Better After Burnout: One Leader's Story

by Jathan Maricelli

I WAS DONE. I DIDN’T KNOW IT, BUT I WAS DONE. My church was struggling, and I was hurt about that. Why wasn’t God giving me growth? My son was sick, and every seizure was a gut punch. I was hurt about that. Our personal finances were being pummeled by doctor bills, I was physically exhausted from working long hours with too little recovery time, and my most reliable source of replenishment had been taken away. When a person is behind the curve on multiple fronts, it is nearly impossible to be spiritually, physically, or emotionally replenished. And without replenishment, no matter how strong or how full we once were, our engine will burn out . . .

THIS IS A STORY of one leader who experienced burnout, picked up the pieces, and got back up again. But it isn’t just a story of burnout. It’s a story of hope. It’s a story where God steps in and reminds us He is for us. And it serves as a reminder to anybody burning the candle at both ends that at some point, we need to take time to rest. When we do so, we might discover that better lies on the other side of burnout.

Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Provence Crnko · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do anything in ministry this is a MUST read. Sometimes it’s hard to see the early signs of burnout until you’re right in the middle of it. Just because you are passionate about something doesn’t mean it can’t turn into a monster if not managed. Great book for those battling burnout or feeling exhausted in ministry. Also, I may be a little bias since my pastor is the author!

[Monte Hickingbottom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tears flowed as I consumed this book in one sitting, both of laughter and heartbreak. Jathan has brought light to the dirty little secret of church work: it's hard and sometimes hurts. Sure, Paul said, "God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able," but often, it is us loading our buggy beyond its capacity. This book provides transparency that is often missing from church leaders. We "fake it till we make it" until we don't. God never promised us a rose garden. He promised us a cross. Jathan spotlights the beauty of that cross, a love for His kingdom, and the pitfalls that beset any leader in today's church. Regardless of denomination, this book is worth its weight in gold if its principles are implemented in the reader's life.

[JB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt
even a little overwhelmed by ministry or tried to run
away from their calling because they don't feel
good enough or qualified. The topics are deep but
sprinkled with lots of humor and fun stories. The
afterword is only a few pages but don't skip it.

I usually have trouble reading more than a few
chapters of a nonfiction book at a time (and I'm a
big reader who will happily gulp down an entire
fluffy YA romance in one sitting), but once I started
this I couldn't put it down.

I might be a little biased since Jathan is my pastor, but this book is legit and I genuinely recommend it.

[Vito LoCascio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, heartwarming, gut wrenching and real. This transparent and authentic journey of a man throughout his life and ministry compels us to remove the facade and cling to God. Although a non-fiction memoir, this reads like a novel. Jathan tells his story with wit, conflict, plot twists and doesn’t hide the hero’s flaws. I love this book and recommend it to others especially anyone in ministry.

[Corbin Kill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely every leader should read this book. Whether you consider yourself going thru or on the path to burnout or not, it is highly worth your time to check this book out.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this one.

I cried, I laughed, I hurt, and I rejoiced with Bro Jathan Maricelli in this book. I needed this book so very much. As a pastor I realize that I need to get healthier before I crash and burn. I’m not as burned out as Bro Jathan but I’m sure not far off. I am thankful this story was shared, because I needed it!

[Quentin Norwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only regret is that I didn’t purchase this book at BOTT several years ago.

This book was a Godsend for me as it helped me put into perspective my current struggle in my own “dark night of the soul”.

His style of true storytelling reels you in and is a page turner for sure.

This is a book I will definitely read again.

I hope he writes more in the future

Well done!

Q.Norwood
Orange TX

[Kim Noble Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a transparent and well- written book! If you serve in any capacity of ministry,then this authentic testimony of the struggles will encourage you! We need to talk about things like this more in church to help people run well and stay spiritually healthy in the process!

[Sandra Turner]

Awesome!

I've read this book twice now. While I'm not a pastor, I have been in ministerial positions and have gone through burnouts. It really helps to know that I'm not the only person going through these things.

[Timothy Vowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

INCREDIBLE book!!!!!!!!!!! It is also written by a friend!!!

[Rachel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about a personal testimony of healing from burnout.