Preventing Ministry Failure: A ShepherdCare Guide for Pastors, Ministers and Other Caregivers
"The Bible clearly tells us that in this world we will have trouble, and those in ministry are not exempt from it. We all experience trials and temptations, and are faced with difficult choices related to our human struggles. Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffmann understand this and have done an excellent job sharing a biblical perspective on avoiding the all-too-common pitfalls of ministry that can lead to destruction. The wisdom and insight found in this book has helped me become a more effective leader and minister." (Alan Chambers, President, Exodus International)"ShepherdCare is a wonderful ministry to help pastors keep their hands to the plow and finish well. This book is a must-read for all ministers . . . a resource they will go to again and again as they strive to serve the Lord, their families and their churches with integrity." (Michael Catt, Senior Pastor, Sherwood Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia)"Nothing ignites my passion more than instructing and encouraging fellow ministers through our Timothy Barnabas conferences. As one who has ministered to thousands of pastors struggling with the demands of ministry,Preventing Ministry Failureis as instructive as it is encouraging for the minister dealing with the daily challenges of ministry responsibility--including the important need for intentional boundaries to protect the minister's calling, family and personal integrity. This book promotes something I've been encouraging ministers to do for over fifteen years: to develop relationships with other pastors that they may serve as support to one another. If you're serious about having a lifelong and fruitful ministry,Preventing Ministry Failureis for you." (Dr. Johnny M. Hunt, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Georgia, and Founder, Timothy Barnabas Ministries)"It has long been time for us ministers to become honest with ourselves and break the silence surrounding the myth, 'It won't happen to me.' I work with countless ministers every year who believed the same lie yet found themselves in one of our Faithful & True workshops--burned out on life and ministry from an affair, Internet pornography use or some other pattern of sexual indiscretion. Moral and ministry failure can happen to any of us and it happens all the time.Preventing Ministry Failureis a book for ministers who are willing to admit 'There, but for the grace of God, go I.' Those with honest humility will see this book as a godsend--a systematic and practical tool for proactive maintenance in the minister's life." (Mark Laaser, Founder, Faithful & True Ministries, and author of Healing the Wounds of Sexual Addiction)"Michael Todd and Brad have lived in the world they write about. Their passion is enabling called-out men and women to succeed without stepping on the land mines that haunt clergy everywhere. Devour their book and live the life they prescribe. It will become a win-win." (H. B. London Jr., Vice President, Church & Clergy, Focus on the Family)"Preventing Ministry Failureis a first-of-its-kind 'package' that is sure to have deep and broad impact for those committed to shepherding ministries. This resource is the result of collaborative efforts of pastors and professionals empirically deriving seven areas of concern for force-terminated ministers. These findings have been provided for us now in a workbook format for establishing and applying preventative self-care plans that are theologically and psychologically sound. Thank you, Michael Todd and Brad, for providing a text that I am eager to implement at our seminary." (C. Gary Barnes, Th.M., Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist and Associate Professor, Dallas Theological Seminary)"Preventing Ministry Failureis most timely and appropriate. Covering a wide range of challenges facing pastors today, it provides insightful and practical suggestions for avoiding ministry failure. Also, as the authors point out, long-term effectiveness in ministry isn't just about the pastor, it's also about the pastor's family as well. There is little point in building a great church while your own family disintegrates or your children turn against you and God--which is what occurs more often than we acknowledge publicly. With suggestions for self-care, having an accountability group, boundary setting and a host of other important issues essential to finishing well in ministry, this book is the most comprehensive I have yet seen. I recommend it as a textbook for every seminary." (Archibald D. Hart, Ph.D., FPPR, Senior Professor of Psychology and Dean Emeritus, Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary)"Thirty years ago the moral failure of my second senior pastor forced me to start working with adultery in ministry. I wish I had had this material then. After years of everyone telling us pastors that we need to be in a small group where we can be open and vulnerable, Michael Todd Wilson and Brad Hoffmann finally provide for us a guide that not only tells us but shows us how to do that. I know of nothing else like it for those of us in vocational Christian ministry, and I can't wait to use it in my own group." (Dave Carder, author of Torn Asunder: Recovering from Extramarital Affairs)"In a day where senior pastors and ministers alike are reading, collecting and gathering materials from books, CDs and seminars for the benefit of someone else, Brad Hoffmann and Michael Todd Wilson have written an excellent self-help book for the minister himself. These seven reasons why ministers struggle, quit, resign or are forced out of ministry have been identified and analyzed, and a course of action recommended for the health and happiness of the minister's home and family.The book moves beyond the theory to the practical. Trust me, these two have been there, done that and bought the shirt." (Ken Whitten, Senior Pastor, Idlewild Baptist Church, Lutz, Florida)