“A healing balm for pastors”
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.
