Kindle Price:	$4.99
Sold by:	Amazon.com Services LLC

Promotions apply when you purchase

Read with our free app

You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.

Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

There was an error. We were unable to process your subscription due to an error. Please refresh and try again.

Follow the author

Michelle Stimpson

+ Follow

More books from this author

Stepping Down Kindle Edition

by Michelle Stimpson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.5 933 ratings

See all formats and editions

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?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Michelle Stimpson the national bestselling, award-winning author of more than 20 books and 50 short stories. A former public school teacher, Michelle takes joy in teaching others through a good story. She and her husband are the thankful parents of two wonderful adult children. They also have one crazy dog (Mi-Mi) who loves to watch televangelists.When not writing or spending time with family, Michelle enjoys teaching classes to youth and adults at the University of Texas at Arlington. She also facilitates courses at her home church. Visit Michelle online at MichelleStimpson.com.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00E6XM2N0
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 26, 2013
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 930 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,449,627 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,372 in Black & African American Christian Fiction (Kindle Store)
- #1,803 in Black & African American Christian Fiction (Books)
- #9,643 in Black & African American Women's Fiction (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 933 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Michelle Stimpson

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Michelle Stimpson started her literary career in sixth grade, writing and directing screenplays starring her best friends, and performing the school-renowned plays once every six weeks in Mrs. Newman’s class. (Shout out to teachers!)

As a public school teacher, she started writing short stories for her high school students who encouraged her to take it to another level. Michelle is now is a national bestselling, award-winning author of more than 50 books and 50 short stories.

She is a graduate of Jarvis Christian College and The University of Texas at Arlington.

When not writing or spending time with family, Michelle enjoys coaching educators and journaling in community. She also dabbles in making jewelry and other forms of visual art. Visit her online at MichelleStimpson.com.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5

933 global ratings

How customer reviews and ratings work

Sort reviews by

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Tasha D. Rogers

A wonderful read!

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2014

Verified Purchase

I absolutely loved this book. Although Michelle Stimpson wrote this as a fiction novel everything about this books speaks to real people, real lives, real situations. Having already read Stimpson's Mama B series I was aware of her ability to write well and tell a wonderful story that weaves human trials with God's wonderful grace.

This book however took it to an entirely different level for me. I often read Christian novels in hopes of putting my scriptural reading in perspective that will allow for personal reflections. Sometimes the way a story is written helps me to do this. However, I do hold Christian novelists to high standards because of this expectation. Stimpson DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

This book, on too many occasions, caused me to look in the mirror and examine my personal walk with Christ. I sought out scripture readings as a result and noted this particular book in my Christian reference log.

This is a clean, wholesome book that I was very happy to read. I read it in a day, which considering the busyness of my life is nearly impossible. But it was well worth it.

I give this 5 stars because this will stay in my to-be read again collection and I will purchase and share this book with others.

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

Favoriteone

Stepping Down Review

Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2015

Verified Purchase

I gave this book a rating of 4 only because I was afraid I could not do justice in explaining just how much I enjoyed reading this book. From the very beginning this book drew me in. I loved all of the characters and the way the author introduced each one. I was really caught up in First Lady Sharla. This story spoke to me spiritually. What lessons of faith it provided and how important it is to spend time with the Lord! This book really blessed me.

Helpful

Missy M

So True to Life- not disappointing at all!

Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2015

Verified Purchase

This was an excellent read! Michelle Stimpson's portrayal of her characters were so true to form I felt I had met many of them in my experiences and she was right on target. I loved the story and the many directions that the events took. I loved the premise, conclusion and feeling of real people experiencing the joys, problems and uncertainties that they encountered on their life's journey together and how their love for each other gave them the strength to forgive, and overcome. I am hooked on her books and will continue to devour whatever she writes. She is truly a gifted storyteller and writer.

Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2017

Verified Purchase

It didn't end the way I figured it would. It started out interesting, but a third of the way through the story, things just took off. What a great reminder of how church should be and who it really belongs to. Hint: it's not me, and it's not you. Michelle Stimpson is a terrific storyteller, and her insights are very convicting!

Helpful

rebecca546

Stepping Down to Step Up!

Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2014

Verified Purchase

One word to summarize this novel...Powerful. I must admit when I read the book description, I thought, "here we go again - another novel focusing on scandals within the church and Pastors that abuse their anointing." But being that it was authored by Michelle Stimpson, I knew that was not her writing style. I am thankful that I purchased this novel (e-book). Pastor Mark had a desire to minister steadfastly to his congregation, love his family and grow in his relationship with God - initially in that order. Sharla (his wife) seemed selfish, ungrateful and unsupportive - initially as well. But as the story progressed, the author does a splendid job with the character development of all individuals in this novel.

This is one of those rare novels that is worthy of 5 stars. Again, I am pleased with how the author allows her characters to handle the plot that develops. I think one of my favorite scenes (there are too many to name) is when the family is faced with an ongoing dilemma and Pastor Mark encourages Sharla by saying, "Baby, this is it! This is where we stop playing the role of believers and actually believe - together...Then what better time to start than right now? No more Ishmael's baby. It's me and you, ride or die with Christ. You in?"

Yep! This novel is true to God's living word.

Spoiler: There is a literary cameo by Mama B and her family which takes this novel to another level - inspirational.

Note - this IS a full-length novel

2 people found this helpful

Helpful

UBizz

Wholesome read

Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2014

Verified Purchase

I got this book for free after seeing it on the Kindle Buffett list. I was familiar with the author as I had previously read "Mama B Speaks" and "Shoulda Woulda Christmas" by this author so I did have some expectations. The book was fine, but I never felt like it set itself apart from all the other Christian books with similar themes. I would still recommend to others, because it is Christian Fiction but unlike books like "Church Folks"; "Second Sunday" or the Lady Jasmine books by Victoria Christropher Murray - this one didn't make me laugh out loud or intrigue me enough to read more if for some reason there was a series stemming from New Vision Church or Mark & sharla (The pastor and First Lady of the book) forthcoming.

Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2015

Verified Purchase

I enjoyed this book very much, realistically portrayed church life in the USA church. Some want Jesus, others want big numbers and programs. Some pastors are so driven also that family comes last, this was treated realistically. The story was an overall engaging and pleasant read. Well written.

Helpful

Kindle Customer

A totally believable experience.

Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2015

Verified Purchase

It is hard for me to adequately express my love for this book without sounding "syrupy" because Stepping Down hit a home run on so many different fronts and warmed my soul in the unabashed presentation of the Gospel. I was so thrilled with the outcome of this book because I have a relative who served in a mega-church where the outcome was not so good, but, Praise God, his discernment allowed him to escape being drawn into the scandal and has since gone on to serving the Lord in different ways. The characters in Stepping Down, therefore, were personally believable to me, and I rejoice in their glorifying God in the Highest. Michelle Stimpson is now one of my favorite authors.

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer

Jesus first.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2015

Verified Purchase

Thank you Michelle for this story. I really enjoyed it. A modern-day parable showing how easy it is to be off-kilter in our relationship with the Lord. Even when we think we're doing everything right. Focussing on Jesus and spending quality time with Him in the word is where we should be. Let God be God and be in full control of our lives - let Him be Lord, all else is foolish pride. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding. God bless you Michelle and all who read your books, with the fullness of salvation in Jesus Christ. Glory to God!

Proverbs 31

An easy and captivating read!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 19, 2017

Verified Purchase

This was easy to get into straight away, and the story was captivating.

Sound biblical teaching - and very encouraging. There are parts of the book that God used to speak to me!!

Would have liked a little more at the end but it was a great commute, lunchtime and bedtime read.

Afro Reads Book Club

A real insight into the pressures of running a church and the impact on the family.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2015

Verified Purchase

I really liked this story as I had never thought about how the commitment of running a church could put pressure on a family. It was another lovely story about the need to be still and the power of time and reflection.

Lincs Lady

A really thought provoking book although the idea has been ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 15, 2015

Verified Purchase

A really thought provoking book although the idea has been done before. If you are a fan of Mama B, she makes an appearance.

Buy for others

Buying and sending eBooks to others

Follow the author

Image Unavailable

Stepping Down Kindle Edition

Customers who bought this item also bought

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the author

Michelle Stimpson

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries