…Before Leading a Church!
‘A lovely blend of robust biblical truth, practical wisdom and pastoral encouragement. It’s a great book for those wondering they could cope if they went into ministry, or those new to ministry who are wondering what they’ve just got themselves into.’
Tim Chester, lecturer in spiritual formation and historical theology, Crossland’s Training
Church leadership is a high calling. But it also presents unique pressures, with younger leaders aged 25-40 among the most at risk of burnout. So how can we better prepare current and prospective church leaders to thrive rather than just survive in this challenging and privileged role?
In Ten Things I Wish I’d Known: Before Leading a Church, senior pastor, Matt MacDiarmid, has written the book he needed to read when he began his ministry journey. Now in his 30s, with the early days of church leadership still fresh in his mind, he shares the ten things – five positive habits and five recurring challenges – that have shaped him, his family and the people he leads.
With disarming candour, Matt explores questions every leader faces: how to distinguish the important from the urgent; how to navigate the competing demands of ministry and home; how to respond to criticism, own mistakes, and still make space to pray. And whether it’s still OK for a church leader to play cricket! Because if church leaders can get these things right, they will be well set for the long term.
‘This is genuinely the book I wish I’d read before starting in church leadership,’ says Matt. ‘Most people entering this ministry are trained in theology, preaching and pastoral care, but no-one has sat them down and talked about the most common questions they will actually be asking.
‘How do I prioritise my time well when there are so many competing pressures? How do I fit prayer, rest and family life in to a busy ministry? How do I walk with integrity as a leader while also trying to lead others? And how on earth am I supposed to keep everyone in church happy when they all want different things?
‘It’s been a privilege to reflect on the last twelve years of church leadership, seeing all the ways God has been at work despite my many mistakes! My prayer is that this book may help others on the same journey, both those considering the call, and those already walking the path.’
So if you are still learning the ropes of church leadership, or if you are considering the call, then the vulnerable, practical and heartfelt insights of Ten Things I Wish I’d Known could be just what you need to stay on track for the years – and hopefully decades – to come.
‘Disarmingly honest, painstakingly practical, full of hard-earned wisdom, [it] is sure to shape how you think, live and serve in your own context. Highly recommended – especially (but not only) for those in the early years of ministry.’
Cathy Madavan, speaker, author, leadership coach and leader at Fishponds Baptist Church
Ten Things I Wish I’d Known by Matt MacDiarmid (ISBN: 9781917941006) is published by Instant Apostle on 15th May 2026 and is available from bookshops and online retailers. Christian life & practice, paperback, 172pp, £12.99.