Week 1: Introduction — Recognizing the Warning Signs

1.Cordeiro opens the book with a striking admission of his own collapse — a moment when he realized he had nothing left to give. Had you ever heard a pastor or ministry leader speak that openly about personal breakdown before reading this book? What was your initial reaction to his vulnerability?

2.Cordeiro describes burnout not as a sudden explosion but as a slow leak — a gradual draining of reserves over time. Looking back over the last few years of your own life, can you identify moments when the tank was clearly getting lower? What were the signs you may have ignored or explained away?

3.The author draws a distinction between being tired and being depleted. In your own words, what is the difference? Why does that distinction matter for how we respond?

4.Cordeiro references the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 — a mighty prophet who, after a great victory, collapses under a broom tree and asks God to take his life. What does God's response to Elijah (food, sleep, water — before any conversation or correction) suggest about how God views our exhaustion?

5.The book is addressed primarily to pastors and ministry leaders, but burnout is not unique to clergy. If you are not in vocational ministry, what aspects of Cordeiro's description still ring true for your life and role?

6.Cordeiro suggests that the culture of ministry often rewards overwork and treats rest as laziness or lack of faith. Have you experienced or perpetuated that culture? Be specific.

7.What do you hope to gain — personally, not just intellectually — from working through this book? Take a moment to write a one-sentence intention for this study before you begin.