Isolation: A Place of Transformation in the Life of a Leader

This little book is refreshing. It is comforting that the troubles experienced by people who engage in ministry always experience periods of isolation.In a netshell, if those periods are embraced as opportunities to grow into closer and more intimate relationship with God, there will be new ministry opportunities.The book is really short yet it starts to get a bit redundant by making almost the same point repeatedly. It also does not quite address the situation when a person suffers complete ministerial shutdown and ends in death - like so many Reformists who were burned.The point is still well made. When your ministry ends, grieve its loss, take advantage of the isolation to experience God and start your next ministry when God says you are ready.There are some interesting comments about hearing the voice of God. I'll have to think more on that concept.

This book can be a hope-saver when in an unwanted transition in ministry. I regularly give out copies of this short book to those seeking understanding of an unexpected transition whether self inflicted, externally created or “random” event and every single recipient has found this booklet a lifeline used by God to give them hope and equip them to navigate the chapter they find themselves in. I always keep copies on hand to give away when I meet with someone in appropriate circumstances.

Profound and timely book for any season of change or significant loss.

The author explains a seminal concept from Bobby Clinton’s study on leadership formation--the role of "boundary events" in the shaping of a leader's soul for the next phase of ministry. Trebesch does the Church a great service by "translating" Bobby's work into the vernacular. The book is beautifully written and EVERY Christian leader should read it–BEFORE they go through their next crisis. In fact, I bought four copies intending to give them away as the opportunity arose; I had occasion to give out all of them within a week of receiving them!

I read this book in a sitting - couldn't help it. I initially wanted to read this during my sabbatical - which is a sort of a planned isolation as the book suggests, but ended up reading it in a sitting (the book only has 76 pages). It is very inspiring and refreshing. I suggest that the book be read after reading The Making of A Leader by J.R. Clinton from which the concept is derived. I recommend it to all those who are in isolation of some sort or are going through a transition. It will ease your mind and give you hope.

Trebesch did an excellent job in outlining her topic, giving Biblical examples and personal stories of isolation and the purpose of it in building character. I found it encouraging and relevant for this time in life of transitioning from missions to an unknown ministry. It is good to realize others have faced similar experiences and come through with grace and new understanding.

Trebesch has written one the wonderful books ever. It's such a concise but fruitful book in one's life. So far going through it has enrich and change my life total including the way I see things. What a transformation!

The author shares the inward journey into isolation that God seems to use in our lives to prepare us for our next step. Most people don't understand that God is doing this and an important part of the faith journey but I have experienced it and seen it in so many people's lives. A great book to read for anyone who wants more in their spiritual life and feel God tugging in their heart to leave their current ministry.