A New Book for Self-Actualization in the 21st Century
Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us About Surviving and Thriving, Bob Burns, Tasha D. Chapman and Donald C. Guthrie, Illinois, Intervarsity Press, 2013.
This is a book for anyone interested in personal growth. Based on seven years of research and “...heartfelt discussions about the challenges of vocational ministry...,” this book's ”...summary and analysis of those discussions in light of ...literature research and experiences...” serves to inform all of us. By focusing on its quotations and stories, we can all learn something about how to live our lives and grow in resilience.
In the introduction, the authors give us an unusual tip: “...consider reading the final chapter first [to] consider some strategies for putting the book to work in your life.” I would add, “no matter what your personal, occupational, or cultural challenges are.”
To give you a sample of the useful ideas for reflection, here are a few quotes: “...the term cultural intelligence describes the ability ‘to function effectively across various cultural contexts.’” The authors expand the idea in a full chapter, suggesting that we live in a world of “...people who have radically different perspectives....” This requires that we communicate clearly and take into account differences without giving offense, while respecting and appreciating those differences. One pastor is quoted: “We say we want to be multicultural, but we don’t want to change. We want others to adapt to us...How do I ...develop a bigger, broader understanding?”
Two other ideas that struck me focus on the need to distinguish “...ourselves from our jobs...” and our allies from our confidants. I suspect that this book would offer something different for each of us. It provides rare insights from the field of ministry that have universal value, no matter who we think we are.
Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us about Surviving and Thriving
This is a book for anyone interested in personal growth. Based on seven years of research and “...heartfelt discussions about the challenges of vocational ministry...,” this book's ”...summary and analysis of those discussions in light of ...literature research and experiences...” serves to inform all of us. By focusing on its quotations and stories, we can all learn something about how to live our lives and grow in resilience.
In the introduction, the authors give us an unusual tip: “...consider reading the final chapter first [to] consider some strategies for putting the book to work in your life.” I would add, “no matter what your personal, occupational, or cultural challenges are.”
To give you a sample of the useful ideas for reflection, here are a few quotes: “...the term cultural intelligence describes the ability ‘to function effectively across various cultural contexts.’” The authors expand the idea in a full chapter, suggesting that we live in a world of “...people who have radically different perspectives....” This requires that we communicate clearly and take into account differences without giving offense, while respecting and appreciating those differences. One pastor is quoted: “We say we want to be multicultural, but we don’t want to change. We want others to adapt to us...How do I ...develop a bigger, broader understanding?”
Two other ideas that struck me focus on the need to distinguish “...ourselves from our jobs...” and our allies from our confidants. I suspect that this book would offer something different for each of us. It provides rare insights from the field of ministry that have universal value, no matter who we think we are.
Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us about Surviving and Thriving
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