How can pastors keep the faith amidst the pressures of ministry in the 21st century? A rise in pastoral burnout has left many in the church concerned that the answer is "no."
In
Keep Your Spiritual Edge, David P. Beaty draws lessons from Andrew Bonar's spiritual life to show how ordinary ministers can combat burnout through a vibrant fellowship with God. Andrew Bonar, a Nineteenth-century minister who pastored for more than 50 years, had the same aspirations as today's pastor: to fulfill his ministry and finish the fight of faith.
"Pastoral fatigue has accelerated to a place where we are now facing a crisis of pastoral resilience. We need to seriously consider what it looks like for an ordinary pastor to 'keep their edge' for years of long and faithful ministry. Pastor David Beaty offers us the humble example of a pastor whose deep devotion to the Lord and complete reliance on prayer and steadfast commitment in sharing the gospel resulted in a long-term faithful ministry. Through great challenges and suffering, Bonar kept his 'edge, ' and his example can inspire a new generation of pastors to do the same."
--D. Dean Weaver, stated clerk/CEO, Evangelical Presbyterian Church
