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Survive or Thrive: 6 Relationships Every Pastor Needs
Introducing the PastorServe Series from David C Cook, a line of resources developed to stem the tide of pastoral burnout and crisis.
In Survive or Thrive Jimmy Dodd reveals that the majority of pastors are not known—by anyone. They purposely isolate themselves from both staff and congregations so their insecurities, doubts, and failures aren’t exposed. Yet confiding in the wrong person can be a dead-end at best and disastrous at worst. Former pastor Jimmy Dodd reveals how those in pastoral ministry can receive ongoing support, accountability, and restoration from a boss, counselor, trainer, mentor, coach, and good friend.
Discover how you can move from surviving to thriving with the six relationships every pastor needs.
In Survive or Thrive Jimmy Dodd reveals that the majority of pastors are not known—by anyone. They purposely isolate themselves from both staff and congregations so their insecurities, doubts, and failures aren’t exposed. Yet confiding in the wrong person can be a dead-end at best and disastrous at worst. Former pastor Jimmy Dodd reveals how those in pastoral ministry can receive ongoing support, accountability, and restoration from a boss, counselor, trainer, mentor, coach, and good friend.
Discover how you can move from surviving to thriving with the six relationships every pastor needs.
Jimmy Dodd is the founder and president of PastorServe, a ministry that provides care, counseling, and friendship to pastors. His passion is to see pastors thrive. A pastor himself for more than thirty years, Jimmy is now a well-known speaker and is a graduate of Wheaton College and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Jimmy and his wife, Sally, have five children.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
57 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 22, 2017
A hard-hitting but quality book for those involved in ministry.
The author speaks to the condition in which many in ministry find themselves: they seem to be one person on the outside, or on stage, and another person on the inside or in the rest of life, or offstage. The greater the difference, the more likely the coping mechanisms are unhealthy, and the greater the likely fall for the minister in question.
The author provides many explanations and tools for assessment to see how healthy the minister's life is. He speaks to the different relationships - coach, mentor, friend, etc.- which a minister needs to maintain good spiritual health. His organization is designed to provide assistance in such areas.
A difficult read for the preacher but most likely necessary. Worth considering.
The author speaks to the condition in which many in ministry find themselves: they seem to be one person on the outside, or on stage, and another person on the inside or in the rest of life, or offstage. The greater the difference, the more likely the coping mechanisms are unhealthy, and the greater the likely fall for the minister in question.
The author provides many explanations and tools for assessment to see how healthy the minister's life is. He speaks to the different relationships - coach, mentor, friend, etc.- which a minister needs to maintain good spiritual health. His organization is designed to provide assistance in such areas.
A difficult read for the preacher but most likely necessary. Worth considering.
April 21, 2017
Good worldly wisdom mixed with with horrible theology. This is largely a consequence of the fact that the author really has no theology of the Holy Ministry. Because of this, his understanding of what pastors are and do is skewed, and he's unaware of his tunnel vision.
November 30, 2016
It is an excellent book, rich with illustrations from the author's personal life. His heart for pastors is evident. His explaination of how even a pastor can end up leading a double life, his remedy and his encouragement are priceless. Worth the read for anyone, not just pastors.
March 2, 2024
good book, could easily have been shorter
Some great content and recommendations. Though I could’ve gotten through the book more quickly and succinctly without so many illustrations.
Some great content and recommendations. Though I could’ve gotten through the book more quickly and succinctly without so many illustrations.
March 21, 2020
Clear, convicting and necessary for every pastor!
October 12, 2015
Each of the six relationships reminds us that, ultimately, we need Jesus. Jesus is our Fatherly Loving Boss, (Proverbs 3:11-12). Jesus is our Gentle Trainer (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is our Inspired Coach (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus is our Eternal Mentor (Proverbs 9:9). And Jesus is our Forever Friend (John 15:15) Every human relationship is a faint reflection of what our heavenly Father has promised.
Pastors and Christians struggle with relationships, with pride, passivity, and any other sin under the sun. It is recognizing that sin and bringing it to the cross that makes the difference. Working at church for 10 years, I know somewhat of the struggles that pastors go thru and after reading this book, it is a great reminder the support our pastors need. Dodd having been a pastor himself and how leading a world ministry to pastors, makes a well written claim for the six relationships that our pastors need (as well as ourselves) and the work and commitment it takes to embrace these relationships.
Broken in 3 parts relating to the six relationships starting with the Survive - Heart of the Problem –How did we get here. Just like in the beginning, we hide from people getting to know the real you. We have a front stage persona and the back stage where only a few people might know. There are well-defined boundaries for both and how we relate to others. The bigger the church, the harder it is. I cringe at the word small group and I embrace the word community. Starting with leadership-life must be lived in community. We life in a world where living in community can be difficult however, that is where true growth occurs.
Part 2 - Thrive-The Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs It is in these relationships we see our blind spots, our weaknesses and encouragement for our strengths. These relationships will lead to confession that will free us from bondage and isolation. It is in these relationships we thrive.
Part 3 Gospel Transformation. With the Gospel is a great way to end. We need the gospel 24/7.
Each Chapter ends with questions for Reflection. The reality of our circumstances. Rewind and Review Go back with what you just read and with specific questions how does it apply to your circumstances. Reflect. With specific questions that relate that you may have missed. Remember A verse that coincides with God’s goodness and will. Respond What steps will you take for change and transformation.
In reading of Dodd’s experiences with the church, he mentioned the major city that I live near and a church that he helped plant sounded so much like the church I attend with my grown daughters. My two daughters have grown spiritually and with maturity in this church and it was exciting to see that Dodd had his hand prints on this growth. Googling is fun!
If you are a church member, you will be encouraged as well. With questions on how does the leadership treat sinners within the body and with each other? Is there transparency? Do they offer grace, a plan of redemption, or isolation? Survive or Thrive is a great tool to root out problems and embrace them with members and leaders of the body where growth in the gospel is paradox.
A Special Thank You to David C Cook and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
Pastors and Christians struggle with relationships, with pride, passivity, and any other sin under the sun. It is recognizing that sin and bringing it to the cross that makes the difference. Working at church for 10 years, I know somewhat of the struggles that pastors go thru and after reading this book, it is a great reminder the support our pastors need. Dodd having been a pastor himself and how leading a world ministry to pastors, makes a well written claim for the six relationships that our pastors need (as well as ourselves) and the work and commitment it takes to embrace these relationships.
Broken in 3 parts relating to the six relationships starting with the Survive - Heart of the Problem –How did we get here. Just like in the beginning, we hide from people getting to know the real you. We have a front stage persona and the back stage where only a few people might know. There are well-defined boundaries for both and how we relate to others. The bigger the church, the harder it is. I cringe at the word small group and I embrace the word community. Starting with leadership-life must be lived in community. We life in a world where living in community can be difficult however, that is where true growth occurs.
Part 2 - Thrive-The Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs It is in these relationships we see our blind spots, our weaknesses and encouragement for our strengths. These relationships will lead to confession that will free us from bondage and isolation. It is in these relationships we thrive.
Part 3 Gospel Transformation. With the Gospel is a great way to end. We need the gospel 24/7.
Each Chapter ends with questions for Reflection. The reality of our circumstances. Rewind and Review Go back with what you just read and with specific questions how does it apply to your circumstances. Reflect. With specific questions that relate that you may have missed. Remember A verse that coincides with God’s goodness and will. Respond What steps will you take for change and transformation.
In reading of Dodd’s experiences with the church, he mentioned the major city that I live near and a church that he helped plant sounded so much like the church I attend with my grown daughters. My two daughters have grown spiritually and with maturity in this church and it was exciting to see that Dodd had his hand prints on this growth. Googling is fun!
If you are a church member, you will be encouraged as well. With questions on how does the leadership treat sinners within the body and with each other? Is there transparency? Do they offer grace, a plan of redemption, or isolation? Survive or Thrive is a great tool to root out problems and embrace them with members and leaders of the body where growth in the gospel is paradox.
A Special Thank You to David C Cook and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
October 21, 2015
Jimmy Dodd in his new book, “Survive Or Thrive” Book One in the PastorServe series published by David C Cook gives 6 Relationships Every Pastor Needs.
From the back cover: Every month 1,500 pastors burn out and leave the Church. Learn how to beat the odds.
The majority of pastors are not truly known—by anyone. They subconsciously isolate themselves from both staff and congregation so their insecurities, doubts, and failures aren’t exposed.
Yet confiding in the wrong person can be a dead-end at best and disastrous at worst. Former pastor Jimmy Dodd reveals how those in pastoral ministry can receive ongoing support, accountability, and restoration from relationships with a boss, counselor, trainer, mentor, coach, and good friend.
Discover how you can move from surviving to thriving with the six relationships every pastor needs.
Pastors everywhere are struggling with ever-increasing challenges in their ministry and personal lives. Upwards of 1,500 pastors leave pastoral ministry every month—not to retire, but because they have finally given up. Many of those who remain in ministry struggle with deep-seated insecurities or carry secrets that threaten to overwhelm them. This book, grounded in Scripture, is for these pastors, church leaders, staff and anyone serving pastors through coaching, training, counseling or mentoring. Jimmy Dodd is the Founder and President of PastorServe, a ministry passionate about helping pastors thrive. In this book he wants to do it in three parts. Part One: Survive: The Heart Of The Problem–How Did We Arrive Here? Part Two: Thrive: The Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs and Part Three: Gospel Transformation: Taking The All-Important Next Steps. Pastor Dodd tells us, “When the six relationships are absent, a pastor is on the verge of a crumbling cliff. If nothing changes, the pastor will certainly fall. The question is not if, but when.” The truths taught here need to be embraced not only by each pastor but also by each congregation so that there can be an atmosphere of ongoing support, accountability and restoration. If our pastors and ministry leaders remain healthy then we benefit all around.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hoganson Media Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Every month 1,500 pastors burn out and leave the Church. Learn how to beat the odds.
The majority of pastors are not truly known—by anyone. They subconsciously isolate themselves from both staff and congregation so their insecurities, doubts, and failures aren’t exposed.
Yet confiding in the wrong person can be a dead-end at best and disastrous at worst. Former pastor Jimmy Dodd reveals how those in pastoral ministry can receive ongoing support, accountability, and restoration from relationships with a boss, counselor, trainer, mentor, coach, and good friend.
Discover how you can move from surviving to thriving with the six relationships every pastor needs.
Pastors everywhere are struggling with ever-increasing challenges in their ministry and personal lives. Upwards of 1,500 pastors leave pastoral ministry every month—not to retire, but because they have finally given up. Many of those who remain in ministry struggle with deep-seated insecurities or carry secrets that threaten to overwhelm them. This book, grounded in Scripture, is for these pastors, church leaders, staff and anyone serving pastors through coaching, training, counseling or mentoring. Jimmy Dodd is the Founder and President of PastorServe, a ministry passionate about helping pastors thrive. In this book he wants to do it in three parts. Part One: Survive: The Heart Of The Problem–How Did We Arrive Here? Part Two: Thrive: The Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs and Part Three: Gospel Transformation: Taking The All-Important Next Steps. Pastor Dodd tells us, “When the six relationships are absent, a pastor is on the verge of a crumbling cliff. If nothing changes, the pastor will certainly fall. The question is not if, but when.” The truths taught here need to be embraced not only by each pastor but also by each congregation so that there can be an atmosphere of ongoing support, accountability and restoration. If our pastors and ministry leaders remain healthy then we benefit all around.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hoganson Media Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 18, 2017
Sadly, a necessary exposè of pastoral isolation BUT hopeful and funny.
A bit too colloquial for my tastes but still worth reading.
When you buy this, go ahead and buy at least 2 more copies to give to friends.
A bit too colloquial for my tastes but still worth reading.
When you buy this, go ahead and buy at least 2 more copies to give to friends.
February 24, 2016
John Donne was right; no man is an island. But the temptation for pastors to live on relational islands is great indeed. Jimmy Dodd wrote "Survive or Thrive" to address that temptation and offer gospel-powered hope to the lonely pastor. According to Dodd, every pastors needs a Boss, a Teacher, a Mentor, a Coach, a Counselor, and a Friend. All though not all of these relationships are essential at all times (something that Dodd himself admits) I think he is right. And the haunting reality is that perhaps no vocation is coupled with greater temptations toward isolation than pastoral ministry. God help us!
If I could recommend any book to a new or seasoned pastor, it would be this. It does not contain all the robust theology that the pastor will need to feed his flock, nor does it contain practical nuggets of ecclesial tips and strategies for effective ministry. But it does offer something that in one sense is profoundly greater: a relational life preserver to lonely pastors treading water on the sea of life. Most pastors know how to throw a lifeline to others, but we rarely recognize when we're drowning ourselves. I heartily recommend Jimmy Dodd's book for what it is: a blueprint for gospel-centered, God-honoring, iron-sharpening relationships that are so essential to pastoral perseverance.
For Tim Challies' 2016 Reading Challenge, this was a book that I once started but never finished.
If I could recommend any book to a new or seasoned pastor, it would be this. It does not contain all the robust theology that the pastor will need to feed his flock, nor does it contain practical nuggets of ecclesial tips and strategies for effective ministry. But it does offer something that in one sense is profoundly greater: a relational life preserver to lonely pastors treading water on the sea of life. Most pastors know how to throw a lifeline to others, but we rarely recognize when we're drowning ourselves. I heartily recommend Jimmy Dodd's book for what it is: a blueprint for gospel-centered, God-honoring, iron-sharpening relationships that are so essential to pastoral perseverance.
For Tim Challies' 2016 Reading Challenge, this was a book that I once started but never finished.
September 5, 2020
Really important book for pastors (or anyone) who wants to finish well. We all need a teacher, coach, mentor, friend, counselor, and boss.
November 7, 2016
Prepping to go the distance in ministry
This is a good reminder of the need for pastors to build into their lives the relationships that will help them thrive for the long haul in ministry.
This is a good reminder of the need for pastors to build into their lives the relationships that will help them thrive for the long haul in ministry.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews