num_pages: 224
description: Christianity Today's Book of the Year 2017In my first seminary class we were asked to introduce ourselves and say why we enrolled. Ill never forget what one student saidMy denomination wants me to have an M.Div. but once they see I can grow a big church I don't think they'll make me finish the program.The priorities of this future pastor were startling but hes not alone in them.In the years since that class author and minister Skye Jethani has seen more and more pastors swallowed by the celebrity syndrome.Not long ago ministers were among the most trusted and admired people in our culture. But not anymore. A 2013 study from Gallop revealed that Americans admiration for clergy has reached an all-time low. That taken with reduced trust of institutional religion overall makes it easy to see why ministers feel insecure about their calling. In response to this trend some pastors have looked to emulate those who are praised by the culturebusiness leaders entertainers and social activists. This has led to a new understanding of what a minister should be. Weve turned away from viewing our pastors as shepherds and now expect them to be celebrities. Immeasurable will help ministers recognize the cultural forces shaping their view of the calling and then reimagine what faithful church leaders can look like in the twenty-first century. Through short essays and reflections on the pastors soul and skills this book will help prospective pastors explore their calling to ministry and it will help veteran pastors reframe their vision for the work.Drawing on cultural dynamics personal stories and his own experience working in a church and with church leaders Skye Jethani will address matters like ambition anger community consumerism fame health justice platform preaching restsimplicity success vision and more.There are endless resources to help pastors do the practical work of ministry but there are far fewer that speak to the pastors soul and spirit. Immeasurable provides affirmation and encouragement for church leaders faithfully serving God. It commends the true work of ministryshepherding teaching encouragingwhile redefining what we mean by success in ministry. Its a book church leaders can return to again and again for insight and inspiration.
language: English
title: Immeasurable: Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church, Inc.
publisher: Moody Publishers