Carey Nieuwhof's new book, "Didn't See it Coming"

Carey Nieuwhof has written a book that is going to be released tomorrow, September 4, called, “Didn’t See it Coming.”  In the book Nieuwhof wrote about seven challenges that all leaders inevitably encounter.  The challenges that he identified are cynicism, compromise, disconnection, irrelevance, pride, burnout, & emptiness.

Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario.  He was able to help lead a very small group of churches into a one large, dynamic community

I’ve listened to Nieuwhof’s podcasts for a couple of years.  He has conversations with religious leaders that a religious leader like me need to hear. I read his blogs and have shared some of them with the staff at Chain of Lakes for further conversation.  When I found out that Nieuwhof set up a Facebok page for people to read and comment and blog on the book before its release, I signed up immediately. I received a free, advanced copy.  Links to his podcasts and blogs can be found on his personal web site: https://careynieuwhof.com/

Just thinking about these seven challenges make the book worth reading.  As I was reading the chapter on cynicism I was forced to think about whether cynicism has entered my own heart. I came to the conclusion that it hasn’t, but cynicism is a challenge that a person often doesn’t realize has taken root.

Nieuwhof is a beautiful story teller.  Some of his stories are serious—like his story of experiencing burnout; some of his stories are funny—like spilling water on his pants during the time he had decided not to spend money on himself and wondering about buying pants at a Walmart; some of his stories are inspiring—like making the change from a lawyer to a pastor. 

Nieuwhof is a list sharer.  The sub-title of the book is “Overcoming the 7 Greatest Challenges That No One Expects and Everyone Experiences.” Many of the chapters have lists of ways to overcome each challenge. His list of eleven signs and symptoms are helpful for anyone wondering about burnout. 

However as I read the book on occasion I found myself thinking that I needed more than a list. I would have liked the book to be grounded in more academic research.  For example, he shared that curiosity is one way to confront cynicism.  Sounds like an excellent idea to me.  However I’d also like to know other trained thinkers that have also shared this idea. Nieuwhof is a pastor, so undoubtedly he’s used to sharing application tips. But these seven challenges are so important to address that more than a list of application tips is needed.

Nonetheless I enjoyed the book and encourage others to read it.  Just being able to have conversation about these seven challenges is worth the read.

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