Finding the Heartbeat of a

HEALTHY LEADER

Our calling is to walk with pastors and help them discover and take new steps toward being healthier leaders.

Take Stress Test

Numbers Speak

What is Killing Pastors?

75%

report being “Extremely Stressed

80%

of spouses feel left out or unappreciated in their church

90%

work between 55-75 hours per week

77%

feel they do not have a good marriage

80%

will not stay in ministry past 10 years; the average tenure of
seminary-trained pastors is 5 years

70%

constantly fight depression

Books & Resources

Death By Pastoring Book

Over 40% of pastors are considering leaving the ministry today. Most of us won’t. Instead, we will work harder, determining that our overwhelming stress is an unavoidable part of pastoring. We will set unrealistic work expectations and live with unhealthy rhythms. And we will witness the gradual extermination of the peace that Jesus promised us. You tell yourself that if you work harder, grow your church more, or tweak your schedule a little, you can eventually alleviate your stress. But that’s not how stress subsides or how God intended us to work. Death by Pastoring will help you identify and change the way you manage your stress by:

-Examining the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of stress

Master class

Shane and Sue take us beyond the book going deeper into principles that can save your life as a pastor. Hear the real stories, and the practical application of how they changed EVERYTHING about the way they lead and pastor. This six session video course is a great complimentary resource to lead a group or church staff through the real life practices of things like finding rest in your work, discovering the difference between rest and restoration and addressing your stress well. Shane and Sue open up about their marriage, calling and church to help take the principles of Death by Pastoring and truly find the heartbeat of a healthy leader.

Study Guide

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. This study guide is your roadmap to lasting change, providing the necessary guidance to navigate the challenges of pastoral life and rediscover the peace promised by Jesus.

“I’ll tell you right now, our board was blown away by their leadership and their encouragement.”

Mark Zweifel

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“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

“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 Refine Us Ministries and
USA Today Bestselling Author of Being Real >
Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to
Transformation

“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 WilsonFounder and President of Ready Set Grow and 415 Leaders

“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 BattersonNYT Bestselling Author of The Circle Maker and Lead Pastor of National
Community 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 FitzgeraldFounder 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

“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 Potterformer District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Potomac Ministry Network,
and Lisa Potter, Author

“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.”

Pastor Brad and Heidi MitchellLead Pastors of The River Church and Co-Founders of Build
Your Marriage

“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 JonesCo-Pastor of Motivation Church and Church Planting Strategist for Church
Multiplication Network

“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 selfcare 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 LanningLPC, CCPT, CLC, CBC, Counselor and Psychotherapist

“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 MorrowLead Pastor of CrossWalk Church

“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 DonadioMinistry Leader, Author, and Host of the Make Life Matter Podcast

“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 all of us as ministers of the gospel is not a call to work harder but to work healthier. This book is the clarion call needed for church leaders everywhere.”

Kyle and Marcia BethkeLead Pastors of One Church

Stress Test Podcast

Welcome to Stress Test Podcast, a sanctuary for leaders seeking balance amidst the challenges of leadership. Hosted by Shane and Sue Schlesman, we explore real stories and vital lessons from leaders. Our focus isn’t merely on strategies but on the authentic experiences of those risking their wellbeing in pursuit of their calling. Here, we strive to protect your heart – physically and spiritually. Join our journey towards freeing leaders from the burden of stress. Let’s navigate leadership stress, together

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