August 19- August 30, 2013
Genre: Christian Fiction, Novel
Paperback: 231 pages
Publisher: Createspace (July 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1491210591
ISBN-13: 978-1491210598
About
The Book
Mark
has been pastoring New Vision church for six years now, and all his hard work
is about to pay off as the church approaches mega-church status. But while Mark
has been busy building the church, his own household has been crumbling to
pieces. After ignoring divine guidance, Mark finds himself caught up in the
appearance of a scandal that threatens to tear the church apart. And his wife’s
secrets only add insult to near-fatal injury.
Sharla
would have done just about anything to be a mother…and, actually, she did. She
was willing to pay the price for her mistakes, but she never dreamed someone
else might have to suffer instead. How close can she come to confessing her
past without jeopardizing her future?
Stepping
Down is the eighth full-length novel from National Bestselling Author Michelle
Stimpson. As the granddaughter of a pastor and the great-granddaughter of a
bishop, she explores a conflict many spiritual leaders still encounter today.
Readers will enjoy this fast-paced, hard-hitting novel that addresses the
ageless question: How can a man run the church if he can’t run his own
household?
About
The Author
Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator
who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in
1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the
University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of
teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.
In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned by Paulist Productions for a movie of the week. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.
Michelle serves in women's ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also ministers to women and writers through her blog. Michelle regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.
The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults and one crazy dog.
In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include the highly acclaimed Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), and Falling Into Grace, which has been optioned by Paulist Productions for a movie of the week. She has published several short stories for high school students through her educational publishing company, Right Track Academic Support Services, at www.wegottaread.com.
Michelle serves in women's ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. She also ministers to women and writers through her blog. Michelle regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs, and educational organizations.
The Stimpsons are proud parents of two young adults and one crazy dog.
Find Michelle online at:
Twitter link www.twitter.com/stimpsontweets
Facebook link www.facebook.com/michelle.stimpson2
WEBSITE, EMAIL
Email: stimpson.michelle@gmail.com
Website: www.MichelleStimpson.com
Order a copy
Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/kbfeuex
Amazon book: http://tinyurl.com/kt5f3fh
Pastor
Mark Wayne Carter, III cast his drooping eyes on the clock ticking away on the
wall
directly
across from his desk. Last year his wife, Sharla, had lowered the clock so that
it stared at
him
while he was sitting in his gold-studded leather executive chair.
“I
know you’re busy doing the Lord’s work, but it would be nice to see you
home before the
sun
goes down sometimes,” she had nagged as she pounded a nail into the wall. She
positioned
the
clock in its new location, then put both hands on her hips. “If you can see the
clock, you might actually keep track of how much time you’re spending here in
your office.”
Mark
didn’t like to fight with her about his devotion to New Vision Church. The
church
was
his life’s purpose, the reason he’d walked away from his short, but well-paying
career as an insurance salesman. This church had given him a sense of
accomplishment he’d never experienced in all his months as top-producer at
StateWay Insurance.
More
than anything, Mark hoped that New Vision Church would be the reason Jesus
said,
“Well
done, my good and faithful servant,” to him one day.
Late
Saturday nights came with the territory, which was one reason he hired a very
young man as his assistant and semi-mentee. At thirty-eight years old, Mark was
no old goat, but he wasn’t bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, either. He needed an
assistant to knock on the door every hour or so and make sure Mark hadn’t
fallen asleep at the computer.
Review
This is the story of Mark Carter, III, founder and pastor of
New Vision church, a thriving, soon to be megachurch, if he sticks to his plan.
He loves his life...if he could just find time to spend with his wife, Sharla
and 13 year old son, Amani. Sharla regularly expresses her displeasure at being
at the bottom of his list and Amani exhibits signs of neglect as only a teen
can. And neglect isn't the only problem plaguing this family. Mark gets a
Heavenly nudge to do something about his church-aholism, but he ignores it and
trudges on. God intervenes in Mark's plan and ultimately helps get Mark, his
family and His church back on track with His plan. If you've ever read one of
Ms. Stimpson's books, you know that in between my summary above is a wild ride.
This book had one of the most unpredictable plots ever...and then she added
Mama B in the mix; need I say more? I think I will. I loved the dialogue
throughout, especially between Sharla and Amani...classic. But best of all for
me was the infusion of spiritual wisdom throughout. It will make you smile, say
"ouch" and if you apply it to your life, you will definitely grow.
Well done, Ms Stimpson and keep them coming. Karen Rodgers
Another Review from my husband Paul, he is really getting the hang of this, what do you think?
My 4.5 Star Review
Well I was really blessed when asked to review this book. I
was looking forward to seeing what the writer will reveal in this book. There
are a lot of scenarios in life especially where it concerns the church or being
a Christian. So we kick off by meeting Pastor Mark and his wife Sharla and son Amani.
A typical preacher family. But as the story unfolds we get to know them and
their struggle with the challenges they face every day with themselves and with
others. We see a very dedicated preacher who started a new church but with a
support group that was not always on the same page as he was willing to
compromise the message of Christ with worldly tools. A lot of heartache but
also salvation forgiveness and reconciliation. This is a book of God’s love for
a dying world and how we sometimes messed up when we do not listen to our
Father. Well done Michelle you brought out a lot of truth about the struggles a
lot of Sheppards face with a lot of people condemning and not supporting.
A very good and inspiring read with a lot of revelation of
God’s grace.
Thanks Lynelle for the review and hosting Michelle
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