Prophet & Loss:
Embracing Grief, Nurturing Resilience, and Harnessing Authentic Leadership
Newly Released Book!
Being a mission-driven leader is hard. Being a mission-driven leader who knows how to navigate the emotions of loss and grief connected to leadership is harder still. It takes a vulnerable leader to lead well—one who has faced into their own losses and can let those losses equip their character for God’s greater plans. Not all leaders are willing. Not all leaders are able. Yet, according to David Woolverton, leaders’ vulnerability to the emotional processes of grief is essential for the overall health of the organizations they lead and for the well-being—and discipleship—of those under their direction.
Grief, he says, is best viewed as a mosaic, where each of our significant losses forms a constellation of tiles that, when seen together over time, helps tell a story of God’s redemptive love, grace, and mission—a story desperately needed within today’s post-pandemic angst.
Using Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance) as a guide, along with five biblical prophet “mentors,” Woolverton presents five strategies to equip pastors and leaders in negotiating with their losses to attain organizational resilience, sustainability, and vibrancy.
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Praise for Prophet and Loss:
“In Prophet and Loss, David Woolverton writes an excellent guide for church leaders who want to understand how God redeems grief for his purposes. This book will lighten the load for many who feel the weight of grief.”
“This book will inspire you to lead, but not before first requiring you to take a hard look in the mirror, to make a realistic appraisal of what likely lies ahead, and to prepare for some wrestling.”
“David Woolverton’s Prophet and Loss is a unique and powerful exploration, if not personal examination, on grief in one’s life and organization. It is both honest and hopeful as it encourages the leader to navigate the contours of loss wisely and intentionally.”
“This important book, so full of insight, wisdom, and tenderness, will help leaders develop a broader theology of grief, a greater appreciation for the biblical prophets and their function among us today, and possibly do more to realign our mission to reach others for the gospel of Christ than just about anything I can personally think of.”
“His creative imagination of the prophetic journey and his great love for Jesus embolden readers to take heart that when they grieve, they are walking in prophetic heritage and are never forsaken in the unfolding plan for us within the kingdom of God.”
“The daunting task of walking and leading through grief, though never easy, is infused with encouraging wisdom and hope in this wonderfully perceptive book.”
“With a fresh measure of authenticity and humanity, David Woolverton enables us to look at those broken and bruised places without judgment and find the treasure in it all.”
“Through the wisdom and insights given in this book, you will discover as I have, how grief is a gift of grace for the transitions and loss we all face in life.”
“I cried, I healed, I came out better equipped to meet others in their grief, and I was able to process my own grief. This a must-read for all.”
“Prepare to be moved, inspired, and forever changed by this transformative literary masterpiece.
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