People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine

A Clergy Whistleblower's Journey

By: Rev. Beth Caulfield

Narrated by: Beth Caulfield

Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

Woven into a beautiful sharing of heart and soul ministry, discipleship, and hope in the saving grace of Jesus Christ is the unveiling of disturbing clergy secrets.

This account is about a journey through the inner workings of the clergy world of the United Methodist Church. It is about abusive leadership, jealousy and a toxic culture cloaked by the politics of the day.

It is a whistleblower’s tale of how bad actors run the show in a system set up to be upheld through holy integrity, but instead naively lends itself to power abuse.

With more than 20 years in ministry, including as a pastor in the United Methodist Church and serving with distinction on a bishop's staff, Reverend Beth Caulfield offers insider knowledge of how a rogue employment system is enabled to flourish and offers solutions to correct it.

Listen to People Throw Rocks at Things That Shine to better understand what you are truly supporting when you join a church, how its systems work to keep it going, and how all of this relates to you and the money you put into the offering plate.

If you are looking for a truthful, compelling, and well-written account of life behind the pulpit, buy this book!

More than a tithe of the profits from all versions of this book will be donated for disaster relief through the United Methodist Committee on relief.

©2022 Lorie Beth Caulfield (P)2022 Lorie Beth Caulfield

A Cautionary Tale Read Personally

I had read Beth's book previously but I was interested to hear her read the story herself. It is read in a conversational manner, in the same way that it was written - Beth brings the reader into the story with her and makes us, the listener, part of the tale. We sit by helpless to aid in her defense, and we share in her victories as she continues to bring Christ to her parishioners against all odds. It is a whistleblower's tale, to be sure, but it is also a personal and compelling tale told by a woman of deep faith who brings us along with her on the journey. I'm so glad I got the Audible version, so I can continue to relive this tale of faith in the face of adversity, with Beth herself as the narrator of her own story. I highly recommend it for its warmth of performance - it's hard to beat the author's telling in her own voice.

A Personal Account that Deserves to Be Heard/Read

This book is an essential read for anyone who is a member of or associated with the United Methodist Church.

The author provides a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the denomination’s work with and treatment of pastors and churches.

While the author’s own journey is unique to her, many clergy (especially) reading this book will recognize their own experiences in at least some of what she shares (particularly if a clergy reader is of a more conservative [or “traditionalist”] bent).

Unfortunately, the audio version is marred by frequent technical issues, sloppy editing, and inconsistent sound quality, all of which were distracting to this reader.

However, this is the kind of story that benefits from being told in the author’s own voice, regardless of the myriad problems with post-production.

Recommended.