What do you think?
Rate this book
Leadership Pain: The Classroom for Growth
Do you want to be a better leader? Raise the threshold of your pain. Do you want your church to grow or your business to reach higher goals? Reluctance to face pain is your greatest limitation. There is no growth without change, no change without loss, and no loss without pain. Bottom line: if you're not hurting, you're not leading.
But this book is not a theological treatise on pain. Rather in Leadership Pain Samuel Chand—best-selling author recognized as "the leader's leader"—provides a concrete, practical understanding of the pain we experience to help us interpret pain more accurately and learn the lessons God has in it for us.
Chand is ruthlessly honest and highly practical as he examines the principles and practices that make our pain a means of fulfilling God's divine purposes for our churches, communities, and us. These features are included in this leadership treasure trove:
POWERFUL, personal stories from some of the finest leaders in the world, such as Craig Groeschel, Benny Perez, Mike Kai, Lisa Bevere, Mark Chironna, Dale Bronner, Philip Wagner, Michael Pitts, and numerous others
REVEALING INSIGHTS into the growth that occurs through pain in leadership roles
PRACTICAL EXERCISES to help you apply the valuable principles you are learning
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2015
301 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 17, 2018
Have you ever found that something bitter tastes even more bitter when you just ate something sweet immediately beforehand? Well, that would be the case with how this book "tasted" to me. You see, the first chapter was perhaps one of the best insights into the concept of the purpose of pain in a leader's life as I have ever read. It laid out the groundwork for what I was certain was going to be one of the best books I've ever read. That was not the case.
First, let me say that the title of the book is a bit misleading. As a pastor I almost didn't notice it, but my wife pointed out that there was a very heavy concentration on "Pastoral Pain" rather than general leadership pain. This takes away from some of the connection for all leaders.
Each chapter begins with 1-2 stories from people connected to the author sharing their pain stories (spoiler: almost all are pastors, see above.) and as a few others have commented, many of these stories are baptized to make what often seem like unwise multi-million dollar decisions into struggles that God brought them out of to teach them a lesson. The lesson was never that ambition may have gotten away from them. And it honestly became nauseating to me to read 11 chapter's worth of stories that almost all had to deal with church financial pain. Why so little diversity when there is really such a plethora of points of pain in any leader's life?
Each chapter began with a quote (like many leadership books do), but then there were also quotes scattered so aimlessly throughout the chapter and so disconnected from the chapter that they were better to be ignored and should have been edited out before it ever went to print. Similarly, the chapters lacked a sense of order and flow conceptually. In the first chapter there was a layout that almost seemed systematic for what the book would cover on the concept of leadership pain, but that never became evident as the chapters unfolded. Instead, many of them read like loose repeats of previous chapters.
Again, I think that if the first chapter had not been so incredibly good that perhaps the rest of them wouldn't have felt so bad. But here was a book and concept that I had heard so many good things about, had such high hopes for, began on such a stellar note, and then really failed to deliver. It makes me hope that perhaps in the future the author will do a 10-year edition where new stories can be used and things can majorly be improved. Otherwise, just borrow it from someone and read the first chapter.
First, let me say that the title of the book is a bit misleading. As a pastor I almost didn't notice it, but my wife pointed out that there was a very heavy concentration on "Pastoral Pain" rather than general leadership pain. This takes away from some of the connection for all leaders.
Each chapter begins with 1-2 stories from people connected to the author sharing their pain stories (spoiler: almost all are pastors, see above.) and as a few others have commented, many of these stories are baptized to make what often seem like unwise multi-million dollar decisions into struggles that God brought them out of to teach them a lesson. The lesson was never that ambition may have gotten away from them. And it honestly became nauseating to me to read 11 chapter's worth of stories that almost all had to deal with church financial pain. Why so little diversity when there is really such a plethora of points of pain in any leader's life?
Each chapter began with a quote (like many leadership books do), but then there were also quotes scattered so aimlessly throughout the chapter and so disconnected from the chapter that they were better to be ignored and should have been edited out before it ever went to print. Similarly, the chapters lacked a sense of order and flow conceptually. In the first chapter there was a layout that almost seemed systematic for what the book would cover on the concept of leadership pain, but that never became evident as the chapters unfolded. Instead, many of them read like loose repeats of previous chapters.
Again, I think that if the first chapter had not been so incredibly good that perhaps the rest of them wouldn't have felt so bad. But here was a book and concept that I had heard so many good things about, had such high hopes for, began on such a stellar note, and then really failed to deliver. It makes me hope that perhaps in the future the author will do a 10-year edition where new stories can be used and things can majorly be improved. Otherwise, just borrow it from someone and read the first chapter.
January 17, 2023
Overall Amanda rating: B
I was given this book by my Pastor to try and help guide me into the next phase of ministry. I thought the teaching and the stories were very well written, I felt that the author did a good job portraying his point. There were brief moments of the book that I thought it lagged from time to time but not too often. The central message was brought forth very well over and over. I enjoyed the questions at the end of each chapter causing me to pause and think. If you are new to leadership or think it will be a walk in the park, I would encourage you to read it.
Overall a good read.
I was given this book by my Pastor to try and help guide me into the next phase of ministry. I thought the teaching and the stories were very well written, I felt that the author did a good job portraying his point. There were brief moments of the book that I thought it lagged from time to time but not too often. The central message was brought forth very well over and over. I enjoyed the questions at the end of each chapter causing me to pause and think. If you are new to leadership or think it will be a walk in the park, I would encourage you to read it.
Overall a good read.
April 24, 2021
If you have a pastor or ministry leader in your life, love them by reading this book
July 25, 2021
"And remember, you'll grow only to the threshold of your pain." If there's one thing to pick up here, that's it.
January 5, 2018
Not the most enjoyable read, but the content was solid.
January 27, 2023
Un material imprescindible para todo líder cristiano. Cada capítulo inicia con claros e impactantes ejemplos de la cruda realidad del ministerio.
December 13, 2021
Great truth on the importance of pain in leadership. There is no growth without pain.
“You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.”
“You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.”
October 2, 2022
One of the best books I have read this year. It’s not just the pain of a leader but the pain someone may experience.
September 29, 2015
Wow!
This book was phenomenal. It helps to put pain in its rightful perspective and I believe it to be a cpr machine to many pastors who lay dead on the floor sent by the heart of God!!! Many leaders suffer silently wondering if the pain will ever end. Well this book helps you to not only raise the threshold pf pain but also come to terms and learn to appreciate your pain.
In reading this book in one of my most painful points in my own life it has blessed me tremendously and given me hope for the future! Bless you man of God!
This book was phenomenal. It helps to put pain in its rightful perspective and I believe it to be a cpr machine to many pastors who lay dead on the floor sent by the heart of God!!! Many leaders suffer silently wondering if the pain will ever end. Well this book helps you to not only raise the threshold pf pain but also come to terms and learn to appreciate your pain.
In reading this book in one of my most painful points in my own life it has blessed me tremendously and given me hope for the future! Bless you man of God!
October 8, 2015
This was a very good book for me and extremely timely read. This is a book that I will re-read and will recommend to everyone. I'm actually adding this to my Timothy's reading plan. We read this book as a Pastoral team at my church, but it is for anyone who serves God in any capacity and has been hurt, discouraged, disappointed, stressed or has any feelings at all.
Thanks, Samuel Chand, you did not disappoint with this book.
Thanks, Samuel Chand, you did not disappoint with this book.
September 9, 2015
Every Leader Must Read This
Leadership and pain go hand in hand. How you handle the pain in your leadership determines how much you grow as a leader. Sam Chand lays it out perfectly and doesn't pull any punches. We all go through it but we all don't come out of it the same.
Leadership and pain go hand in hand. How you handle the pain in your leadership determines how much you grow as a leader. Sam Chand lays it out perfectly and doesn't pull any punches. We all go through it but we all don't come out of it the same.
October 7, 2019
This book was super hard to read. The concept presented is “You will only grow to the threshold of your pain”. Want to grow as a leader? Increase your threshold for pain. Sounds like a pleasant read huh?!
As hard as it was to read, it was something that I needed more than I knew. Leadership is hard. Leadership in ministry is hard. It’s incredible, but can be incredibly painful. This book doesn’t shy away from that fact, doesn’t sugar coat it or try and deny it. The author simply encourages you to embrace the difficulty and keep going through it.
There are steps you can take, things you can do, and precautions you can take to help you through the pain you will face as a leader, and the author goes into detail about several of them. I love the fact that even through he doesn’t shy away from the truth of difficulty, it’s never treated as something that will destroy you. Pain can simply be used as an opportunity to grow into what God has planned for you. It can be used to develop you. But you have to let it do its work.
If you are a leader in ministry, you need to read this book. If you are interested in ministry, you need to read it. If you want a glimpse into what your pastors go through on a regular basis, you really need to read this!! Excellent book.
As hard as it was to read, it was something that I needed more than I knew. Leadership is hard. Leadership in ministry is hard. It’s incredible, but can be incredibly painful. This book doesn’t shy away from that fact, doesn’t sugar coat it or try and deny it. The author simply encourages you to embrace the difficulty and keep going through it.
There are steps you can take, things you can do, and precautions you can take to help you through the pain you will face as a leader, and the author goes into detail about several of them. I love the fact that even through he doesn’t shy away from the truth of difficulty, it’s never treated as something that will destroy you. Pain can simply be used as an opportunity to grow into what God has planned for you. It can be used to develop you. But you have to let it do its work.
If you are a leader in ministry, you need to read this book. If you are interested in ministry, you need to read it. If you want a glimpse into what your pastors go through on a regular basis, you really need to read this!! Excellent book.
July 9, 2019
We're all leaders. Our spouses, neighbours and workmates look at us to see how we handle the pressures and knocks of life and in doing so we influence others. This book is written by a man who knew what it was to not know where his next meal was coming from, as an 20 yr old Indian immigrant to the US, with a scholarship for a Bible College until his sponsor lost his job and the money dried up. Then he offered to mow and rake lawns, just for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! From that he moved on to being the janitor at the Bible college, and, many years later, its president. The insights and lessons picked up along the way give him deep and true insights into the pain that often accompanies leadership and how to work through it. There are many other stories of leaders who failed. Leaders who do not conform to the "leaders" often found in western society in political and business circles who have power but no authority, or who crave attention and popularity but in the process neglect humility and service to others. Searching questions at the end of each chapter make this an interactive book yet also encouraging. Highly recommended.
August 20, 2017
This book was just what the doctor ordered. My wife and I have gone through two years of leadership pain. We thought following the plan God laid before us meant sunshine and unicorns. When things didn't go the way we thought they should, a friend recommended this book. It has been very instrumental in reminding me pain is actually part of growth and leadership. It all comes down to this equation:
Growth = Change
Change = Loss
Loss = Pain
thus, Growth = Pain.
It is not something American Christians want to hear, but it has proven true for us. The book uses testimonials from pastors and non-profit users from many backgrounds. The author's story is also a powerful anecdote on what happens when leaders persevere through the pain. I fully recommend this book.
Growth = Change
Change = Loss
Loss = Pain
thus, Growth = Pain.
It is not something American Christians want to hear, but it has proven true for us. The book uses testimonials from pastors and non-profit users from many backgrounds. The author's story is also a powerful anecdote on what happens when leaders persevere through the pain. I fully recommend this book.
March 13, 2019
This seemed like quite a hard book to get through despite it having absolute nuggets of gold and being really well written. I guess it’s because pain is quite a difficult subject to study The testimonies from other pastors followed by the chapters and then a concluding reflection was a really good style which I enjoyed.
My takeaways from the book are:
1. God loves me. He will never leave me. But he will always make sure that he never leaves me to carry on as I am but will always help me to grow i.e. he didn’t send the pain but he will use the pain;
2. Pain has a purpose;
3. I will only grow to the threshold of my pain, therefore I need to increase my pain threshold and trust God in the process.
My takeaways from the book are:
1. God loves me. He will never leave me. But he will always make sure that he never leaves me to carry on as I am but will always help me to grow i.e. he didn’t send the pain but he will use the pain;
2. Pain has a purpose;
3. I will only grow to the threshold of my pain, therefore I need to increase my pain threshold and trust God in the process.
January 26, 2024
I enjoyed this book a lot, especially as I navigate a lot of pain in a new church I have begun to pastor. It was very practical. What I enjoyed the most was all the stories at the beginning of each chapter from pastors who dealt with situations. It reminded me I’m not alone, and God can do anything. It’s 4 for me because of a chapters emphasis on church growth numerically. I know numbers are an indication of health, but they are not THE indication of health. Some pastors are called to lead smaller churches, and that’s ok. I felt in this chapter that was forgotten. In other chapters he didn’t seem that way at all, so take that for what it is. Would recommend
November 19, 2019
This book is a great read and so insightful. But it is also very challenging. Every time I picked it up, I felt the weight of it. This is not a feel good quick fix leadership read.
It deals practically with how to grow and develop as a leader as a result of your pains. I highly recommend this book—especially for Christian leaders. This book is rooted in a biblical world view and the hope we find in Jesus over our pain. It also focuses primarily on leadership pains from the perspective of Christian ministry leaders. So, if you are in full time ministry and leading others, this is a must read.
It deals practically with how to grow and develop as a leader as a result of your pains. I highly recommend this book—especially for Christian leaders. This book is rooted in a biblical world view and the hope we find in Jesus over our pain. It also focuses primarily on leadership pains from the perspective of Christian ministry leaders. So, if you are in full time ministry and leading others, this is a must read.
March 22, 2018
This book is profoundly empathetic for pastors and non-profit leaders. It gives language to the habitual pain most leaders have ignored or neglected to confront. It’s supportive and practical, and mercifully concise.
I prefer a style less saturated by the conventions of the self-help genre–but as I went through “Leadership Pain”, my thoughts drifted to the dozens of names who could immediately benefit from its reading.
I prefer a style less saturated by the conventions of the self-help genre–but as I went through “Leadership Pain”, my thoughts drifted to the dozens of names who could immediately benefit from its reading.
June 30, 2018
The single most powerful book on the staying power a leader needs to fulfill their calling. Great stories and insights throughout. The questions: know this, do this, think this- were on point at the end of each chapter. Pain in leadership is a part of the process. So many great quotes and nuggets of truth. I’ve got to go through it again. This book transformed my perspective on leadership, ministry, and my future. So thankful for this book.
August 9, 2019
Sam Chand’s book Leadership Pain is a must read for all those in leadership. The models of many leaders who faced reverses in ministry, coupled with Chand’s excellent Biblical principles, should give every leader hope and encouragement to endure and still move forward despite the inevitable hardship, criticism, betrayal, blame and even burnout that can be part of God’s leadership growth plan for those He uses. 5 stars M.L. Codman-Wilson 8/8/19
November 24, 2020
Anchor in your ability...
There is a fair bit of worthwhile truth here. Leadership will require the experience of pain an pastors can take heart that Christ works in our weakness. But I was distracted by what felt like an over-emphasis on the ability of the self to manage and get through. I found the leader interludes written by other "successful" pastors to be worthless and aligned too much in church growth metrics that are oppose the gospel.
There is a fair bit of worthwhile truth here. Leadership will require the experience of pain an pastors can take heart that Christ works in our weakness. But I was distracted by what felt like an over-emphasis on the ability of the self to manage and get through. I found the leader interludes written by other "successful" pastors to be worthless and aligned too much in church growth metrics that are oppose the gospel.
February 8, 2022
Chand makes this book very thought-provoking as you really delve into the pain and call on your life as a leader.
Your emotions are going to be tickled as each chapter is going to feel as if it’s speaking directly to you.
It’s going to call you out, unravel and reveal some truths in your life. It’s also going to help you grow in leadership and understand why the pain you endure is only meant for growth.
Such an impactful read.
Your emotions are going to be tickled as each chapter is going to feel as if it’s speaking directly to you.
It’s going to call you out, unravel and reveal some truths in your life. It’s also going to help you grow in leadership and understand why the pain you endure is only meant for growth.
Such an impactful read.
April 26, 2025
I’ve read a lot of books on leadership over the years. This is, without a doubt, one of the best books I have ever read. This is a MUST read for anyone who is in ministry in any capacity. I wish I would’ve read this years ago. Leadership can be lonely, and ALWAYS requires pain. How you deal with pain determines the height of your leadership capacity.
Growth = Change
Change = Loss
Loss = Pain
Growth = Pain
Growth = Change
Change = Loss
Loss = Pain
Growth = Pain
December 5, 2018
If you are a leader this book should be mandatory. It is the truth we never get to speak. It helps peel back the layers of pain we experience on a daily basis so God can sooth, comfort and heal. We are not alone and the pain of leadership is real. Fantastic book that I have already recommended to every Pastor I know.
December 30, 2018
Liked it, and it was interesting to hear the honest accounts of the people who are in this book, but not a very encouraging book. It came across to me more like a compilation of people's unvoiced complaints regarding sensitive situations that people don't normally address. The honesty is worth applauding though.
July 12, 2019
This book tore my heart in the best way. I love the stories that Chand includes at the beginning of each chapter as well as the application questions at each end. This encouraged me, as I've had to lead through challenging events, to keep pressing forward, ultimately into God, as my covering in leadership.
April 21, 2020
I want to reread this book every few years of my life to keep it fresh on my mind because it's that helpful. Pain is what we all dread most and avoid at all cost. This book is so uplifting, refreshing and practical. You can apply the principles right away. Get ready for a fresh perspective: your pain isn't the end - it's the beginning! LOVE this book.
August 12, 2021
I really struggled to make it through the first half if this book. It seemed very focused on people in a pastoral office, and thus didn’t feel relatable. I took a break and picked it back up after some time. I found the second half was much more compelling and relatable (perhaps because I have experienced different levels of pain in the time since I started it) and I really appreciated it.
January 10, 2022
Wow
I really enjoyed this book. It's provided some great insights in how God uses pain to mold and shape us so the he can use us for his purposes later. As i think back over painful moments, I realize that God has used them to unfold soul qualities like those of the Master to make me more kind, loving, and mature.
I really enjoyed this book. It's provided some great insights in how God uses pain to mold and shape us so the he can use us for his purposes later. As i think back over painful moments, I realize that God has used them to unfold soul qualities like those of the Master to make me more kind, loving, and mature.
April 26, 2024
The real-life stories were worth their weight in gold. I found that those stories ministered to me more than any other content in the book. There is power in sharing our testimonies, both the highs and lows, but especially the sorrow. It's easy to feel like you alone are suffering as you try to walk out your faith.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews