Pastors at Greater Risk [Paperback]

H. B. London Jr. (Author), Dr. Neil B. Wiseman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 17, 2003

Some of today's pastors are relatively untroubled but need help in releasing the pressure inherent in ministry to others. Others are close to running on empty, both spiritually and emotionally. All of them would like someone to confide in who can provide realistic help based on firsthand experience. This is precisely what "Pastors at Greater Risk" is all about! First published in 1993, this edition is completely rewritten, with updated stats, interviews with contemporary pastoral leaders and a special emphasis on today's hot-button issues- job turnover, pornography, spiritual burnout, congregational turnover and more! Result: A book that is rich in wisdom and understanding and one that provides pastor-to-pastor help at a time when it is needed more than ever!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

H.B. LONDON, Jr., is vice president of church, clergy and medical outreach for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A fourth-generation minister, he was a pastor for 31 years before joining Focus on the Family. H.B. communicates with thousands of pastors and church leaders each week through “The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing” (a fax network) and produces a bi-monthly “Pastor to Pastor” cassette and newsletter. He was the former host of a daily radio program, Lifeline to Truth in Salem, Oregon and in the Los Angeles area, as well as host of a weekly television program, A New Way to Live in Portland, Oregon. H.B. is author, with Neil B. Wiseman, of Pastors at Greater Risk, For Kids’ Sake and The Shepherd’s Covenant for Pastors.

 

NEIL B. WISEMAN is a veteran pastor, clergy educator, writer, editor and small-church consultant. Perhaps his foremost passion in life and ministry has been the development of pastors. He has been a pastor’s advocate through his writings, editing and publication of more than 30 books. He has also worked in the area of pastoral development in clergy education at Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wiseman founded the quarterly magazine GROW, was the founder of Preaching Today– a monthly audio sermon resource now produced by Christianity Today, founded and directed Small Church Institute and served as pastor to local congregations for 20 years.

 

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Regal; Revised edition (March 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830732373
• ISBN-13: 978-0830732371
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #614,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource for Discussion, June 5, 2003

By 

Christian Observer (Manassas, VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pastors at Greater Risk: Real Help for Pastors from Pastors Who Have Been There (Hardcover)

The foreword was written by Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family.
Interestingly enough Dr. Dobson and author London are first cousins who grew up in minister's homes and have experienced what life in a minister's home is like both as children and as adults.
The book is divided into three sections: Where the risks come from; the risk pastors face in their own family; the risks confronting pastors in their own inner lives. Life today is far more stress filled for everyone than it was in the past. That adds to the pressure ministers face. One of the problems is that every minister is an individual and every congregation is different. The book goes in to many of the challenges which are presented to ministers and their wives. The increased opportunities for women make the life of the minister's wife today different from what it has been in the past. It seems clear that the minister who is happy in his work is one who has a well-grounded faith and a thorough knowledge of the Bible. He and his wife are building their marriage on the same foundation of faith and knowledge of the Bible. They need to observe the basics of good family living. A great asset is understanding friends who encourage and support.
This is not a book to be read at a sitting. It is a resource to consult and a stimulation for discussion.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Risky Look in the Mirror, December 28, 2006

By 

R. Douglas Samples "Pastor Doug" (Oklahoma City, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pastors at Greater Risk (Paperback)

Page after page, you will say to yourself, "That's me!" For instance: "There's always more to do than time allows. Pastors are never done." "Crammed calendars, hectic homes, splintered dreams, starved intimacy and shriveled purpose." "If the pastor's family suffers, the entire church suffers." "Ministry without Christ describes the most draining of all human activity." "Saved by Grace, Living by Sweat." "Many pastors are hanging on by a thread." This book not only gives an accurate overview of the problems pastors face, but it offers helpful, healing suggestions. Whether you are a GenXer just getting started or a Boomer hoping to finish well, you will be helped. My suggestion: read this book, underline the parts that sound like you...then give it to your wife to read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pastors Need This Book, September 15, 2010

By 

Dr. Terry W. Dorsett "Author of Developing Le... (Barre, Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pastors at Greater Risk (Paperback)

Three years ago I first read something that H. B. London wrote and was amazed by the clarity he brought to that issue. Likewise, this book gives clarity to the issue of pastors who are at risk. The world of the clergy is increasingly dangerous and H. B. helps us see the dangers and gives good advice for how to steer clear of it.
Other books that address this issue:Clergy Burnout: Recovering From The 70 Hour Week¿and Other Self-defeating Practices (Prism Series)
Help! I'm a Frustrated Youth Worker!: A Practical Guide to Avoiding Burnout in Your Ministry
Developing Leadership Teams in the Bivocational Church