Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences by Carey Nieuwhof
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
See it now
I heard about this book while catching up on the 5 Leadership Questions podcast. It sounded like just what I was experiencing. Yes, these are issues that can derail a leader, but they are not the “big” ones we think of like abuse, adultery, and embezzlement. Yet I believe these issues eventually lead to the big ones. Fortunatly, each issue is not a lost cause, but if you can see it coming you can make the corrections. The author connects each issue with a plan to correct course.
The issues the author discusses are cynicism, compromise, disconnection, irrelevance, pride, burnout, and emptiness. I have to admit that during the podcast I heard myself being described by more than one issue and knew I needed to find out more. I am glad 5LQ brought Carey back for part 2 to finish the discussion.
This book is definitely worth the read. It is accessible and insightful, filled with enough personal stories and examples to make it practical and not just theoretical.
Carey does write from a Christian perspective (lawyer turned pastor) but the material here is relevant for anyone.
I do wish there was more application material for emptiness and mission but what is there is a good resource.
If you, like me, start seeing yourself in this material you will also see there is practical help. You don’t have to sink, but you can make course corrections. As Carey says do what you must today so you can thrive tomorrow.
Thinking About Theology 