The Unwavering Pastor (audiobook)

The Unwavering Pastor is the latest book by author and theologian, Jonathan Dodson. One of the reasons I picked up his book is because prior to and and at the time of its writing, Jonathan was a pastor local to where I live. While I don't endeavor to be a pastor, I wanted to support a local one and felt that as a lay person, there is much I can learn from one.

In The Unwavering Pastor, Jonathan vulnerably shares many instances in which pastoring became increasingly difficult due to the time in which we live. Although the book's title includes the word pastor, there were moments in the book where Johnathan also addressed ministry leaders making this a really helpful read for all who serve in ministry. There were so many wise quips that really encouraged me.

Ministry is a joy but it is often discouraging too. The Unwavering Pastor puts the wind back in its readers sails by encouraging them to not grow weary in doing good. It provided such timely and necessary reminders including being patient with people and that serving in ministry is playing the long game. Of particular fascination to me were the instances Jonathan recalled from pastoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt that reading about his experiences gave validation to my own for the ways that my husband and I, like so many others, struggled in ministry during that season.

In serving the local church, it is always encouraging to know that you aren't alone. On this note, I appreciated Jonathan's reminder that even when ministry feels lonely, we are never alone because Jesus is a friend who is always near. If you serve your local church in capacity, you will find much joy and encouragement in The Unwavering Pastor and I highly recommend it.

I received The Unwavering Pastor compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

In the last two years the cultural climate has changed drastically, which presents a significant challenge to those in pastoral ministry, since many of the questions that are raised today are different to those that pastors were taught to engage with when they were training for ministry. In addition to this, there are all the added pressures that come with full-time ministry that have intensified during the pandemic.

This is where the pastor-author Jonathan Dodson helpfully and candidly explores the ...current ministry landscape in this modern cauldron of social justice, human sexuality and expressive individualism. He shares candidly from his own ministry experiences in dealing with these live issues with a refreshing honesty and vulnerability as he opens up to share his own personal struggles when leading a large urban church during the pandemic started to take its toll.

The book itself is divided up into eight chapters, the first four chapters deal mainly with the personal side of how the pastor finds his strength in God alone, how to deal with criticism with humility, dealing with hurt and pain (which goes with the territory) and how to navigate the minefield of ‘word fighting’ and divisive words. In the second half of the book the focus shifts towards the more practical side of ministering in a climate of modern expressive individualism, being faithful in preaching the Word of God and communicating it effectively with the hearer. Finally in the closing chapters there is some very helpful advise in perseverance and living in peace with others.

In conclusion, as a minister myself there is a healing balm to be found in this book, with its warmth, honesty and wise counsel. The stories and examples that Jonathan Dodson shared are really helpful ministry ‘case studies’ to reflect on and learn from.

*Disclaimer: TGBC kindly provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Being a pastor can be hard! There's often very little recognition of the real relational challenges, the stress of feeling responsible for many people who are struggling, while also trying to grow your own faith. It can be very easy to feel like a failure.

In his gentle book, Dodson helped me to dwell on the grace that God shows me, and the love that he continues to pour out on me. I can carry on even when things are ...disappointing and press on even when life is tough because I have a saviour who walks with me every step of the way.

I'm sure there are sections of this book that could help those who don't pastor, but for anyone who leads a church or has significant responsibility (e.g. home group leaders, pastoral care teams, youth group leaders) and needs a refresh, it's well worth a purchase.