One Prayer Interview - Buddy Cremeans
Buddy’s the Senior Pastor of Northway Church in NY. He’s an amazing man of God and a great friend. He writes…
1. What is the biggest leadership lesson you’ve learned over the past year?
The biggest leadership lesson that I am learning is how to navigate through the dark side of leadership. I am learning how to become emotionally intelligent. Northway Church started 6 years ago, but this past year I hit the wall. I experienced a threshold of emotional pain that I couldn’t sustain. In the past, I could just suck it up, push and break through, but this time I just broke down. It’s been said that the emotional price for success is depression. So true! God has guided me through a difficult season of depression and has revealed to me that no leader is immune. Every leader will experience depression sometime in their life, if not multiple times. The question is not if, but when, and will I be prepared? Did you know that 80 percent of all suicides are men? If you are over 35, congrats, your chances increase 3 times! If you are over 65? 7 times! Moses, Elijah, David, Peter, Paul, Abraham Lincoln, Wesley, and Spurgeon all battled the dark side of leadership, and God used them to change history. The biggest lesson I have learned this past year is to lose the curse and stigma of depression and raise my E.Q. (emotional quotient) to become an emotionally smart and healthy leader. I believe we have a tremendous opportunity to equip and empower the church on this! So much so, that I’m in the process of writing a book about this. (Shameless plug? Maybe!)
2. What is God showing you personally?
God is showing me to guard God’s voice in my life. I’m lost without His still, small voice.
3. What is the top ministry challenge you’re currently facing?
The top ministry challenge that I am facing is trying to build a building while the economy is imploding.
4. What do you do for fun?
I love playing hoops! Yes, I still have game! In fact, I think we should have a pastor’s playoff tournament. I enjoy kayaking, biking, swimming, boating and traveling with my bride. I love to hang out with two of the greatest people on the planet… My 17-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter!
5. What books are you reading?
I am currently reading “A Whole New Mind”, which is about why right brainers will rule the future.
Visit 
Thanks for leading the way in the Northeast!Thanks for being open and honest about what God is teaching you so that you can help countless others that are battling the same things… It’s an honor to serve with you!
So True, guard your heart, from tour words it is certain you want to keep in pure and God will always honor that pastor. Heard great things about your church and look forward to your possible book :-)
Buddy is the man!
There’s a great book already out on “the dark side of leadership.” Incredible and powerful read. http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Dark-Side-Leadership-Confronting/dp/0801068355/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246285948&sr=1-1
Pastor Buddy, thanks for bringing the dark side of leadership to light. This wisdom is so important but we rarely hear of it. It has been a blessing to me and my family. Thanks for all you do for Him!
Kevin, Thanks man…I appreciate it. Love serving Jesus with you!
Thanks Marc! Jesus told us the pure in heart will see God….what a challenge and goal. Come visit us anytime in Upstate New York. I’ll keep you posted on the book.
Hunter, Dude! I was just over being depressed and now I’m depressed with someone steeling my title.:) Oh well…time to get another title..any suggestions?
Buddy,
Thanks for being honest! I have dealt with depression and struggle with staying on guard against it with regular counseling and mentoring…You are one of my heroes…Serving at Northway has been one of my most important accomplishments thus far…I can’t wait to experience what God has for Northway’s future!
Thanks for being so transparent and honest publicly and privately…it’s an honor to serve with you!
Hey Buddy - glad to see God using you in a unique way and in the Northeast. I know you’ve seen this up close and personal in various forms & I do believe there is a longer-term reason for it. Praying that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and speak to many through you and those close to you.
On a lighter note, how about “Depression for Dummies”? ;-)
I am looking forward to reading this book you are working on to gain insight on the male mindset. :) Thanks for being an enthusiastic leader at Northway Church!
Steve, Congrats! Your courage is inspiring! Love that you upgrading your “E. Q.” Gods best to you….keep sharing your story Steve!
Chad, Its my honor.
Greg, Keep cranking in Philly! I believe and receive what you are saying. Love the title….Depression for Dummies ….with the sub title…..how to become emotionally smart! I’m copywriting that right now!
I am quite religious myself and this leadership blog entry gave me insight in what I need to do religiously and morally. Tell me what you think of my website http://newfiction.com
God Blesses All,
Tom
Buddy,
I applaud you on being so honest about your battle with depression, society is so hard about itbeing a womens problem, my husband has been struggling with it for years. Unfortunately we was very ill the week you spoke about it at church, but after my kids came home they told him that he missed a service customized to him. I hope you keep us updated on your book!
Title suggestions: “Stepping Out of The Shadows of Leadership.”
[...] blog Swerve has just published an very honest interview-post from pastor Buddy Cremean where Buddy explicitly [...]
Charissa, Men maybe even more complex than women.:)
I’ll be glad to get you a copy.
Tom, Glad the post helped. I’ll check out your site and let you know. Gods best to you!
Aimee, You are spot on…..on the cultural cover up on male depression. Thanks for the suggestion…I’ll keep you posted.
Buddy, You have made an amazing impact on a lot of lives in upstate New York. It’s an honor to serve God with you as our leader. We got your back!
We certainly appreciate your hard work in answering the call of the Holy Spirit and spreading Gods Grace and Wisdom. Including the one that motivates you to address the difficult issue facing our spiritual leadership. With God’s blessing we all, followers and leaders, will grow with what you learn and the insight you share in the process.
Buddy, “Depression for Dummies” great ….I think this title would attract young male adults…I have a son close to 30 who has suffered with depression since he was a young teen…the earlier in life someone learns the longer it may stick…thank you for all that you do….I keep praying that my son will get the help he needs……
Norm, Thanks blogging about this…great post! I believe the more we push this out….it will save lives!
Laurie, Thanks for the encouragement…the BEST is yet to come! Gods best to you!
Buddy,
What an honor to have Northway Church a part of “One Prayer”.
I love what you said, “God is showing me to guard God’s voice in my life. I’m lost without His still, small voice.” I’d love for you to elaborate at some point. Maybe in your book.!?
Keep on keeping on!!
Matt, Glad… God encouraged you!
Kathy, I couldnt agree MORE with you. I will be praying for your son….Gods best to you!
Sue C, Maybe not book 2….but a series is coming soon on guarding Gods voice.
DEAR PASTOR BUDDY; I CAN APPRECIATE YOUR HONESTY. PEOPLE THINK BECAUSE I AM A PASTOR LIFE IS ALL GOOD. AS A BUSINESS PERSON I HAVE EXPERIENCED MUCH PAIN THESE LAST 2 YEARS AND SO LIFE FOR A PASTOR CARRIES EVEN MORE HARDSHIPS. YET I SEE GROWTH IN MY OWN SELF AND WHO I AM TO BECOME IN GOD’S EYES AND FOR HIS WORK.
OUR MINISTRY HAS A FACILITY LOCATED AT 31 RETREAT HOUSE ROAD, GLENMONT AT THE OLD MAYOR ERASTUS CORNING HOME. WE HOUSE PEOPOE THAT ARE RECOVERING FROM BAD THINGS IN LIFE. MIXED WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY STEADY READY CHRISTIANS. PRAY FOR US ..WE ALSO HAVE A FACILITY FOR RETREATS IF YOU ARE EVER IN NEED OF ONE.
WILL PRAY FOR YOUR ONGOING WONDERFUL MINISTRY. HAVE BEEN TO SOME OF YOUR SERVICES AND YOU ARE FILLING A NEED IN THE CAPTIAL DISTRICT AREA…
BLESSINGS
PASTOR MAE BOYER
LOVE IT~~ I’ll buy the first copy (or maybe 2nd).
Pastor Buddy,
Thanks for sharing the interview and for starting Northway church.
Godspeed!
Donna K
Pastor Boyer, Glad to hear how God has worked in your life. Inspiring to hear of your ministry. Keep up the great work! Praying for you today.
Donna, My honor….Thanks and Gods best to you!
Pastor Buddy:
You are doing a fine job. I don’t get to church as often as I would like, I work every other Sunday, and I am ashamed to admit it, but I do not have money for the donation.. and yet I work full time, I wish I could have an offering, but the fact is I dont,and I feel confident, that eventually God will help me work out my finances, he has so far, and I am so thankful that I let him into my life…I have you to thank for that Buddy… and I do thank you very much for showing me the way…God Bless
Buddy, My father was always such a strong example of leadership in Christ as I was growing up. Since moving to the Northeast he’s suffered from severe depression and keeps sinking deeper. He’s trying to find his way out and I continue to pray that Jesus will carry him through his struggles. Thank you for being so candid and transparent in allowing others into the “secret” struggles that you’ve faced in depression. So many times people keep it hidden, feeling ashamed. I’m proud to have a pastor that will share of himself and his struggles.
Pastor Buddy, I can’t say enough about how much my life has changed since I started going to Northway 5 years ago. i think you, Debbie and your family are wonderful and I consider myself fortunate to have such an honest Pastor. Thank you for your talk about the dark side and depression. I must say I could relate. Thank you for your honesty!
I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR MINISTRY IN THE NORTHEAST. I AM FROM BERKSHIRE COUNTY AND HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR SO LONG FOR A MINISTRY SUCH AS YOURS. I HAVE SO OFTEN WONDERED WHY NO ONE SEEMS TO THINK WE NORTHEASTERNS DO NOT NEED WHAT OTHER STATES HAVE,(A POWERFUL, JESUS CHRIST BIBLE MINISTRY.)MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.