Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness

by Junius B Dotson

Everything was going fine . . . until it wasn’t. For Reverend Junius B. Dotson it took an actual breakdown during a funeral for him to realize he needed a reset. As he recalls his own journey through grief, depression, burnout, and emotional breakdown, Dotson is passionate about calling for a Soul Reset for pastors, church leaders, and all disciples of Jesus Christ.

This is a 6-week churchwide study for everyone who moves at breakneck speed through their daily lives, often relying only on their own strength to bring God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus shows us a different way, an easier, unforced rhythm of what kingdom work looks like. It’s a balance of work, rest, play, worship, exercise, and eating well—spiritual practices that keep our souls hydrated and healthy as we do the work of the church in the world. Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness includes a book; a DVD; downloadable video segments; age-level discussion guides for children, youth, and adults; sermon starters; and more.

Soul Reset is a call for the church and all of Jesus’ disciples to reset and reorder their lives around spiritual practices, to learn to walk through our difficult seasons with our souls connected to the source of Living Water so that we don’t burn out or break down. And if we do burn out or break down, we learn to lift one another up and point one another back to Jesus.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Watch How I Do It – Jesus
Chapter 2: Knocking on God’s Door – David
Chapter 3: It’s Not All on Me – Mary and Martha
Chapter 4: Eat Something – Elijah
Chapter 5: Life in Crisis – Job
Chapter 6: Living in the Light – Judas and Peter

Genres: Nonfiction

101 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2019

Reviews

[Kathryn Duncan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more, and perhaps that's on me for not attending the weekly church meetings to discuss it after the first one.

Dotson was a successful leader in the Methodist church who suffered from anxiety and depression. The book is his bravely talking about his own struggles and offering suggestions on how to live life more authentically with specific practice suggestions. It's an important goal. However, it somehow fell flat for me. With the fear of sounding arrogant (and I truly don't mean it this way), I didn't get anything new from the reading experience. I've spent quite a few years studying mindfulness from a personal and professional level, so I was already familiar with these ideas.

Very sadly, Dotson has died from pancreatic cancer. I genuinely appreciate him leaving a legacy of authenticity even though it was not the right book for me at the right moment.

[Jane Healy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My church used this book as a New Year "reset" small group study, with a sermon series based on it. I really appreciate Dr. Dotson's authenticity. In telling his own story of dealing with grief, depression, and anxiety, he gives us permission to do the same. It raised my awareness to go deeper with people in general and especially at church, and take the time to talk and hear each other. Too often we put on a happy face and say "fine" when asked how we are. This book shows us that it's not only ok, but good for us to be honest with each other. The back section of the book has suggested spiritual practices for each day, based on that week's chapter. These might offer readers some new ways of connecting to God or find new perspectives on their issues. I was sorry to hear that Dr. Dotson has died from pancreatic cancer. He had a lot to give.

[Gary Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay I admit, sometimes when I am drawn into my district or conference studies I am not always enthralled with what they are studying, but the moment I read the introduction in this book I knew I wanted to read it regardless of whether or not it was part of our conference wide study. This book touches on the topics of depression and anxiety and dealing with them in the midst of trying to do ministry and it does it without attempting to attack science but rather support it and provide additional support from a Christ based perspective. The author is open and honest in his own personal experience and that only adds to the authenticity of the writing. Glad to have read this quick read and interested in starting a study somewhere in my faith life around this book.

[Marti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what the doctor ordered! In a time of social distancing, global pandemic, financial insecurity, and Lent- this provides the perfect way to find peace and comfort. Intended for a group study, I ended up doing this on my own due restrictions on meeting. Each week's topic has daily exercises for helping draw near to God in the worst of times- be they personal or communal.
Highly recommend it!

[Christopher Eshelman]

A wonderfully, vulnerable and powerfully encouraging book drawing from scripture and Rev. Dotson's own journey. I knew the moment I first read it last fall that it would be the guide for my Lenten journey this spring - I did not know how incredibly timely it would be. God is good, and I thank Rev. Dotson for sharing these stories and insights.

[Kathy Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that so many of us need right now as church leaders and members. I was asked to preview this book for our church ahead of using it for our Lenten study, so I read it over the course of a week. I’m looking forward to rereading it throughout Lent, sharing it with our congregation, and incorporating the suggested weekly spiritual practices.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you’re an overachiever, never have enough hours to finish all your to-do list, walking through grief, overcome by grief, simply want to deepen your relationship with God. It was truly incredible. I have tons of highlighted ebook pages if anyone is interested in a preview.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greatly improved by the sermon series that accompanied it.
He talks a lot about the need to talk about depression and anxiety. But his "we-just-need-Jesus" response doesn't help remove the stigma for those suffering, or for those who can't admit to taking medication for the risk of losing a job.

[Gilbert C. Hanke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal, Practical, Faith Inhansing

Although I knew Junius, I know him even better and miss him more . This book and the practices for each week, will bring renewal to you and your small group.

[Marc Daly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The late Rev. Junius Dotson provides a glimpse into his personal struggles while using scripture and examples from The Bible to guide us on a soul reset that “helps us to stay close to God and order our lives . . .”

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was used as a devotional reading for zoom community. It lead to some very deep and helpful discussion especially in this time of isolation.

[Lori Schwilling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for personal reflection or accountability/covenant group.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful and easy to read. I wish it was a little less leader/clergy-centric, but would still make a great church study. And a good read in a time of spiritual struggle!

[Amanda Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a contender for my top 5 of the year. It speaks to leaders who feel they need to do it all and offers grace to lighten your load.

[Dena Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book by a very inspiring man.

[Jason Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

authentic and anointed

Blessed my soul. This book was the truth of the journey of Jesus. Ups and downs with joys and pains. The promises of God are true. Peace even in storms.

[Amy Duhon Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gift!!! Appreciated this for my personal growth and have loved sharing the essence of this book with my congregation!!

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

We used this book in my adult Sunday School class and found the topics to be helpful and conversation-worthy. The DVD adds some additional insight.