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The Clay Pot Conspiracy: God’s Plan to Use Weakness in Leaders
192 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2025
32 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Dave Harvey
78 books58 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Dave Harvey is senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (Glen Mills, PA), part of a family of churches called Sovereign Grace Ministries. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care from Westminster Theological Seminary. Dave lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Kimm, and their four children.
Dave Harvey is senior pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (Glen Mills, PA), part of a family of churches called Sovereign Grace Ministries. He received his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care from Westminster Theological Seminary. Dave lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Kimm, and their four children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 17, 2025
What a refreshing book for ministry leaders.
October 3, 2025
This ministered to me a ton. It should be required reading for seminaries and anyone wanting to enter the pastorate or ministry.
“My weakness + God’s power = Resilience”
“My weakness + God’s power = Resilience”
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January 13, 2026Should be required reading for anyone in ministry. This book is so good.
November 11, 2025
encouraging and challenging book. highly recommend
August 26, 2025
Dave Harvey’s The Clay Pot Conspiracy is a reminder that the Christian life is not about presenting flawless strength but about letting God’s grace shine through weakness. While the book speaks directly to pastors and leaders, its message reaches much further to anyone who wrestles with self-criticism, feelings of inadequacy, or the pressure to “measure up.”
Dave draws from Paul’s image of “treasure in jars of clay” to show that brokenness is not a disqualification from God’s work, but the very context in which His power is displayed. He cautions against indulging in bitterness or striving for vindication, urging readers to see suffering and setbacks as the classroom where obedience and dependence on Christ are learned. For those who tend to dwell on their failures, his words are freeing: God is not calling us to prove ourselves, but to yield ourselves, trusting that even cracked vessels can carry His light.
One of the book’s most powerful insights is the idea that God often “shatters the jar” of self-reliance in order to reshape us. This is a message not just for leaders but for anyone who feels worn down by disappointment, unanswered questions, or broken relationships. Dave reminds us that the very cracks we wish weren’t there are the places where grace glows most clearly.
Dave draws from Paul’s image of “treasure in jars of clay” to show that brokenness is not a disqualification from God’s work, but the very context in which His power is displayed. He cautions against indulging in bitterness or striving for vindication, urging readers to see suffering and setbacks as the classroom where obedience and dependence on Christ are learned. For those who tend to dwell on their failures, his words are freeing: God is not calling us to prove ourselves, but to yield ourselves, trusting that even cracked vessels can carry His light.
One of the book’s most powerful insights is the idea that God often “shatters the jar” of self-reliance in order to reshape us. This is a message not just for leaders but for anyone who feels worn down by disappointment, unanswered questions, or broken relationships. Dave reminds us that the very cracks we wish weren’t there are the places where grace glows most clearly.
January 16, 2026
Some books you love because their good, some you love because their timely. I think this book was a bit of both. It helpfully framed difficult seasons as purposeful and not as defects. God's makes his power known (and enjoyable) to the world and to us by using weak and flawed people. While this book is addressed to leaders, it's true God makes his power known in weakness to all believers.
This book is very short, which is a plus for me. But, that said, it could have been even shorter, which is a minus. The first 2 or 3 chapters were exceptional, though, and important reading for anyone pursuing a ministry leadership position, or anyone struggling to make sense of a hard season. Following Jesus will involved a dying of sorts because he died. But it will also bring a resurrection of sorts because he resurrected.
There were also some helpful things Harvey said about how weakness is valuable in ministry teams, and how leaders can practice weakness together. But these later chapters, again, could have been condensed a bit. Worth skimming though. Essentially, this book was an explanation and thoughtful reflection on Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth.
This book is very short, which is a plus for me. But, that said, it could have been even shorter, which is a minus. The first 2 or 3 chapters were exceptional, though, and important reading for anyone pursuing a ministry leadership position, or anyone struggling to make sense of a hard season. Following Jesus will involved a dying of sorts because he died. But it will also bring a resurrection of sorts because he resurrected.
There were also some helpful things Harvey said about how weakness is valuable in ministry teams, and how leaders can practice weakness together. But these later chapters, again, could have been condensed a bit. Worth skimming though. Essentially, this book was an explanation and thoughtful reflection on Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth.
December 27, 2025
This book is a friendly reminder that leadership in the church and leadership outside the church for that matter is difficult work. The author presents biblical support for this type of leadership suffering and presents excellent ideas on how to endure.
November 26, 2025
This was a listen but I definitely want to go back and read a physical copy. So encouraging and so much Scripture!!
“Your suffering is not an obstacle to resilience. It’s designed to produce the strength to help you finish well.”
“Your suffering is not an obstacle to resilience. It’s designed to produce the strength to help you finish well.”
December 7, 2025
The Clay Pot Conspiracy by Dave Harvey is THE book for anyone in ministry leadership. Whether you’re a pastor, director, elder, deacon, or lay leader, then this book will be immensely helpful for you! At only 170 pages this is a quick read but it is packed with so many great insights.
Harvey uses Paul’s metaphor of a clay pot that contains treasure from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12. We, as ministry leaders, are the clay pots. Everyday common vessels that are often not that strong, perhaps even a little fragile. Harvey states,
“God is working to make your life shine in ways you never imagined. How? God stores his treasure in clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to him and not to us (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are not always strong. We are human and frail. And the only way to experience God’s surpassing power is to own our weakness and behold how God reanimates it for our good and his glory.”
A few favorite quotes:
“Although the word conspiracy has dark overtones and is frequently politicized, I think it accurately conveys the essence behind God’s hidden agenda. After all, the conspiracy is not aimed at us. God coordinated a covert plan to sabotage an enemy who manipulates power and strength. It’s a magnificient plot where God recalibrates our metrics of success from human potency to Godward dependence. It’s a secret design to humble the proud, abolish boasting, and establish the ground for our longevity.”
“If we would lead God’s people, we must resolve this in our heart: To love the church is to become a target of her imperfections…Yet when she acts ugly, she is still Christ’s bride. You must see her, not simply by how she fails but in light of who she is becoming (Ephesians 5:27).”
Dave Harvey writes from a position of experience. He has faced hurt by the church and hurt by the tragic loss of his daughter. He admits mistakes and seeks to help other leaders lead the church from a position of dependence on God. I highly recommend this awesome work!
You can find in on sale right now at newgrowthpress.com (currently cheaper than Amazon).
Harvey uses Paul’s metaphor of a clay pot that contains treasure from 2 Corinthians 4:7-12. We, as ministry leaders, are the clay pots. Everyday common vessels that are often not that strong, perhaps even a little fragile. Harvey states,
“God is working to make your life shine in ways you never imagined. How? God stores his treasure in clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to him and not to us (2 Corinthians 4:7). We are not always strong. We are human and frail. And the only way to experience God’s surpassing power is to own our weakness and behold how God reanimates it for our good and his glory.”
A few favorite quotes:
“Although the word conspiracy has dark overtones and is frequently politicized, I think it accurately conveys the essence behind God’s hidden agenda. After all, the conspiracy is not aimed at us. God coordinated a covert plan to sabotage an enemy who manipulates power and strength. It’s a magnificient plot where God recalibrates our metrics of success from human potency to Godward dependence. It’s a secret design to humble the proud, abolish boasting, and establish the ground for our longevity.”
“If we would lead God’s people, we must resolve this in our heart: To love the church is to become a target of her imperfections…Yet when she acts ugly, she is still Christ’s bride. You must see her, not simply by how she fails but in light of who she is becoming (Ephesians 5:27).”
Dave Harvey writes from a position of experience. He has faced hurt by the church and hurt by the tragic loss of his daughter. He admits mistakes and seeks to help other leaders lead the church from a position of dependence on God. I highly recommend this awesome work!
You can find in on sale right now at newgrowthpress.com (currently cheaper than Amazon).
September 2, 2025
In The Clay Pot Conspiracy, Dave Harvey helps us see God’s plan to use weakness in leaders. This book is for leaders who know they are lacking. Harvey shares his own personal and family struggles, showing how grace—like manna—arrives for the moment and lasts for the day. We need new mercies each morning.
I was most moved by the chapter on learning to love when the church wounds you. Christians can count on God’s grace to carry them through troubling times. Harvey writes with skill and care. This book will comfort and encourage leaders who have been hurt by the church.
Amazing Grace for Unimpressive Leaders
I was most challenged by the idea that revealing our vulnerabilities and weaknesses can actually make us stronger leaders. We are cracked clay pots overflowing with sin. But God works in and through our weaknesses to show that he is strong.
Even enemies can help us enlarge our souls and strengthen our faith. This book helped me see that my weaknesses are not disqualifications, but qualifications—and even advantages—in my leadership. I am pressed to depend on God as he exploits my weaknesses for his glory. Our weakness + God’s power = resilient ministry.
I received a media copy of The Clay Pot Conspiracy and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
I was most moved by the chapter on learning to love when the church wounds you. Christians can count on God’s grace to carry them through troubling times. Harvey writes with skill and care. This book will comfort and encourage leaders who have been hurt by the church.
Amazing Grace for Unimpressive Leaders
I was most challenged by the idea that revealing our vulnerabilities and weaknesses can actually make us stronger leaders. We are cracked clay pots overflowing with sin. But God works in and through our weaknesses to show that he is strong.
Even enemies can help us enlarge our souls and strengthen our faith. This book helped me see that my weaknesses are not disqualifications, but qualifications—and even advantages—in my leadership. I am pressed to depend on God as he exploits my weaknesses for his glory. Our weakness + God’s power = resilient ministry.
I received a media copy of The Clay Pot Conspiracy and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep
August 29, 2025
Dave Harvey has done a great job in feeding us scriptural truths for leaders hungry for help dealing with the harsh realities of life. His humility, real life examples, vulnerability, and application of key biblical truths combine to create a must-read book for Christian leaders forced to honestly face their weaknesses. This is not a book of theory but comes from a man who has walked through decades of faithful ministry amidst some severe trials. Dave’s teaching style and winsome presentation make this jam-packed book easy to read. Please do yourself and those you love a favor by digging into this helpful book.
November 26, 2025
Having not known some of the context of the authors life and background, it was very moving to hear of his journey in life and ministry. Harvey’s approach is refreshing to a leaders heart because he has honest vulnerability and solid biblical applications to himself and then for readers. It’s examination of 2 Corinthians 4 was precious to me as that is a favourite Bible passage of mine, and he wonderfully brings in others biblical texts as well. This was a truly wonderful title and will be using this personally and for others.
December 17, 2025
This was one of the best books on ministry leadership that I've read not only this year, but probably ever. Harvey is open and honest about our weakness, frailty, and need for the gospel in our lives. We are weak on our own, but with God's strength, we can be resilient in ministry. God uses the weakness of leaders to glorify his name. This is an awesome book that I would recommend for anyone in ministry leadership.
January 15, 2026
This book helped me develop an understanding of weakness’s place in the Christian life. Reading this book is like having a cup of coffee with an older pastor sharing his journey with you and what the Lord has taught him over the years. Harvey’s tone is vulnerable, compassionate, and commissioning.
It’s a must read for those who want to understand the practical implications of a 2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9-10 life.
It’s a must read for those who want to understand the practical implications of a 2 Corinthians 4:7; 12:9-10 life.
January 28, 2026
This book could only be written by Dave Harvey. His unique circumstances, pain, and ministry experience comes out in this book and helps define what the apostle Paul meant when he said, “His power is made perfect in weakness.”
This book deserves a wide reading and to be read multiple times. I recommend it especially to weary pastors and leaders, but also to all believers who need to be reminded that the Lord’s plan for your weaknesses may be much bigger than you think!
This book deserves a wide reading and to be read multiple times. I recommend it especially to weary pastors and leaders, but also to all believers who need to be reminded that the Lord’s plan for your weaknesses may be much bigger than you think!
January 30, 2026
The tears flowed regularly as well as the smiles. Dave Harvey is relatable, funny and precise as he relays the conspiracy of God keeping leaders close to His heart through weakness and trials. Often trials in the church can harden a leader or make them cynical, but Dave seeks to help keep leaders heart’s be soft and pliable for effective and fruitful ministry. This book is excellent, may it make the body and bride all the more HEALTHY!
October 16, 2025
Not to be hyperbolic but this is one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s up there with Gentle and Lowly. Every pastor and leader must read this book. It thrilled my heart, challenged my thinking, and strengthened my resilience. The hype for this one is real. Don’t sleep on it.
December 31, 2025
This was an encouraging book for me, especially at this season in my life. It inspired hope and compelled me to keep running forward, as weak as I am, with my eyes on the prize. Christ is the prize.
August 29, 2025
4.5 Quite moving. Poignant, personal reflection on pastoral weakness. “Our Weakness + God's Power = Resilient Ministry.”
September 5, 2025
This book was so timely for me. I highly recommend for anyone in pastoral ministry.
November 22, 2025
Delightful little book. Extended reflection on 2 Corinthians 4. Very much recommend.
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December 20, 2025To my good friend Jarrell, thank you
December 30, 2025
Convicting and encouraging!
January 14, 2026
Aside from too many typos, I loved this book. So encouraging!!
February 2, 2026
Excellent read
February 2, 2026
A must read for every pastor.
September 24, 2025
This book is a treasure trove of tender mercy for embattled pastors and ministry leaders. It’s filled with empathy, encouragement, empowerment, and wisdom from above. I found healing and help in these grace-filled pages.
November 8, 2025
This is a must read for every Christian leader. If you’ve not experienced brokenness in ministry, you’ve not been in the fight long.
This short book gives permission to be weak and shows how our weakness can lead to greater things in the upside down kingdom of God.
This short book gives permission to be weak and shows how our weakness can lead to greater things in the upside down kingdom of God.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews