisdom to survive the long-haul, and any current pastor will find this book relatable to their current situation. It could save their family and ministry. I can't recommend this book enough!

[Aussch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose I can be encouraged to be the anomaly when rating this 3 stars — I just didn’t resonate very deeply with much of the content. Don’t get me wrong, I have a bunch of my own problems! But my problems aren’t with many of the topics addressed in this book: worrying about church numbers, offending the biggest givers, feeling competitive with other pastors, struggling to be vulnerable, etc.

Even still I definitely gained some value from reading this and I can see myself recommending it in the right context.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all pastors.

[Chavaleh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oof. So bloody entry level. "Don't be obsessed with numbers" "Don't see other churches/pastors as competitors" "Have relationships with people instead of using them to further your own goals" (I hope that's not a revelation to most pastors" "make your staff feel like you care about them" (how about just actually care about them?)

And my fave... "careful, I know you lust after the women in your church, but don't go there" I just can't with this stuff any more...

The chapter on criticism had useful advice about remembering to focus on mission instead of dissatisfied individuals, and not to shadowbox. It also acknowledged that there's no such thing as "not taking it personally" because ministry IS who we are.
But the idea of leaving a voicemail at church for yourself Sunday night saying it was one of the best sermons you had ever heard and that worship was amazing was a *touch* ego driven of a solution to criticism, lol...

[Jan McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I highly recommend this book for anyone in pastoral ministry. I love the raw honesty of the author. If you are discouraged or going through difficult things as a pastor, you need to read this book. I truly believe it will encourage you and help you to go forward in confidence in who you are in Christ.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for all pastors and church leaders.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book. It went deep on many issues that pastors face and how to navigate and them and be a better pastor. I learned a lot!

[Tim Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and practical insight about “where you are” as a leader in Christ’s church.

My favorite of all is the “5 Whys” practice for analyzing the root of how you feel and react/respond to situations.

[Kenneth Nether · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for all church planters.