Potholes and Blind Spots is a biblical field guide for pastors, church planters, elders, deacons, Bible study leaders, and ministry servants who want to lead faithfully, finish well, and avoid the subtle hazards that can quietly weaken a church.
Many pastors begin with a sincere calling, a love for God's Word, and a deep desire to feed the flock. They teach, serve, pray, carry burdens, respond to needs, and often keep going with far less support, training, structure, or encouragement than most people realize. But even faithful shepherds can face hidden dangers: fatigue, isolation, unclear authority, neglected prayer, lack of shared leadership, financial opacity, unguarded speech, misplaced identity, ministry striving, and blind spots that are difficult to see from inside the work.
This book was written to help bring those areas into the light - not with condemnation, but with Scripture-shaped clarity, encouragement, and practical wisdom.
Built as a 31-day journey, each chapter invites the reader to pause, examine one potential pothole or blind spot, listen to the Word of God, and take one faithful step forward. The goal is not to burden pastors with another list of failures, but to strengthen them for the work Christ has already entrusted to them.
Inside, readers will find biblical encouragement and practical reflection on topics such as:
abiding in Christ before bearing fruit
leading as an under-shepherd, not an owner
recognizing ministry fog before it settles deeply
guarding the tongue and speaking life
raising up faithful men and giving away ministry
establishing plural leadership and healthy accountability
walking in financial integrity and transparency
teaching the whole counsel of God
building disciples, not merely attenders
shepherding conflict, correction, transition, and trust
finishing ministry with open hands before the Chief Shepherd
Written from decades of coming alongside pastors and ministry leaders, Potholes and Blind Spots is for the shepherd who loves the Word, believes truth sets people free, and wants the church to be healthy, biblical, prayerful, transparent, and mission-minded.
If you are a pastor, church planter, elder, ministry leader, or someone entrusted with spiritual influence, this book is an invitation to slow down, check the mirrors, listen to Scripture, avoid unnecessary potholes, and keep rowing under the command of Christ.
