IVP recently sent us a book that pastors and others in ministry may find helpful, entitled Preventing Ministry Failure, by Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffmann (IVP, 2007). The authors explore a number of causes behind many of those who fail in ministry. The authors first lay a foundation for explaining why it is important to prevent failure in ministry, before launching into a series of discussions on a number of pertinent topics. First they encourage pastors to develop close relationships with others and with God. they then examine the concept of calling in ministry, and how to know whether or not one is truly called to ministry. From there they offer an insightful look at stress management, anxiety, and burnout. The remainder of the book discusses issues such as setting boundaries in your church and life, re-creating and re-energizing ministry, managing people and their various personality types, and leadership.
Written by a pastor and a counselor, the book is packed with real world issues and experiences and is based on the common experiences of many ministers who were removed from their place of service due to issues like burnout, ineffectiveness and moral failure. Endorsed by Archibald Hart, Mark Laaser, Michael Catt, Johnny Hunt, and H.B. London, almost any ministry professional will likely find encouragement, warnings and guidance in at least one of the chapters in this book.
We found this nugget in the section on stress management:
Worship is a moment in time when we cease being influenced by anyone or anything but God. It's never about the worshiper but about the One being worshiped. Genuine worship invites freedom and intimacy, and isn't dictated by traditions, rules, or expectations--even when traditions are enjoyed within the context of worship. Rather, it's the enjoyment and celebration of the presence of god. The by-product of worship is a renewed spirit.
If our responsibilities include leading others in worship on a regular basis, from time to time we may want to create opportunities to be led ourselves in public worship, either within our own congregation (by allowing someone else to take the lead) or elsewhere (by attending another church's worship service). doing so allows us the opportunity to focus purely on worship rather than being distracted by our own performance mode. It's also important to prioritize moments for getting lost in private worship: "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God./ When can I go an dmeet with God?" (Psalm 42:2). As a spiritual leader, this must become our burning question. The quality of our public leadership in worship will reflect the quality of our own private worship when no one else is watching.
Preventing Ministry Failure: A ShepherdCare Guide for Pastors, Ministers and Other Caregivers.
Wilson and Hoffmann are cofounders of ShepherdCare.
Comments