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Sifted: Pursuing Growth Through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments
Planting and leading churches is a difficult calling. It can put strain on your mental and physical health, on your relationships with others, and even your relationship with God. Sifted offers practical guidance and hope for anyone going through a tough time in ministry or pastoral work. Founding pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship in Honolulu, Hawaii Wayne Cordeiro speaks the truth in love, offering wisdom and insight to walk alongside leaders as they face the challenges and hardships of planting and leading churches, while providing encouragement and inspiration for the journey. A seasoned church leader, Wayne shares the things he wishes he'd known when he was starting a new church. With additional stories from Francis Chan and Larry Osborne, each chapter includes a thought-provoking challenge question to develop a heart that is surrendered to God, focused on "being and becoming" versus "doing and accomplishing." Wayne will walk you through how to develop a healthy balance of personal care and spiritual leadership. But instead of a "how to" book on models and methods from men who have it all figured out, Sifted will help you process your journey in a way You many find yourself in a season of sifting. If you respond correctly, this season can be every bit as important as the time of harvest. Sifting builds the muscle of faith, giving us what we need for what lies just around the corner.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
57 people are currently reading
299 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 21, 2013
All Christians go through a sifting process ... It is a key part of sanctification! But this book is particularly applicable to the pastor, church planter or Christian worker. How do we manage through the changes and challenges of life ... How do we handle transitions and become better in serving God and His people through them.
June 7, 2012
This is an excellent book for those involved in starting and leading a church congregation. You will read this and take away some very simple advice and also be encouraged as you work each day for the Lord.
There were many parts of this book that I found enlightening. I thought the authors’ view that you have to have a vision to really grow your ministry was a very good one. His practical advice on handling issues that come up in a congregation was well written. The author’s writing is simple and easy to understand. He offers clear advice and encouragement.
After reading this book you will realize that being called to the ministry is just as much a job as any other work you might try to do. I gave this book 4/5 stars because although it offers excellent advice and words of encouragement I thought some of it was tedious.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
There were many parts of this book that I found enlightening. I thought the authors’ view that you have to have a vision to really grow your ministry was a very good one. His practical advice on handling issues that come up in a congregation was well written. The author’s writing is simple and easy to understand. He offers clear advice and encouragement.
After reading this book you will realize that being called to the ministry is just as much a job as any other work you might try to do. I gave this book 4/5 stars because although it offers excellent advice and words of encouragement I thought some of it was tedious.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
January 4, 2016
Another good book. All Pastors and church planters should read. Talks about when we go through the sifting process.
June 2, 2020
Review:
Although Sifted was first published in 2012, its message is very timely in 2020 in the cascading suffering caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. The explicit target audience in Sifted are Christian pastors because of the pressures, unrealistic expectations and criticism involved in their line of work. A disturbing number of pastors leave the pastorate each year, experience burn-out, have sacrificed their family on the altar of ministry and even committed suicide. Their experience is well understood by the authors, Wayne Corderio, Francis Chan and Larry Osborne. All three men have been pastors of high-profile mega churches and experienced intense “trials, challenges and disappointments” through God’s sifting of their character and life purpose. But they have emerged through their sifting processes with wisdom, humility and single minded passion for God and His mission. Using Jesus’ prayer for Peter “that his faith fail not,” (Luke 22), they explain God’s intent in sifting believers. As they say, “If you are in a season of sifting,…the simple encouragement we have is to stay the course. We’re not here to offer you quick fixes or easy solutions; rather, we want to emphasize the core message of this book: sifting happens, but God is still in control, and in fact God uses this season for your good because he wants to do something in you before he does something through you” (Wayne Cordeiro, with Francis Chan and Larry Osbourne, Sifted, Pursing Growth Through Trials, Challenges and Disappointments, Zondervan, 2012, p. 60). Since the principles of growth through sifting apply to all Christians, not just to pastors, this book is relevant for all believers at this time. Guard the “tilt of your heart” in times of trial (p.166).
5 stars. M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 6/2/20
Excerpts:
“The concept of being sifted has both a negative and positive connotation. At its core, being sifted means going through challenges and trials as a leader. That’s the negative. No one likes to go through trials. Yet the process is unavoidable. A leader will be sifted; that’s not the question. The question is will they emerge from the sifting as a successful leader? How will they respond to the trials and challenges they face? […]When something challenging is happening to us, we shouldn’t spend too much time trying to figure out who is causing it. The choice we face is simple: will we trust God and look to him throughout the difficulty we face, regardless of the cause, or not?” (Wayne Cordeiro, with Francis Chan & Larry Osborne. Sifted: Pursing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments. Zondervan, 2012. p. 30)
“How do you rate yourself [in the 15 different character qualities listed in 1Tim. 3]? Are there areas of concern that you [are] able to identify? The value in doing this is to discover the low lying planks in your life that may be holding back God’s authority from fully resting on you and your ministry. Watch for red flags. These may be areas of your life where God is preparing to sift you. Pray about them and plead for grace that your faith may not fail when you are sifted and that the result will be growth in character and godliness so that you are more effective in ministering God’s grace to others.” (p.172)
Although Sifted was first published in 2012, its message is very timely in 2020 in the cascading suffering caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic. The explicit target audience in Sifted are Christian pastors because of the pressures, unrealistic expectations and criticism involved in their line of work. A disturbing number of pastors leave the pastorate each year, experience burn-out, have sacrificed their family on the altar of ministry and even committed suicide. Their experience is well understood by the authors, Wayne Corderio, Francis Chan and Larry Osborne. All three men have been pastors of high-profile mega churches and experienced intense “trials, challenges and disappointments” through God’s sifting of their character and life purpose. But they have emerged through their sifting processes with wisdom, humility and single minded passion for God and His mission. Using Jesus’ prayer for Peter “that his faith fail not,” (Luke 22), they explain God’s intent in sifting believers. As they say, “If you are in a season of sifting,…the simple encouragement we have is to stay the course. We’re not here to offer you quick fixes or easy solutions; rather, we want to emphasize the core message of this book: sifting happens, but God is still in control, and in fact God uses this season for your good because he wants to do something in you before he does something through you” (Wayne Cordeiro, with Francis Chan and Larry Osbourne, Sifted, Pursing Growth Through Trials, Challenges and Disappointments, Zondervan, 2012, p. 60). Since the principles of growth through sifting apply to all Christians, not just to pastors, this book is relevant for all believers at this time. Guard the “tilt of your heart” in times of trial (p.166).
5 stars. M.L. Codman-Wilson, Ph.D., 6/2/20
Excerpts:
“The concept of being sifted has both a negative and positive connotation. At its core, being sifted means going through challenges and trials as a leader. That’s the negative. No one likes to go through trials. Yet the process is unavoidable. A leader will be sifted; that’s not the question. The question is will they emerge from the sifting as a successful leader? How will they respond to the trials and challenges they face? […]When something challenging is happening to us, we shouldn’t spend too much time trying to figure out who is causing it. The choice we face is simple: will we trust God and look to him throughout the difficulty we face, regardless of the cause, or not?” (Wayne Cordeiro, with Francis Chan & Larry Osborne. Sifted: Pursing Growth through Trials, Challenges, and Disappointments. Zondervan, 2012. p. 30)
“How do you rate yourself [in the 15 different character qualities listed in 1Tim. 3]? Are there areas of concern that you [are] able to identify? The value in doing this is to discover the low lying planks in your life that may be holding back God’s authority from fully resting on you and your ministry. Watch for red flags. These may be areas of your life where God is preparing to sift you. Pray about them and plead for grace that your faith may not fail when you are sifted and that the result will be growth in character and godliness so that you are more effective in ministering God’s grace to others.” (p.172)
February 9, 2023
It's pretty rare that I give a book 5 stars...but it's impossible not to.
This book relies on a mix of experience, practical scenarios, encouragement, and wisdom in order to get it's point across. The point is this: Life isn't easy...but if you want to lead well, it's going to have a unique set of challenges.
Sifted makes sure to give key advice on how to handle so many situations that could arise, but also how to build your own character well to become someone who is above reproach. Bonus Joy: I read this book with our entire church office staff! It was an experience for growth that I will never forget.
This book relies on a mix of experience, practical scenarios, encouragement, and wisdom in order to get it's point across. The point is this: Life isn't easy...but if you want to lead well, it's going to have a unique set of challenges.
Sifted makes sure to give key advice on how to handle so many situations that could arise, but also how to build your own character well to become someone who is above reproach. Bonus Joy: I read this book with our entire church office staff! It was an experience for growth that I will never forget.
March 12, 2019
I picked up this book two years ago at Wayne Cordeiro’s church in Honolulu. I didn’t really read the description on the back, the title just intrigued me. Little did I know, this book that I picked up to read two year later would be EXACTLY what I needed to hear for this season I’m in. Cordeiro clearly hears from the Lord, and is a phenomenal writer. I highly recommend reading this for those who are in a hard season in their ministry.
May 7, 2019
Encouraging book for those in the midst of the pain of ministry.
We have to come to the place where our pain is secondary and God’s call and purpose for us is primary. This book helped me to refocus on what I need to do and see the pain (sifting sounds better, but it still feels like pain to me) as me growing closer to God and his will for my life.
We have to come to the place where our pain is secondary and God’s call and purpose for us is primary. This book helped me to refocus on what I need to do and see the pain (sifting sounds better, but it still feels like pain to me) as me growing closer to God and his will for my life.
May 22, 2019
Que bênção! Vale mesma a pena ler principalmente aqueles que estão no ministério.
As suas lições são mais da sua experiência do que propriamente um tratado teológico. Contudo, consegue fazer uma boa ponte embora algumas vezes se tenha desviado no não essencial!
Recomendo imenso para quem está a sofrer problemas no ministério
As suas lições são mais da sua experiência do que propriamente um tratado teológico. Contudo, consegue fazer uma boa ponte embora algumas vezes se tenha desviado no não essencial!
Recomendo imenso para quem está a sofrer problemas no ministério
December 13, 2020
A pleasant source of healing and inspiration
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a major source of healing, reflection, and inspiration for a season of sifting that I recently experienced. This is an inspirational book for any person of faith who may be experiencing turmoil in their normal vocation or, perhaps, their ministry or calling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a major source of healing, reflection, and inspiration for a season of sifting that I recently experienced. This is an inspirational book for any person of faith who may be experiencing turmoil in their normal vocation or, perhaps, their ministry or calling.
April 1, 2022
This is a book that is honest about the hard times in ministries. It's a nice reminder that you are not alone. This movie came into my life during a time when I really needed something encouraging like Wayne's book. It's well written, vulnerable and rejuvenating.
June 12, 2017
Essential read and not just for church leaders.
It's challenging so be warned, you will be changed
It's challenging so be warned, you will be changed
April 8, 2019
A solid book on times of challenging personal and spiritual development.
December 23, 2024
Written to male married church leaders, it was limiting. Some good points made applicable to all though.
May 29, 2012
Sifted is about wearing out and coming to the end of yourself. I’ve been to that place. Even as an average Joe I could relate to the feelings of siftedness that Cordeiro detailed in his book. In part one, Cordeiro deals with our hearts. He’s brutally honest when assessing the success rates of pastors and the struggle innate in the position. Many don’t succeed and that’s mainly because their idea of success in ministry is distorted. He also challenges to not position ourselves as the one to run to but rather encourages us to point people to Christ (p. 63).
In part two, Cordeiro addresses our home and ministry. He admonishes pastors to not forsake their families (pp. 88-91). He talks about the importance of sabbath. In part three, Cordeiro ends with a discussion on the hard work of ministry. He focuses on servanthood as a necessary characteristic of leadership (pp. 149-151). He recommends knowing your strengths and stewarding your authority. He ends the book with a strong warning for pastors to deal with their own sin. In short, know yourself.
The writing was fluid and easy to digest. I found the advice practical and format interactive (lots of questions and helps). I never found myself bogged down. That’s important especially if you want busy pastors who may be experiencing sifting in their own lives to read your book.
However, I also arrived at the end of the book and felt like I had received lots of good advice but very little exploration of what the Bible had to say about depression, hope, and ministry. If Sifted has a weakness it’s that it needs more interaction with Scripture. More marveling at the gospel. More Jesus. In short, if you’re looking for a book on dealing with depression, suffering, & trials in ministry, Sifted would be helpful as a supplement to a more brawny theological work.
In part two, Cordeiro addresses our home and ministry. He admonishes pastors to not forsake their families (pp. 88-91). He talks about the importance of sabbath. In part three, Cordeiro ends with a discussion on the hard work of ministry. He focuses on servanthood as a necessary characteristic of leadership (pp. 149-151). He recommends knowing your strengths and stewarding your authority. He ends the book with a strong warning for pastors to deal with their own sin. In short, know yourself.
The writing was fluid and easy to digest. I found the advice practical and format interactive (lots of questions and helps). I never found myself bogged down. That’s important especially if you want busy pastors who may be experiencing sifting in their own lives to read your book.
However, I also arrived at the end of the book and felt like I had received lots of good advice but very little exploration of what the Bible had to say about depression, hope, and ministry. If Sifted has a weakness it’s that it needs more interaction with Scripture. More marveling at the gospel. More Jesus. In short, if you’re looking for a book on dealing with depression, suffering, & trials in ministry, Sifted would be helpful as a supplement to a more brawny theological work.
November 21, 2013
This is a motivational book with very little practical advice. There are many specific stories told, but they didn't go beyond the general principle level. For example, they offered dramatic stories of pastors who overworked themselves and promoted the principle of resting appropriately. But they didn't give tips or tools on how to pull that off with all the pressures of the job. Their goal seems to be convincing you to try, not helping you figure out how.
It was very motivational. That's what keeps it from being more poorly rated. If what you need is to rekindle your purpose or to think more deeply about your role, this book will help.
I did have one major concern with the content. They talked a lot about the temptation to quit. They encouraged you not to give up because it's hard. And they made no allowance for the times when people should quit--not quit on God but end a ministry project. The Bible says there is a season for things to die, to tear down, to give up as lost, etc (Ecclesiastes 3). And I worry that in their lack of commentary on this some readers will mistakenly believe that anyone who loves God never gives up on something they started.
It was very motivational. That's what keeps it from being more poorly rated. If what you need is to rekindle your purpose or to think more deeply about your role, this book will help.
I did have one major concern with the content. They talked a lot about the temptation to quit. They encouraged you not to give up because it's hard. And they made no allowance for the times when people should quit--not quit on God but end a ministry project. The Bible says there is a season for things to die, to tear down, to give up as lost, etc (Ecclesiastes 3). And I worry that in their lack of commentary on this some readers will mistakenly believe that anyone who loves God never gives up on something they started.
April 23, 2013
Though the primary focus is on church planting, this is a tremendous book for pastors of every stripe going through difficult times in ministry. Like many of Wayne Cordeiro's books, there are questions for reflection in the text that help/force you to personally apply the lessons you've been learning.
This is a book of hope - not a downer about how tough ministry can be, though Wayne doesn't shy away from expressing the pains & wounds that pastors must endure.
The asides from Larry Osborne & Francis Chan are also helpful.
I look forward to reading it again.
This is a book of hope - not a downer about how tough ministry can be, though Wayne doesn't shy away from expressing the pains & wounds that pastors must endure.
The asides from Larry Osborne & Francis Chan are also helpful.
I look forward to reading it again.
August 16, 2015
Based upon Luke 22, Cordeiro sifted us all through this innovative book. He keeps the lead of the spiritual formation we all need as christians and servants to develop into the leader God wants us to become. The testimonies of Chand and Osborne added salt to each argument posted by Cordeiro. We all need to be sifted once and again to get into the spiritual formation path to become devoted followers of Jesus.
August 9, 2016
It was quite good! Worth the listening (audiobook) time. It was made as a book to ponder and reflect with (which I didn't do, there probably was more to get from then what I got from it because of that). A lot of great principles that I haven't seen as clearly explained than in this book.
The contributions, though interesting didn't add much, I thought, to the content.
The contributions, though interesting didn't add much, I thought, to the content.
September 7, 2014
Fantastic book for any pastor to read. Being a pastor is filled with pressure, this book will help to reset yourself as you face that pressure and realize what you are called to do and who you are called to serve. Incredibly practical and refreshing.
April 14, 2016
One of the timely books that God has given to me to read. This is a book of encouragement to everyone journeying with Christ in ministry - particularly those going through sifting season. Will definitely go back to it again, there's much to draw from and be reminded over and over again.
June 29, 2016
Informational and heart-felt treatment of pastors' struggles as leaders. Excellent perspective on realistic expectations and very practical wisdom and advice to weather the storms of life and minis try.
April 20, 2013
This book is worth the read for really anyone but even better for those who serve in leadership! Great thoughts and insights to live by. Take your time and soak on each chapter!
February 25, 2015
Great book on ministry! Wayne Cordeiro does an incredible job of describing both the challenges and joys of ministry and making people realize they are not alone!
February 5, 2014
This is a great book, I think every pastor, leader, and minister needs to read it. It definitely helped me see things in the "bigger picture" perspective.
April 10, 2014
an excellent book for those in ministry - whether you are a 'lead pastor' or serve on a volunteer basis! Great leadership material
January 19, 2016
Every pastors and church leaders should read this one. A great self-evaluation as to what really matters and start to prioritize them. A great read!
Read
February 20, 2016Anything Wayne Cordeiro writes, I read. Great stuff to chew on in this book.
December 17, 2025
Cordeiro points Christian leaders to the Lord in navigating difficult moment in life and ministry. A helpful read.
December 28, 2013
Great read, one of the best I read in 2013
December 29, 2018
This book. <3
Seriously, one of the best books I have ever read. It might have been my place in life, but I found it to be incredibly impactful. It's the semester of Bible college you didn't get; where no one told you how hard it was actually going to be and how much you would want to give up. There are so many solid truths in this book, I will be referring to it for a long time into the future.
Seriously, one of the best books I have ever read. It might have been my place in life, but I found it to be incredibly impactful. It's the semester of Bible college you didn't get; where no one told you how hard it was actually going to be and how much you would want to give up. There are so many solid truths in this book, I will be referring to it for a long time into the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews