Book Endorsements

The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor is a biblically sound, research-based, entertaining read. It contains a wealth of useful, practical, and encouraging information. I highly recommend it to any pastor! —David Hodge, Founder and President, Anchor Leadership

In The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor, Jeannie Clarkson provides foundational knowledge and practical, helpful exercises for developing self-awareness and others-awareness that are vital for healthy, life-giving relationships. Paying attention to Jeannie’s message might very well save the ministry of many clergy! —David Higle, PhD, Director of Clergy Care and Development, The Wesleyan Church

The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor provides tools for pastors to maintain their passion and avoid burnout. Jeannie Clarkson builds from a wealth of research to deliver practical, simple, yet profound ways in which pastors can increase their own emotional intelligence and lead an emotionally intelligent church. This resource is necessary for a thriving ministry! —Jo Anne Lyon, General Superintendent Emerita and Ambassador for The Wesleyan Church

What pastor would not like to see ministry success without the horror stories of out-of-control conflict and emotional pain? What pastor would not like to experience soul satisfaction and church growth at the same time? “Impossible,” you say. Maybe not. Jeannie Clarkson has given us a book that is leadership-driven, psychologically-sound, and scripturally-based. It is filled with practical applications and illustrations from the trenches of ministry. —Mike Chapman, DMin, Church Planting and Revitalization Coordinator, Tennessee Church of God, State Executive Office

Based on groundbreaking research, The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor provides valuable insights to help clergy navigate the stressful dynamics and complexities of ministry. Readers who embrace and practice the truths presented in this book will gain a much deeper understanding of themselves and the people they serve. —Mark O. Wilson, Author, Pastor, and Professor at Southern Wesleyan University

Jeannie addresses this vitally important topic of emotional intelligence in a clear, understandable, and transparent way that challenges me to take a closer look at myself and my relationships. We are called to be “human beings” before we are “human doings,” with fruitful partnerships flowing out of fulfilling fellowship with God and people. We have drifted from the Lord’s original intent for leadership to be rooted in a loving heart being transformed by the Holy Spirit but I am thankful for Jeannie and others that he is raising up to remind us that eternal results come from healthy, Christ-like leaders and communities! —Allan Pole, DMin, Pastor of New Beginnings Church (Calgary)

Sadly, too many church leaders are emotionally exhausted. Jeannie Clarkson offers an insightfully researched and readable gift that is sure to help ministers not just survive, but also thrive in service to the church. This book is poised to cultivate healthy ministers who develop healthy disciples that transform the world. —Lenny Luchetti, DMin, Author and Professor of Proclamation at Wesley Seminary

Having coached and worked closely with dozens of pastors and church leaders over the past couple of decades, I have seen firsthand the difficulty and toll that a lack of emotional intelligence (EI) produces. By contrast, I have also seen where EI has led to tremendous results, both in the life of the church leader, as well as their congregation and the advancement of the kingdom. If you carry the burden of a pastor’s heart, you need this resource. In fact, this should be on your shelf right beside your Bible. It will help you become the fullest expression of your unique design. I have come to respect and admire Jeannie Clarkson. I am impressed by her care for clergy and I completely endorse her book. —Scott Couchenour, Business Consultant, Co-founder of The Alignment Lab

The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor is a timely and crucial book. We all know that the emotional and relational challenges of ministry can significantly contribute to ministry stress and pastoral burnout. Jeannie Clarkson has given pastors and other Christian leaders a superb guide to increasing emotional intelligence to avoid ministry stress and thrive in ministry. —Russ Gunsalus, Executive Director of Education and Clergy Development, The Wesleyan Church

What an entertaining and enormously practical book! It begins with an engaging narrative of three pastors approaching their own emotional intelligence development challenges from different perspectives. The last half of the book turns to four components of EI and sixteen specific but simple habits a pastor can work on to become more self-aware, self-controlled, insightful to others, and a master interpersonal communicator. I can’t say enough about the potential impact of this book. It is realistic, offering pathways to improvement we can work on for a lifetime. It will serve as a hedge against burnout and a catalyst for emotional and spiritual renewal. I will not only read it again for my own growth but will keep a copy handy to pass on to colleagues. —Robert A. Moore Jr., DSL, International Director, Freedom Outreach Ministry to the Military

Jeannie is a wise guide into the wild terrain of pastoral ministry. She has helped many navigate the difficult road. Her sagely counsel cannot prevent ministry struggles, but she gives you tools to navigate in more wise, healthy, and wholehearted ways. I’ll be happy to hand this trusted guidebook off to pastors I know. —Chuck DeGroat, PhD, Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality, Western Theological Seminary (MI)

This book winsomely and repeatedly emphasizes an empowering truth; greater emotional intelligence (EI) leads to reduced stress and increased influence. EI is key for becoming a transformational spiritual leader and avoiding burnout. Its practical, biblical insights generate hope which is further fueled by learning what it actually takes to live a life that is strong and courageous. —Wayne Schmidt, General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church

As a pastor for twenty-one years, I have observed a growing need for emotional intelligence skills in order to be an effective leader and a faithful disciple. Jeannie has captured the essentials of emotional intelligence—why it matters, how to develop it, and why it is biblical—in an accessible and practical presentation. The Emotionally Intelligent Pastor should become a standard text for all pastors, as well as anyone in ministry. For the future of Christ’s church, may these skills become as essential to our call as learning sound biblical preaching! —Julie Parsell, Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church

This is an informative and enjoyable book to read and will be of value to pastors, church leaders, and anyone who wants to be more effective in leadership and in life. Not only will you gain a clear understanding of EI, you’ll also gain practical insights and skills to help you apply it in real-life situations. Jeannie understands ministry, leadership, and emotional intelligence, and combines her formal training and extensive experience in ways that will help you apply EI in your personal and professional lives. This is one of those books that you’ll be referencing time and time again. —Gary J. Oliver, PhD, is the Executive Director of The Center for Healthy Relationships and Professor of Psychology and Practical Theology at John Brown University