Description
This book is written to help shepherds of the church of Jesus Christ increase their resilience in ministry.
John Miller takes you on his own journey of pastoral ministry, providing proven principles for a long and successful pastorate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . 9
PART I—A RAW AND REALISTIC VIEW OF PASTORAL MINISTRY . . . 11
The High Drama of Church Life . . . 11
Personal Pastoral Beginnings . . .15
The Delight of the Journey . . . 16
The Difficulty of the Journey . . . 17
The Unique Challenge of the Pastoral Profession . . . 22
PART II—NINE KEY FACTORS LEADING TO PASTORAL RESILIENCY . . . 25
One – A Strong Sense of God’s Calling . . . 26
Two – A Shepherd’s Heart . . . 32
Three – A Fervent Pursuit of God . . . 42
Four – Accountable Relationships . . . 53
Five – Capacity to Forgive Wrongs Suffered . . . 64
Six – A Passion to Preach God’s Word . . . 70
Seven – A Supportive Spouse . . . 78
Eight – Family Before Ministry . . . 88
Nine – Congregational Support . . . 99
PART III—RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFLECTIONS . . . 105
The New Pastor and Change . . . 106
Pride and the Pastorate . . . 114
Are You Secure? . . . 118
Some Lessons Learned . . . 121
Mistakes Made . . . 135
Good Decisions . . . 142
A Few Tips Regarding the Selection of Leaders . . . 149
The Huge Benefits of a Lengthy Stay . . . 152
It’s About Washing Feet . . . 160
Learn to Rest before You’re Laid to Rest . . . 162
