Categories

Dave Wertheim is President of Optimum Consulting. He consults with churches, helping them develop thriving ministries for men, small groups, strengthening marriages, and discipling leaders. He has been mentoring and discipling men for more than twenty-two years. Raised in a Jewish home, he came to faith in Christ at twenty-six. His own spiritual journey provides keen insights into how men struggle, process, grow, and ultimately are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is a respected and sought-after speaker, trainer, Bible study leader, motivator, and encourager.

Dave is a graduate of The Ohio State University (MS), Columbus, Ohio and Brooklyn College (BS), Brooklyn, New York. Married to Rose for more than thirty-two years, he currently resides in Roseville, California. They have three adult sons, Paul, Rick, and Michael, who are walking faithfully with the Lord.

Visit Dave’s website at www.davewertheim.com 

Thank you Dave for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on. 

My new book, Men U: Courses for a Transformed Life inspires men with practical information to reshape their decisions, relationships, and spiritual life, leading to a life that is really worth living. I provide valuable insights that will help to rekindle your love affair with your wife, build up and nurture your children, live a single life that’s God-honoring, and demonstrate integrity and create relational bridges at your workplace.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

Yes, I speak and teach at men’s retreats, breakfasts, and conferences. Together, with my wife, Rose, we teach marriage seminars providing practical tips for improving husband/wife relationships.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? 

I spent thirty years in the corporate business world in marketing. I learned about regular people: what makes them tick, how they think, and the pain they experience. This helped me develop content that resonates with the needs men experience. Writing marketing copy, and the fast pace of business helped refine my skill at getting to the point quickly and clearly. Communication must pass the “So what?” and “What’s in it for me?” tests. While writing, I took on the reader’s point of view to add value in every sentence.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published? 

I had an inspirational story based on my life and a professional article on background screening published in books, and two interviews published in magazines.

Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?

Yes, I love building relationships with people, so working with teams provides opportunities to interact and add value to people. My volunteer work with men and women in small groups connects me with lots of people who are looking to improve their lives by getting closer to God. God has the answers; I just help them find what they are.

What will your next project be?

I’m working on Men U: ADVANCED Courses for a Transformed Life due out by the end of 2009. Based on the rapid acceptance for  Men U: Courses for a Transformed Life, I want to provide additional assistance on subjects such as: overcoming sexual bondage, dynamic devotions, discipleship that soars, becoming a 360-degree witness, defeating abusive behaviors, joy through worship, and much more.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Jesus Christ is the most inspirational person I’ve studied or encountered! “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

On the human front, I love stories of people who overcome against all odds or who spend their lives serving others. People like Nick Vujicic, founder of Life without Limbs, who was born without arms and legs and is now a successful businessman and motivational speaker. Also, men like Kenny Luck, (Every Man Ministries) and Patrick Morley (Man in the Mirror), who left successful business careers to minister to the needs of men.

You’ve mentioned your focus on men, does your writing provide value for women?

Absolutely. Because my writing challenges men, women can gain insight into a man’s world—how he thinks, what he feels, and why he acts the way he does. Additionally, many of the issues men face today are universal, such as: relational friction, priority resolution, and misaligned expectations. Many women have read Men U: Courses for a Transformed Life and raved about how it helped them understand men better and inspired and encouraged them.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Working with people and helping them improve their lives. Whether it’s inspiring them to reconnect with a relative or friend they are no longer on speaking terms with, or advising a couple that is having friction but is willing to work together to improve their communication.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Plan your work and work your plan. Work steadily on your writing to develop and complete your project. There are people who need to benefit from your knowledge. Don’t let discouragement rob you of your dream. After your project is ready for distribution, be creative and diligent to promote your work. Read books, attend networking sessions, and learn everything you can about successful promotion and publicity.

How did you get started as a writer?

My writing started as an outgrowth of my passion to help people. I was interacting with many men who were experiencing pain from poor choices; some from their past, some they were currently making, and some where they were the recipient of someone else’s poor choices. While my encouragement and teaching were able to help men, I was limited by the number of men I could build a relationship with. I was eventually inspired to write as a way to help more men. Once this became clear, I just started putting my thoughts down on paper.

Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?

The Bible. Also, Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life. Rick condenses incredible wisdom and truth into simple to digest concepts suitable for daily reading and application.

Thank you Dave! Congratulations on your new book Men U: Courses for a Transformed Life!