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

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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.

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!

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