Pastoral Grit

by Craig Brian Larson

Publisher:

Bethany House

, 1998

Overview

SOONER OR LATER, EVERY PASTOR NEEDS WHAT MAKES A GOOD PASTOR GREAT: THE STRENGTH TO STAND AND TO STAY.

Pastors are maturing. Deepening. They want substance for their congregations—and nourishment for their own soul. THE PASTOR’S SOUL series unleashes pastors to do what really matters. To step beyond skills. To give of their unique gifts. To minister authentically and grow in the intangibles of ministry like integrity and character.

A GROUND BREAKING SERIES ON THE INNER LIFE OF PASTORS

In this changing culture, pastors need dedication to do what God wants them to do. They need determination to accomplish their highest priorities.

Every pastor has felt the desire to throw in the towel—to resign from a church or even drop out of the ministry. The press of day-in, day-out care for people can overwhelm the most noble reasons for entering ministry. A pastor’s own brokenness, sinfulness, restlessness, and self-doubts only compound the weight. Pastoral Grit examines honestly the spiritual and practical calamities that compel pastors to give up–and offers realistic insight to help pastors persevere.

Contents

Top Highlights

“False shame—not hardship or little money—is really what grinds pastors of smaller churches to dust, to despair, to a desire to quit.” (Page 15)

“Basing my identity on numbers was like building my life on soap bubbles. Abraham Lincoln once said: It is foolish to take either praise or criticism too seriously. The same goes for church attendance. The numbers on Sunday are not who I am. My true identity is who I am in God.” (Pages 22–23)

“I grew discouraged more easily because my emotions were linked to attendance rather than to individual growth in Christ.” (Page 20)

“On the surface, my desire to quit because I am unqualified appears to come from a low opinion of myself, but, in fact, it betrays a healthy streak of pride. I want to appear better than I am to conceal my weaknesses. I want to airbrush my reputation the way a magazine photographer airbrushes blemishes. When God calls me to a task that reveals my flaws, it threatens my self-inflated image.” (Page 45)

“I have learned God has not called me to be everything to everyone. He has designed me with a unique personality, gifting, and background, and who I am in Christ will reach some people extremely well, while others not at all. My inability to minister to some people does not mean I am unqualified for ministry. I may be poorly equipped to reach some, but I am tremendously qualified to reach others.” (Pages 48–49)

Product Details

• Title: Pastoral Grit
• Author: Craig Brian Larson
• Publisher: Logos Research Systems
• Publication Date: 1998
• Pages: 171

About Craig Brian Larson

Craig Brian Larson is editor of PreachingToday.com and worked as a contributing editor of Leadership Journal. Besides pastoring a church in Chicago, he is also a freelance writer and speaker. He is the author of Preaching That Connects and Hang in There...to the Better End.