The Unwavering Pastor
This has been a difficult season for pastors and ministry leaders. Where can you find encouragement in Christ? In The Unwavering Pastor, Jonathan K. Dodson writes on leading the church in grace in divisive times.
Practical Help with Meaningful Encouragement
Over 8 chapters, Dodson gives encouragement on difficult challenges in the church. People who question Christianity, being wounded by divisive words, and living in the age of self, are some of his concerns. He offers practical help for pastors and gives meaningful encouragement for ministry leaders.
In a particularly helpful section on navigating divided times, Dodson calls us to turn our memories into prayers. This is something I had never considered before. Prayer also relates to pastors in regards to preaching the Word. While we are quick to apply the Bible to others, we must also allow it to change our own hearts. Prayer is the direct line of communication. And after preaching, the remaining work of the pastor is to “pray the Word into people.”
Relational Issues and Our Calling as Christians
Dodson shares many personal real-life experiences to show you what he means. It helped me see how his points can be put into practice. What impacted me the most was Dodson’s focus on relational issues – specifically those of people leaving the church. And while Dodson speaks of pastoral difficulties, he reminds us to enjoy the good gifts of God. Friendships, encouragement, and our pursuit of the crown of righteousness are starters.
Dodson reminds pastors and leaders that we are slaves to Christ. In suffering, sorrow, or injury – we entrust our pain to Jesus. In America, it’s easy to forget that persecution happens all over the world. We are slaves of Christ before we are “strategic leaders, pastor-theologians, or content-creators.” It’s a sobering but freeing reality to remember our calling as Christians.
Steadfast with Strength and Endurance
At less than 150 pages, this is a short and refreshing book. Give it as a gift to your pastor. Read it for your own refreshment. Fortify your soul with the truth of God’s Word, and find yourself ready to run, steadfast with strength and endurance.
I received a media copy of The Unwavering Pastor and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.