The Meandering Way: Leading by Following the Spirit

Praise for the Book
“There is so much wisdom for leaders in these pages. In a world in which people feel the constant need to rush, hurry, achieve, accomplish, do, and get somewhere fast, we are reminded that there is a way of leading that imitates Moses and Jesus: meandering with a purpose.” —N. Graham Standish

“This is an account of Gary Shockley’s journey from drivenness to ‘meandering’ as a more Christ-like way of leading. Meandering encompasses both accountability and an openness to God and others along the way. There is a valuable message here.” —Lovett H. Weems, Jr.

“‘Think how much faster I could go,’ said the young bird returning to its nest after testing its wings, ‘if there were not wind and air to slow me down.’ Gary Shockley is a wise rare bird who reminds us that the wind and the air enable us to fly in the first place and that we soar best when we are guided by the unpredictable gusts of the Spirit. ” —Leonard Sweet

“Gary Shockley has identified critical issues essential for personal development and courageous ministry. Reading this text will be a delightful glimpse into the life of a dedicated and transformational leader.” —G. Edwin Zeiders

“Truly a powerful book to read.  The accounts in this book invite the reader to not only walk alongside Gary, but also to evaluate his or her own place in the book and in God’s incredible story for us all.  This is not a textbook on how to do ministry, it is a heart book on how to discover the pure joy, peace and freedom that comes for those who learn to meander with God.  If you aren’t challenged or convicted then you aren’t reading!  This book is a passionate invitation for those who are busy defining themselves by what they do instead of by who they are.” —Pastor Tim May

Reader Response

“I picked up your book Friday. I woke up at 3 am today and I AM HALF WAY THRU IT. You have put your finger in the cup of my soul and stirred well. We have a similar journey. I have been in pastoral ministry since 1974. Four years ago I went on my first sabbatical and was immediately confronted...in Ireland of all places.....with the question...Scott, what makes you so driven? The answer took many months and beyond. I returned a different person and continue to wrestle with success vs. significance. I would covet a conversation at some point in time. I am grateful to you!” —Scott Kavanagh, Syracuse, NY

“I really found meaning, and often pleasure in your stories (especially the one about the communion bread breaking into millions of pieces at the pulpit).  I enjoyed the narrative voice, which literally meanders from lessons of leadership, through personal hairpins and hardships, and back again to the lesson at hand.  Many of the messages like learning to say no and getting clocks and compasses in sync struck a chord with me, and the reflection questions are a windfall of advice. 
It is inspiring to read about you enduring patience and faith through set-backs in your career as well as your personal hairpins, and it’s refreshing (and somehow consoling) to hear that a preacher “hits bottom” sometimes too.  The more amazing thing is here’s a church leader admitting it.  Your teachings of meandering not only encourage your fellow pastors I would imagine -- but it certainly takes some of the pressures off any layman reader trying to be a strong believer and follower of faith.  Thank you for the courage to share shortcomings.  The book begins, meanders, and ends with hope.” —DL Karl, Orlando, FL

“Truly a powerful book to read.  The accounts in this book invite the reader to not only walk alongside Gary, but also to evaluate his or her own place in the book and in God’s incredible story for us all.  This is not a textbook on how to do ministry, it is a heart book on how to discover the pure joy, peace and freedom that comes for those who learn to meander with God.  If you aren’t challenged or convicted then you aren’t reading!  This book is a passionate invitation for those who are busy defining themselves by what they do instead of by who they are.”  —Pastor Tim May,
Port St. Lucie, FL