Pastors at Greater Risk: Real Help for Pastors from Pastors Who Have Been There [Hardcover]

H. B. London (Author), Neil B. Wiseman (Author), James C. Dobson (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2003

First published in 1993, this edition is completely rewritten, with updated statistics, interviews with contemporary pastoral leaders, and a special emphasis on today's hot-button issues, such as job turnover, pornography, spiritual burnout and congregational turnover.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

H.B. London, Jr. is vice president of ministry outreach/pastoral ministries for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. A graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary, he earned a doctor of divinity degree from Point Lorna Nazarene University and was a pastor for 31 years. Rev. London and his wife, Beverly, have two married sons and four grandchildren.

Neil B. Wiseman serves churches as a consultant and preacher. For 15 years he was Professor of Pastoral Development at Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs. A veteran of 20 years in the pastorate, Neil is the author or editor of 15 books, including The Heart of a Great Pastor and They Call Me Pastor.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Gospel Light Publications; Revised edition (April 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830729038
• ISBN-13: 978-0830729036
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,246,537 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