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About the Book About the Author
Those who are set apart for spiritual leadership in the body of Christ have received a high and holy calling. They are also in for one rough ride. According to recent studies, nearly one half of all pastors have experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence, and 3 out of 5 are completely burned out by their 10th year of ministry.
What is happening here, and what if anything can be done about it?
Inspired by Jesus' life-saving invitation to his disciples in Matthew 11:28-29, Rhythms of Grace offers a cup of cold water to those spiritual leaders who find themselves wandering in the wilderness of clergy burnout. Drawing on more than 30 years of firsthand field experience in pastoral ministry, the author writes from the perspective of a compassionate friend, colleague and sacred companion. Rhythms of Grace provides a practical resource that is designed to help alleviate stress, restore hope and equip spiritual leaders to sustain healthy, effective, lifelong ministry in and through the body of Christ.
David Williams serves as general superintendent of Evangelical Friends Church-Mid America Yearly Meeting. He also serves as adjunct professor at Barclay College in Haviland, Kansas, and guest lecturer at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.
Having served as a youth pastor, family pastor, lead pastor, and campus pastor, Dave brings over 35 years of firsthand field experience to his current role as a pastor to pastors.
A graduate of Malone University (BA) and Ashland Theological Seminary (MA), Dave completed his doctorate (DMin) in leadership and spiritual formation at George Fox University. His doctoral dissertation, “Sustaining Spiritual Leadership for the Long Haul: The Center for Spiritual Renewal at Barclay College,” received the seminary's Distinguished Dissertation Award for 2009, and provided the inspiration for his first book, Rhythms of Grace: Life-Saving Disciplines for Spiritual Leaders.
Dave and his wife, Carol, have been partners in full-time Christian service throughout their 35 years of marriage. They have been blessed with six beautiful children (Josiah, Sarah, Jeremiah, Hannah, Jessie and Jasmine) and eight wonderful grandchildren (Isaiah, Noah, Isabel, Abigail, Lincoln, Lydia, Cora and Levi).
Editorial Reviews
"Rhythms of Grace speaks to the exhaustion and burn-out that many (if not most) spiritual leaders experience sooner or later. Williams cites his own story of trying so hard and ending up exhausted, disillusioned and isolated. Then with the Old Testament prophet Elijah as a model, enormous research on the subject and his own pastor’s heart, he takes the role of a shepherd to the wounded. He gently leads toward rest, renewal and ministry realignment. Whether prevention or cure is needed, this is a helpful book for any Christian who feels stressed, overworked or severely criticized."
- Chuck Mylander, former superintendent of Evangelical Friends Church-Southwest, former director of Evangelical Friends Mission, co-author with Neil Anderson of Setting Your Church Free
"In Rhythms of Grace, author David Williams invites us to experience inward renewal by engaging three simple rhythms that are masked by the conflicting tempos of a polyrhythmic world. He draws from a rich array of personal experiences and the collective wisdom of many others to remind us of things we have forgotten and to inspire us to
breathe afresh the life-giving grace of God."
- Chuck Conniry, vice president and dean of Portland Seminary at George Fox University, author of Soaring in the Spirit: Rediscovering Mystery in the Christian Life
"Rhythms of Grace is a deeply personal and practical book. With raw honesty and humble transparency, David Williams offers realistic remedies for the deadly threats of burnout. To the weary, disillusioned and lonely, I pray that this book will encourage your soul in the profound way that it has refreshed mine."
- Fil Anderson, executive director of Journey Resources, author of Running on Empty and Breaking the Rules
"Self-care is one of the most important, yet most neglected, aspects of a sustainable, enduring pastoral ministry. So often those who dedicate their lives shepherding others to healing and wholeness seem unsure of how to experience that same shalom in their own lives. Dave Williams' book is a spiritual roadmap for those who have lost their way. As a pastor to pastors, Dave communicates with a shepherd's heart as he guides leaders back to the Good Shepherd. Biblically-grounded, theologically astute, and enormously practical - I consider this book a must for any pastor looking to sustain or regain those unforced rhythms of grace."
- Derek Brown, professor of pastoral ministry at Barclay College
