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.
Interview Questions for Michelle Stimpson by Linda Fegins
First of all I loved Boaz Brown and Divas of Damascus Road . My book club had a great discussion about both of the books. The book club is in for an exciting and twisting read in Stepping Down I am sure. The diaglogue ,for which you are masterful at, and the infusion of spiritual wisdom throughout, will keep the readers engaged as well as give them spiritual food to think about how this story could apply to their life.
Describe yourself for our visitors.
I’m a wife, a mom, and a writer who is loved by the Lord Jesus!
How do you find time to connect with God?
One of the greatest realizations that I’ve come to love is that the indwelling Christ is always in us, connected with us from the inside out. More and more, I’m finding that the constant commune with Him means fellowship throughout the day. I usually have a set aside time in the mornings, but even when I don’t, His presence is constant.
What inspired you to write this book?
This book was the product of prayer and reading two other books (52 Lies Heard in Churches Every Sunday and Pagan Christianity) that really challenged me to think about what it means to be in ministry and in leadership. The main character struggles to balance his commitment to family and to his calling, which is something that I think many people struggle to maintain.
Who are your favorite authors and why?? Favorite books?
My favorite author (lately!) is the late Andrew Murray. I thoroughly enjoy the purity of his work in the books Humility and Abide in Christ.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
In retrospect, this whole journey has been so blessed. I wrote my first novel, Boaz Brown, in about 3 months, then sent if off to two publishers. The first publisher turned it down. The second publisher (Denise Stinson) said she liked it, but it needed a lot of work. She made some recommendations. I made those recommendations, sent it back to her, and from that point, I was signed. I started out with Walk Worthy Press/Warner Books in 2004. I really didn’t even know what a “big deal” that was—and it’s a good thing, too. I probably would have been beside myself. Actually, that’s pretty much the story of my writing career. Great things happen and I have no idea how great they are until after-the-fact. As far as I know, I’m just writing and doing something I know I was created to do.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
I asked several of my writing group friends for input, since they’d been married to pastors/ministers. I also researched several things in the media about what it’s like to be a pastor, why pastors leave their churches, and why minister burn-out is so common.
What valuable lessons do you want readers to learn from your book?
One thing I want readers to realize is that “the church” is the body of Christ, not necessarily a group of people who gather at a building. I also want those who are in leadership positions in ministry to recognize that Christ is the Great Shepherd. Yes, we have roles and responsibilities. But, ultimately, He is responsible for shepherding His people, and He has promised to do so faithfully.
What’s next for you?
I’m co-authoring a book with one of my mentees, grateful to be a part of her budding career. I’m also planning to write a follow-up to a fun Christian novella entitled I Met Him in the Ladies’ Room.
Where can visitors find you online?
www.MichelleStimpson.com
When did you begin to realize you wanted to write?
My mom says she almost had to punish me for staying up late reading and writing, so I’m pretty sure it’s always been in me. Honestly, I can’t think of a time when writing wasn’t on my agenda. I don’t think I chose to write—it chose me. Bless God!
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
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
BLOG:
WE GOTTAREAD
www.wegottaread.com
Order a copy
Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/kbfeuexAmazon book: http://tinyurl.com/kt5f3fh