“I wish I had read this book years ago when I was in a public spiritual leadership role. I did not know how spiritually unhealthy I was. I would have told you that Jesus was my security, but deep down, it wasn’t true. I looked for security in marriages. After four, I realized that was not it—but it was costly. If only someone had told me the truth, like Dave Wiedis has in this book, it could have saved a lot of heartache and damage. Quick! Buy this book and apply its principles before you, too, create damage with your ruling passion.”

Ruth Graham, Author of Transforming Loneliness and Forgiving My Father, Forgiving Myself

 

“Dave Wiedis’s The Spiritually Healthy Leader is the transparent account of his personal spiritual growth and the fruit of his many years of serving leaders, so that men and women might be authentic in ministry and deeply Christ-centered. Pastors, scholars, Sunday school teachers, and Christians leading in the home will be challenged, encouraged, and enriched by this thoughtful, tender illumination of the throne room of the soul.”

Dr. Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

  • “My friend Dave Wiedis offers a gospel-rich, practical guide for leaders seeking freedom from the hidden idols that can sabotage life and ministry. The Spiritually Healthy Leader is insightful, honest, and rooted in biblical truth, offering not just diagnosis but a clear path to transformation. Having seen Dave lead other leaders with grace and wisdom, I know firsthand that he embodies the truths he shares. This book is a vital resource for any leader desiring to serve God with integrity and joy."

    Scott Sauls, Pastor, Speaker, Writer, Supporter of Leaders and Pastors

  • “In The Spiritually Healthy Leader, our trusted friend and colleague Dave Wiedis uses his extraordinary gifts and personal, legal, and counseling experience to provide invaluable, life-changing insights about the problems that cause so much pain and drag so many leaders down. This book exposes the root causes for these patterns of self-defeat and illuminates the path to true freedom in Christ. Every Christian leader, including legislators and public servants, will benefit from the sound biblical principles that are presented in this gold mine of wisdom. We highly recommend it.”

    Mike Johnson, Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kelly Johnson, Licensed Pastoral Counselor

  • “Overflowing with wisdom, scriptural insight, and personal vulnerability, The Spiritually Healthy Leader is for all believers who desire to confront the ruling passions that keep their hearts from an uninhibited, authentic relationship with Jesus. This book will challenge you to confront false loves, false trusts, and false definitions of success and failure. I highly recommend this book and believe it will be used by the Holy Spirit to shape many hearts and lives.”

    Jimmy Dodd, Founder, PastorServe; Author

  • “It’s a sad irony that Christian leaders are some of the most vulnerable and yet least aware of ruling passions. The Spiritually Healthy Leader provides a biblically based, practical approach to identifying ruling passions and embracing the powerful love of Jesus. As both a professional counselor and pastor, I know the value of this self-examination, both for ministry leaders and those they serve, and highly recommend this book.”

    Winston T. Smith, Rector, St. Anne's Church Abington

  • “The joy of life, relationships, and ministry with Jesus often gets sabotaged by self-protective vows like ‘I will never be hurt,’ ‘I’ll always be the strong one,’ or ‘I need to always be affirmed.’ In the Spiritually Healthy Leader, Dave Wiedis is the experienced counselor you need to enjoy greater freedom, loving relationships, and flourishing ministry.”

    Drs. Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, Founders of Soul Shepherding; Authors of Journey of the Soul and Healthy Feelings, Thriving Faith

  • “Dave Wiedis’s The Spiritually Healthy Leader uncovers the hidden struggles of ministry, offering profound biblical wisdom and practical insight to help leaders overcome and find freedom from self-sabotage in Christ. A must-read for those seeking to lead with authenticity and lasting impact.”

    Tim Clinton, President and CEO, American Association of Christian Counselors

  • “Dave Wiedis has developed something remarkably special in The Spiritually Healthy Leader. With the tender and compassionate heart of a wise biblical counselor, Wiedis addresses the very core of what drives people and controls their decision-making—the heart. There is no more important ministry than going after what motivates every person, and The Spiritually Healthy Leader does it beautifully. This book should be required reading for anyone in ministry. It convicted, comforted, and dazzled me.”

    Shelby Abbott, Author, Speaker, Campus Minister

  • “Dave Wiedis offers safe and candid medicine for the heart of the servant leader. A good read and great gift for the called and chosen.”

    Dr. Alveda King, Speak for Life

Paul Kuzma, Director and Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor, Center for Spiritual Renewal, Christiansburg, VA

“You want to ensure you are ready to be challenged before opening this book! Dave has penned a thorough framework that holds promise for deep transformation and is very practical for becoming a spiritually healthy leader.”

Michael Geer, President, Pennsylvania Family Institute, Harrisburg, PA

“This book combines deep spiritual insights with practical steps to help Christian leaders in any capacity gain true freedom in Christ and be rescued from the miry clay of their flesh. I highly recommend it!”

Tim Clinton, President and CEO, American Association of Christian Counselors

“Dave Wiedis’s The Spiritually Healthy Leader uncovers the hidden struggles of ministry, offering profound biblical wisdom and practical insight to help leaders overcome and find freedom from self-sabotage in Christ. A must-read for those seeking to lead with authenticity and lasting impact.”

Rick James, Founder, Cru Press; Publisher, Ratio Christi Press

“The Spiritually Healthy Leader is a master work that makes just about any other counseling/sanctification book superfluous. I cannot believe how flawless, complete, biblical, personable, insightful, and godly it is.”

Bruce A. McDowell, D.Min., Ph.D., President, Santiago Theological Seminary, Santiago, Dominican Republic

“With powerful illustrations from his years of counseling, Dave Wiedis gives us deep insights into ruling passions which can destroy our ministry, marriage, and even our own life. These passions from unspoken vows instilled in us from negative experiences, usually in our early development, maintain a controlling influence over how we live. Providing biblical application towards the discovery of our own ruling passions, Wiedis helps us bring transformation to make Christ our ultimate passion. Expect to be blessed and changed by reading it."

Jeffrey W. Boettcher, Lead Pastor Christ Church South Philly, Baseball Chapel leader Philadelphia Phillies, Director of Planting and Partnership Trinity Fellowship Churches Master of Sacred Theology, Grimke Seminary 

“God cares more about how we are than what we do. So why do we so often fail to live that way?  With insight that can only come from decades of serving leaders, Dave takes the reader on a journey through our hearts and ministers Biblical truth to our worn-out souls. We would do well to read, listen, and learn.”

  • “As the founder of a God-blessed national ministry I’ve been asked to review and endorse many books and films. All too often I have had to decline but THE SPIRITUALLY HEALTHY LEADER is one of the wonderful exceptions that gives me great joy to commend.  Dave Wiedis, in this moving book – which will capture you from the deeply personal intro story – provides real, workable tools, from practical self-analysis, workable God centered solutions, all to help “find freedom from self-sabotage.” He has produced a work that will really minister to many -- from those engaged in counselling and mentoring, to pastors and their parishioners, to those seeking self-guidance.  I am looking forward to its publication as I plan to re-read it for me, and to distribute copies to many of my own friends and clients.”

    Alan Sears, Founder Alliance Defending Freedom

  • “This powerful new book by Dave Wiedis is a “must read” for every pastor and church leader. Reading and digesting this book will save many pastors from self-sabotage and also spare many churches and marriages from needless destruction. I give it two thumbs up!”

    Joe Watkins, Host, State of Independence, Lighthouse TV

  • The Spiritually Healthy Leader is an expertly crafted map, facilitating a deep dive into the inner workings of our souls and helping us re-emerge into the light of Christ. If you desire to better understand why you do the things you do, and how you can live a transformed life, this is the book for you."

    Pastor DJay Martin, Lead Editor of Before the Booth: A Guide to Navigating the Election Season While Honoring Christ

  • “Every Christian leader is a disciple first. With insights gained over years of helping pastors be healthy, David has captured the one critical piece that is foundational for any leader to be a healthy one – the disciples’ passion for Jesus as the focus of his or her heart. In a world of “how to” books, this is an important exploration first and foremost of the root causes of spiritual health or unhealth."

    Roy A. Yanke, Executive Director, PIR Ministries

  • “1 Chronicles 21:1 " Then Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel". In David"s new book, he uncovers the nuances of the soul of man and gives practical advice of how to live above the traps of our flesh and the schemes of our enemy.”

    Jim Maxim, Acts413 Ministries

  • “Dave Wiedis has distilled from his many years ministering to leaders what they need to be sustained in the sometimes-excruciating task of leadership. He has witnessed, and walked along with, enough pastor meltdowns to be able to guide us to the heart of what we need—a heart open to the Spirit’s transformation of our desires.”

    Rev. Dr. Sam A. Andreades, pastor and author, affirminggender.com

  • "The book I needed 25 years ago—it would have spared me so much shame and guilt. Like a trusted friend, Dave transparently exposes the ruling passions and idols that derail leaders, offering gospel-centered tools to reorder our desires. Read it now—your integrity, calling, and leadership depend on it."

    E.Scott Feather, D.Min., Lead Pastor of Gateway Church, PA., Author of Awakening Greatness

  • “The unique imprint that reflects God in our souls is often jaded by the “ruling passions” that Dave so beautifully shares in his book. He puts a masterful fine point on how this happens in our hearts whether we are leaders, lay people, or simply stumbling pilgrims trying to manage life. Dave balances the idea that we are created to have deep longings, yet at the same time to not “love the gift more than the Giver.” The Spiritually Healthy Leader will lead you on a journey of identifying your passions, claiming their validity and then aligning them before the face of God.”

    Patty Hutsko Brown, Member, Grace Church Bethlehem

Matthew Maher, Pastor, Landmark Church, NJ

“Dave Wiedis presents a compelling and urgent call for leaders to examine their hearts, not just their ministries. This book reminds us that spiritual health isn’t optional—it’s foundational. With piercing honesty and profound wisdom, it offers practical tools to address blind spots and ruling passions that can quietly sabotage leaders. A must-read for those seeking lasting transformation and to lead with integrity, humility, and wholehearted devotion to Christ.” 

Andy Farmer, Community & Care Pastor, Covenant Fellowship, Glen Mills, PA, author of The Rich Single Life, Real Peace, and Trapped 

“Being a pastor for over thirty years, I’ve learned we can take hits and lose vision at any time.  But God does not forsake us.  He is the Shepherd of his shepherds. Today, I experienced the gracious shepherding care of the Lord through The Spiritually Healthy Leader.  Dave Wiedis helped me see God’s grace at work rescuing me from my familiar escapes and idolatries with insight, humility, and a heart for me as a pastor.”

Fred Hartley, Lead Pastor One Mission Church, President College of Prayer 

“Dave Wiedis is a mature, kingdom leader whose impact has earned him a voice in the body of Christ. No one is better equipped to address the subject of healthy spiritual leadership.”

Peter Nelson, Senior Pastor, Goshen Baptist Church, West Chester, Pennsylvania

“Dave Wiedis sheds light on subtle and destructive maneuverings of the heart, including “ruling passions” we may not recognize.  But he also gives hope to the humble by providing biblical guidance, sharing numerous examples, telling his own story, and giving practical steps toward transformation.  There’s a wealth of gospel-wisdom in these pages—for leaders, and for all who follow Jesus.”

Linda and Ken Koldenhoven, Co-authors "Connecting Around the Table", Co-Founders Creating For Him, Inc, A ministry Glorifying God through Food, Fashion and the Arts

“We have been privy to pastors and leaders who unfortunately lost their way and fell into self destruction and the ways of the world. We are grateful that Dave put his knowledge into words and wrote this much needed book. Too many pastors and leaders today end up following a path of discouragement and despair.  The Spiritually Healthy Leader is filled with Dave’s knowledge to guide leaders towards healing and a positive transformation. What an incredible impact this book will have for those who long to be true Christ followers.”

  • “I highly recommend my colleague and friend’s new book. Dave calls spiritual leaders to examine their interior lives before they implode under the weight of invisible heart-idols. This transformative guide ensures God’s glory remains our driving passion, resisting lesser distractions. With transparency and grace, Dave models the freedom found in embracing our identity as those who are ‘in Christ Jesus.’”

    Dr. Kevin M. Flannery, Senior Pastor of Church of the Saviour, Wayne, Pennsylvania

  • “Dave Wiedis is a spiritual surgeon!  My congregation, our elders, other leaders, and those in training have been undone, and then redone, by the Gospel wisdom found in The Spiritually Healthy Leader.  It’s a must read for every ministry leader, and every Christian.  A great discipleship tool for heart transformation!”

    Jonathan David Olsen, Senior Pastor, Grace and Peace Community Church, Philadelphia

  • "Too many Christian leadership books hawk the latest recipe for greater impact and success then sprinkle a little bit of Jesus on top. The Spiritually Healthy Leader is an altogether different kind of book. Here, attorney, counselor, and leader of leaders Dave Wiedis invites and guides us to the interior life—the place where God given deep longings collide with our proclivity to construct kingdoms born of pain and insecurity. In this space we experience the possibility of Divine Transformation. And that great leaders live and act from sources deep within. If taken seriously, this book will change you, then release you to be the leader you were meant to be."

    Michael John Cusick, Author of Sacred Attachment & Surfing for God and CEO at Restoring the Soul

  • “During my career in pastoral ministry I have been greatly helped by Dave's teaching on spiritually healthy leadership.  Like many, I have struggled with frustration, discouragement and, even, depression.    Discovering my "ruling passions" has been insightful and liberating for me.  The principles outlined in this book have made a game-changing difference in my life and ministry.”

    Bruce Finn, Former Coordinator of Church Planting for the Presbyterian Church in America in Philadelphia

  • “Most Christians assume when their sin slate is washed clean, their pre-Christian memory banks are also erased. Dave nails it by articulating the leader’s self-sabotage when they aren’t aware of their unconscious thought world. The Spiritually Healthy Leader provides an offramp from the Romans 7 hamster wheel.”

    Karl Benzio, MD, Board Certified Psychiatrist, Co-Founder and Chief Psychiatric Officer, Honey Lake Clinic, Medical Director, American Association of Christian Counselors

  • “As an organizational consultant, executive trainer and leadership coach, I often think of my work as making the invisible visible—bringing to light the unseen patterns and beliefs that derail creativity, community, and peak performance. In The Spiritually Healthy Leader, my friend and mentor Dave Wiedis, walks us through a process to unearth and guard against the hidden drives that destroy a leaders effectiveness and legacy. ” 

    Dr. Chip Roper, Managing Partner of RKE Partners, and President of the VOCA Center in NYC

  • “Dave Wiedis masterfully leads you to understand how ruling passions hinder your relationships with God, friends, family, work, and yourself. You will be guided to recognize your ruling passions and their negative impact and learn how to dismantle them from leading you down destructive paths. Dave equips you to engage in an intimate, honest connection with God.”

    Sue Corl, author of Shaking Off the Shackles, Executive Director of Crown of Beauty International, Bible teacher, missionary, wife, and mother of two adult children. 

  • “For forty years I've ministered to pastors and church leaders who have wrecked their lives, marriages and ministries due to soul neglect about what is functionally ruling their hearts.  I am thrilled at David's new book.  The Spiritually Healthy Leader is a 'must' read for anyone in church leadership or who aspires to be a ministry leader.”

    John Freeman MA, Founder, Harvest USA, Author, Hide or Seek: When Men Get Real with God about Sex

Rhona L. Epstein PsyD, author and speaker specializing in the treatment of food addiction, www.rhonaepstein.com

“The Spiritually Healthy Leader is a must read for anyone in any ministry.  Anyone who is a believer in Jesus would benefit from reading and reflecting on this book to deepen their spiritual walk. The Spiritually Healthy Leader is rich with biblical truth, real life stories of how we struggle and understanding the deep root issues behind our weaknesses.  If you want to grow in your Christian walk and live a truly honest, healthy spiritual life take the time and read this- it'll change your life!”

Roy A. Yanke, Executive Director, PIR Ministries

“Every Christian leader is a disciple first. With insights gained over years of helping pastors be healthy, David has captured the one critical piece that is foundational for any leader to be a healthy one – the disciples’ passion for Jesus as the focus of his or her heart. In a world of “how to” books, this is an important exploration first and foremost of the root causes of spiritual health or unhealth.”

Phillip Carnuccio, Lead Pastor, Providence Church, West Chester PA

“As a pastor for 35 years, I’ve written countless sermons and read many books—but few have been as powerfully transformative as David’s work. Every pastor, ministry leader, and, frankly, every follower of Jesus needs to do more than just read this book; they need to absorb its biblical principles and let them take root in their lives. This is not just an insightful book—it’s a practical, life-changing guide that will help you break free from bondage and step into greater freedom in your leadership and capacity to love.”

Matthew Pieters, Lead Pastor,  BridgePoint Church, Valparaiso, IN

“The Spiritually Healthy Leader will open your eyes to unseen toxic and healthy controlling passions and often unrecognized catalysts that shape your life as a leader.  Dave brings gospel powered insight into how to discover and either resolve or capitalize on those internal catalysts.  A must read for any leader who wants to be spiritually successful following Jesus!”

Mark Hough, CRU, People and Culture team, Southeast Region

“Dave Wiedis has spent decades counseling men, women, couples, and churches. Using his vast array of knowledge, coupled with his extraordinary skill of communicating deep spiritual truths in accessible language, I wholeheartedly recommend his newest offering, “The Spiritually Healthy Leader.” This book distills one of Dave’s most transformational teachings; learning how to root out our self-serving ruling passions and replacing them with God honoring worship. Beyond an attorney, counselor, and teacher, Dave is a close mentor and friend. I’ve personally benefitted from his immense wisdom, and I’m thrilled that this book will further leverage his influence for broader ministry fruit. A must read!”

Rick Marshall former Senior Pastor of Springton Lake Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Newtown Square, PA

“Dave Wiedis wrote The Spiritually Healthy Leader: Finding Freedom from Self-Sabotage at the right time, for the right reasons, and for the right audience. He rightly states in the Introduction that “ministry leaders are in one of the most strategic positions in the universe.”  It is very painful to look deeply at our sinful and broken hearts.  But necessary for healing and transformation. Filled with raw honesty and divine hope - this book is the spiritual and emotional equivalent of open heart surgery!  Pick it up and don’t put it down!”