Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul

Had a chance this week to read Lance Witt’s new book, Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul.  Witt is the founder of Replenish Ministries and former executive and teaching pastor at Saddleback Church where he helped develop and lead the 40 Days of Purpose and 40 Days of Community Campaigns.

He’s often called a “pastor’s pastor,” and it’s for that reason that this book has been anticipated by many.  If you ever sat in on one of his conference sessions, you’ve had a taste of what’s in store.  If you’re unfamiliar with his work, you’re in for a treat.

The theme centering on the private world of the leader, what Witt refers to as “the back stage,” there are four sections:

• De-Toxing Your Soul: describing some of the “soul endangering toxins” in ministry
• Start Here…Start Now: Baby steps designed to help you begin to pay attention to your soul
• Sustaining a Lifetime of Health: Focusing on habits and practices
• Building Healthy Teams: Creating a healthy leadership culture

There are a number of things to really like about Replenish.  First of all, it is packed with the wisdom of a fellow traveler.  There’s no theorizing here.  These are the words of someone who has been down the path we are on…and lived to tell the tale.

Second, the book is very skillfully structured. The chapters are short (2 to 3 pages) and very readable (in some ways it feels like a conversation).  Easily the kind of thing that will fit in your schedule.

Third, each chapter concludes with a short list of four great questions.  Remember, Lance Witt was one of the behind the scenes players in the development of the 40 Days campaigns (i.e., here’s a guy who knows how to take content to application).

You may not be in a position to have ever spent time talking with Lance.  I’ve had that great privilege a number of time and I’ve always come away feeling like I just got to hang out with a uniquely gifted person who was actually interested in me.  Asking great questions.  Listening thoughtfully.  Following up by asking another really compelling question.

Replenish feels like you’re in a conversation.  And you can’t help feeling like it’s a good one.  Thought-provoking.  Challenging.  Soul satisfying.  Refreshing.

Need something like that?  I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Replenish: Leading from a Healthy Soul.