The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times

by Jonathan K. Dodson, Dane C. Ortlund (Foreword)

Help for pastors and ministry leaders to guide churches through divisions and to experience renewal in the heartache of ministry.

Leadership is hard. Pastoring through divisive times is even harder. How do we lead well when criticized? How do we keep loving the church when hurt by her? What does it look like to remain committed to the gospel in cultural division?

Seasoned pastor Jonathan Dodson comes alongside struggling pastors and ministry leaders to guide them into the comfort of Christ. But he doesn’t stop there. Full of wisdom drawn from 2 Timothy, this book will equip you to lead the church with grace, charity and spiritual power through divisive times.

Great for pastors and ministry leaders who need encouragement and insight, or are wrestling with their calling. Makes a thoughtful gift.

Genres: Leadership, Church

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

About the author

Jonathan K. Dodson (M.Div, Th.M) is happy husband to Robie, and proud father to Owen, Ellie & Rosamund. He is the lead pastor of City Life Church and a leader in PlantR and Gospel Centered Discipleship.com. Jonathan is also author of Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Raised? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection and The Unbelievable Gospel: Say Something Worth Believing (September, 2014). He enjoys listening to M. Ward, smoking his pipe, watching sci-fi, and following Jesus.

Reviews

[Wes Van Fleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next to my desk I have a small stack of books. These typically aren't the most popular books or the "best" books. The books that remain next to my desk are a few chosen friends that I read and reread. In a sense, they are friends that have shaped me and continue to have a voice when all the other voices around me become too loud.

Recently I added a friend to this stack. That new friend is Jonathan Dodson's The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times. Not only did this book become a friend, it truly kept pointing my eyes to the Friend above all friends (John 15:13), the Lord Jesus Christ. What follows is a review, and I believe this book will be helpful for all pastors, but much of what I have written is personal and may not apply to all.

A Little Backstory

The church I pastor is wonderful. I don't say that because I have to. I sincerely mean it. After all the cultural, political, and virus upheaval that 2020-2021 caused, our church stayed unified around the gospel (Phil. 1:27). However, I have been a pastor for over a decade now and it's inevitable to lose friends, hurt people, be hurt by people, and sometimes accumulate years of confusion, sorrow, and anxiety. For some reason, 2020-2021 caused a lot of these things to pile up and hurt in a way I wasn't prepared for. I began asking myself, "Can I continue pastoring for the rest of my life? Should I even be a pastor? What would it be like to just be a member at our church and not be involved in every little thing?" The questions and feelings kept piling up. A lot of these questions inside me led to shame and guilt because what kind of person shepherds Jesus' people and also wants to avoid his people? Like we do with most shame and guilt, I shamed and guilted myself for such feelings.

MEETING A NEW FRIEND

The day Jonathan Dodson's book came in the mail, I had an uneasy feeling. I was uneasy because I had a feeling that the book may cause me to look at some of my current feelings and circumstances in a way that I would have to process more deeply. I almost put the book away for another time but decided to open in up. The structure of the book was immediately like I was sitting with a friend who loved me enough to tell me, "I love you and understand..," while also saying, "...but I also need to correct some things." This made the book one of those rare gems that you know you need to put it down and process but you also want to continue the depth of the discussion.

The Unwavering Pastor is a mix of a couple really necessary things: First, it's an exposition of 2 Timothy, a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to his timid son in the faith, Timothy. Second, the book has a helpful thread of Jonathan's own experiences, sorrows, and victories. Third, there are questions that made me face some of the things I felt deep down inside me, but in a way I had to process them.

The 8 chapters are faithful in their exegesis of 2 Timothy, while also extremely helpful in assessing the divisive times we live in and the unique challenges to pastors. There were numerous times where I found myself shaking my head in agreement, and others where I was angry that pastors are often mistreated. Yet, the inescapable reality is that there is only one Shepherd who ever shepherded without sin. Dodson leads readers to the Good Shepherd to heal our wounds, forgive our sins, and find the Friend we all long to be with. The tears that poured were evidence of the Shepherd's kindness and faithfulness.

Every chapter is great and beneficial, but one particularly stood out to me. The chapter titled Redeeming Pain became a timely balm and comfort to me. The current cultural narrative highlights abusive pastors and all the immorality in Christ's body. I'm so thankful for this things being exposed but, if we are honest, its led to a lot of faithful pastors enduring a lot of hurt and pain causing them to leave the ministry. My default in these times is to not defend myself but to suppress it and let people air their grievances. What Dodson helps is leading readers to confront our pain, honor the broken pieces, entrust our pain to Jesus, and expect pain because we are not above our Master (Matt. 10:24).

When we can be honest about our pain with the Suffering Servant, we find a Friend who cares for us and gladly takes our anxieties (1 Pet. 5:7). What this new friend of mine did was remind me of King Jesus over and over, particularly his heart for pastors and his church in the midst of the mess. Dodson helped me fix my eyes on Jesus in a way that helped me to wonder at grace again, while trusting the Spirit to be the Helper as I shepherd his people at our little church. My wounds are still tender, my heart often hurts, and I am still asking questions. In his kindness though, Jonathan has written a book that may just be another friend that the Friend himself uses to keep me shepherding. All shepherds need to be shepherded by the Good Shepherd. Our call is to lead them into the presence of the one we ourselves our being shepherded by.

To close, buy this book. Give this book to your fellow pastors/elders. Buy this book as a gift for your pastors. Let me leave you with my favorite quote from The Unwavering Pastor: "Until then, corral his sheep toward the door of life. Guide his people through dirt and ash into soft, verdant pastures. And remember, Christ is their crystal spring, not your perfectly crafted sermon. Jesus is their fresh pasture, not your warm pastoral presence. The Son of God is their Savior, not our strategies. Jesus, alone, imparts abundant life. So, look to Christ. Hope in Christ. Preach Christ. Rest in Christ. Jesus Christ is the only leader who will never let his people down. Be ok with that. Be thrilled with that. His power and grace are unrivaled. Endure with Christ. The war is worth it" (Dodson, pg., 131-132).

[Clara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I attended Jonathan's church (which is now closed) and have read this book and am here to tell you that a lot of what is represented in this book is inaccurate and unfairly depicted. While it is true that Jonathan had conflict over the years as illustrated in the book, his way of dealing with it was to try to prove himself right instead of caring and listening to who was in front of him. The only thing he unwavered in was his own point of view. Those who left the church that are depicted in these stories tried to leave as quietly and respectfully as they could, and in return, details of their experience have been used here without their consent. If you are looking to take pastoral advice from this book, I would caution against it.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just the book I needed. Just the best book for pastors having gone through the last few years. A friend of mine said this book is Gentle and Lowly for pastors. And that is spot on! A sweet brisk cold drink of water for a pastor who is at his wits end. So good!

[Alli · Rating 1 out of 5]

The arrogant tone of the book was enough for me. The way he makes himself a victim to church members sharing their hurts or critiques is true from my personal experience at his church, but certainly is not an example to follow. This book reads as if Jonathan knows all and has the highest authority in every interpersonal conflict, which common sense alone tells me cannot be the case.

[Paul Tautges · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tender, biblical, convicting, and hope-filled balm to my pastoral soul. If you are a church leader, I recommend you read this. If you are a church member who is committed to honoring and loving your Christ-loving leaders. I also recommend you read it. This is courageous applied theology; i.e., biblical wisdom that will strengthen leaders and bless churches.

[Benjamin Davenport · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book with some good advice. Some odd choices on material to cover. For example, the chapter on preaching devotes a fair amount of space to QAnon and CRT.

I was under the impression that this would be a theologically conservative Protestant book but at one point, the author favorably quotes Pope Francis. He identifies people flying the rainbow flag on their social media accounts as “Christians”. He suggests that “whether we agree or disagree with a person or group, we should affirm their desire for representation and grant them the dignity to hold whatever they believe true.” He defines “homophobia” as an injustice. He writes to female “pastors” on page 65. He favorably quotes Eugene Peterson telling someone to “read less Bible”. In one chapter, he writes “preaching alone is inadequate”. To be fair, a few of these quotes, in context, are not as bad as they may sound here, but the overall "flavor" of the book is concerning. In this vein, there is some therapeutic nonsense mingled with good Biblical advice. Vulnerable pastors should beware.

The tone of the book is very soft, gentle, and therapeutic, with very little bold exhortation calling pastors to repent of sinful attitudes—something likely needed by many pastors to whom this particular sort of content would appeal. Pastors are sinners too, and we don’t just need empathy, we need to be confronted and challenged.

I appreciate the emphasis on a need to rely on Christ, and there is much good advice to be commended and followed. Prayer and other spiritual disciplines are encouraged. Notwithstanding my earlier concerns, nothing here smacks of heresy; only imbalance and an almost pandering desire to be heard by “both sides” of the political spectrum and of liberal and conservative Christianity.

Sadly, as often seems to happen with this type of book, the situation described is distanced from the reality experienced by most pastors of conservative churches. Based on the content, this book seems to be written from the perspective of a pastor in a multi-staff setting, writing and preaching at most only one sermon per week, with time for watching Netflix and movies and writing books, who has received multiple sabbaticals, whose church appears to have amply accommodated for an experience of burnout, etc. Of course, there is nothing wrong with these things - it is great that he has been well cared for and has time for all this; but, as a solo pastor with little to no margin of time, it is difficult to relate and could be rather discouraging to pastors on the verge of burnout who are not cared for so well.

In conclusion, this book is good, and perhaps a worthwhile read for a discerning pastor, but there is definitely some gristle to spit out, and it appeals more to feelings and mindset than to giving practical advice for an overwhelmed or discouraged pastor.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm thankful for little books like this that serve as a recalibration system into the calling and work of pastoral ministry. Jonathan interacts with the Apostle Paul's second letter to Timothy as the basis for shaping an "unwavering" pastoral life and ministry. By deftly navigating through the potholes and landmines of this cultural moment, Dodson points us straight to Christ, and straight to his power in the Spirit for enduring, faithful, effective ministry.

If you are a pastor, you should read this book. If you are not a pastor, this book will help you understand, pray for, and encourage your pastor in the ministry they have been called to. Regardless it is well worth the read with prayer and reflection.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a difficult season for pastors and ministry leaders. Where can you find encouragement in Christ? In The Unwavering Pastor, Jonathan K. Dodson writes on leading the church in grace in divisive times.

Practical Help with Meaningful Encouragement

Over 8 chapters, Dodson gives encouragement on difficult challenges in the church. People who question Christianity, being wounded by divisive words, and living in the age of self, are some of his concerns. He offers practical help for pastors and gives meaningful encouragement for ministry leaders.

In a particularly helpful section on navigating divided times, Dodson calls us to turn our memories into prayers. This is something I had never considered before. Prayer also relates to pastors in regards to preaching the Word. While we are quick to apply the Bible to others, we must also allow it to change our own hearts. Prayer is the direct line of communication. And after preaching, the remaining work of the pastor is to “pray the Word into people.”

Relational Issues and Our Calling as Christians

Dodson shares many personal real-life experiences to show you what he means. It helped me see how his points can be put into practice. What impacted me the most was Dodson’s focus on relational issues – specifically those of people leaving the church. And while Dodson speaks of pastoral difficulties, he reminds us to enjoy the good gifts of God. Friendships, encouragement, and our pursuit of the crown of righteousness are starters.

Dodson reminds pastors and leaders that we are slaves to Christ. In suffering, sorrow, or injury – we entrust our pain to Jesus. In America, it’s easy to forget that persecution happens all over the world. We are slaves of Christ before we are “strategic leaders, pastor-theologians, or content-creators.” It’s a sobering but freeing reality to remember our calling as Christians.

Steadfast with Strength and Endurance

At less than 150 pages, this is a short and refreshing book. Give it as a gift to your pastor. Read it for your own refreshment. Fortify your soul with the truth of God’s Word, and find yourself ready to run, steadfast with strength and endurance.

I received a media copy of The Unwavering Pastor and this is my honest review.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I'm not a pastor, I still found this book refreshing. Jonathan K. Dodson is emotionally honest about the challenges that he has faced while leading his church in recent years, and he addresses a number of different common issues that pastors have been dealing with due to the pandemic and political upheaval. The truth is that any Christian who has struggled with relational distress because of societal tension can find this helpful, as Dodson shares spiritual wisdom and practical advice for how to respond graciously to people you are having conflict with or receiving criticism from. He also shares anonymous stories from his own ministry, and they are so realistic and relatable.

One of the things I like best about this book is that Dodson never took a political side. A lot of the time, when I see Christian leaders decrying political division in the church, they're really only interested in criticizing the people who disagree with them, cherry-picking examples to craft a narrative about the horrors of right-wing or left-wing ideologies. I've gotten to the point where I'm very skeptical about anyone claiming to speak about this issue, but Dodson gave examples from both sides. He wrote about the woman who ignored the meaning of his sermons to nitpick individual words that didn't mesh with her progressive political agenda, and about the man who claimed that people were using masks as a magical amulet to wish away harm. I found this balance very refreshing.

Dodson writes with a genuine sense of reliance on God, showing how he is able to persevere in ministry because of his relationship with Christ, not just the helpful strategies he shares. He also concludes each chapter with a short list of helpful reminders related to each chapter's theme. I highly recommend this book to pastors who are burned out, struggling with their mental or emotional health, or unsure how to handle competing political demands in their congregation. However, this will also be a great encouragement to pastors who aren't struggling now, but may be in the future, as well as laypeople who will benefit from Dodson's wisdom and better understand the challenges their pastors face.

Note: I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unwavering Pastor is the latest book by author and theologian, Jonathan Dodson. One of the reasons I picked up his book is because prior to and and at the time of its writing, Jonathan was a pastor local to where I live. While I don't endeavor to be a pastor, I wanted to support a local one and felt that as a lay person, there is much I can learn from one.

In The Unwavering Pastor, Jonathan vulnerably shares many instances in which pastoring became increasingly difficult due to the time in which we live. Although the book's title includes the word pastor, there were moments in the book where Johnathan also addressed ministry leaders making this a really helpful read for all who serve in ministry. There were so many wise quips that really encouraged me.

Ministry is a joy but it is often discouraging too. The Unwavering Pastor puts the wind back in its readers sails by encouraging them to not grow weary in doing good. It provided such timely and necessary reminders including being patient with people and that serving in ministry is playing the long game. Of particular fascination to me were the instances Jonathan recalled from pastoring during the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt that reading about his experiences gave validation to my own for the ways that my husband and I, like so many others, struggled in ministry during that season.

In serving the local church, it is always encouraging to know that you aren't alone. On this note, I appreciated Jonathan's reminder that even when ministry feels lonely, we are never alone because Jesus is a friend who is always near. If you serve your local church in capacity, you will find much joy and encouragement in The Unwavering Pastor and I highly recommend it.

I received The Unwavering Pastor compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

[Tomsugi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Dodson writes out of personal experience and pastoral pain: “Leading the church means living close enough to others to get hurt” (22). He shares about betrayal, members leaving the church, the conflicts of our age, and difficult subjects like Covid masks and LGBTQ+ issues, CRT and QAnon. Dodson shares his story openly and communicates with passion. He knows the trials of ministry which cause a man to waver, but also the glorious hope and strength in his Savior, Jesus Christ. This book is a helpful conversation piece for both pastors and churches who love their pastors.

Dodson loosely follows Paul’s wise instruction in his second letter to Timothy. I am grateful for his repeated focus on the priority of prayer and our faith in the gospel’s power (chs. 1, 7). He upholds the effectiveness of biblical preaching (ch. 6), but also about how speaking pastorally is just as important as what we say (38). He also helped me to think more carefully about the impact of emotivism and hyper-individualism in society (ch. 5). I appreciate his poignant insights about the art of kintsugi (56) and walking people all the way around the barn (74). And remember, “You can finish but never quit” (129).

One drawback is that some of the illustrations will only be applicable for the present day and may phase out ten years from now. The book itself was also organized more as a prayer than as a structured argument. So it times, it felt like too many thoughts were being squeezed into the same chapter. I recommend reading this book more devotionally or for discussion with other Christian leaders. Each section concludes with a helpful bullet point review.


* The Good Book Company has provided a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Luke Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

There a few books I’ve devoured in nearly a single sitting on the theme of pastoring, this is one, and it will be revisited. The biblical teaching and insight from 2 Timothy is compelling, and authors vulnerability and openness makes it “come home”. Simple is often best, and this proves that truth. So many of his personal examples resonated, as I’m sure they would with many in vocational ministry. This should be a must read for any leader in the church.

[Bradley Somers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book is full of great nuggets of truth and humble encouragement for tired pastors/leaders. Chapter 6 “preach the word” was gold for me. The only reason I am not giving this book a higher rating is the layout was kinda clunky and often felt forced or disconnected. If you are reading through 2Timothy as a realignment to your heart for ministry- this book is an excellent companion.

[Adam Kareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and to the point book about how to be unwavering in pastoring during tough times. Dodson uses his personal journey through brokenness to help pastors process what it looks like to lead a church with faith and conviction and how ministry involves being in community- for good and bad.

[Ian Rees · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Paul's second letter to Timothy as a framework Dodson looks at the challenges that face pastors and how to meet them. He reveals at the end that he had gone through a time when he was out of energy and unable to minister.

[Scott Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan’s book is an encouragement and source of strength for pastors. I heard JD speak in person and then enjoyed what he wrote in this book. It’s based on the Apostle Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy in the Bible. Filled with truth, honesty, and encouragement.

[Ryan Fregoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book overall. This is written for the pastor who is close to burnout, or has contemplated “giving up.” So, there’s a specific audience for this book. Praise be to God, I didn’t “need” this book, but it is a good book for those who would.

[Kevin Figgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan is a pastor to pastors. Every pastor should read this book.

[Gordon Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an overpopulated field this book manages to stand out by offering some genuine insight. It is challenging and encouraging.

[Ryan Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for Pastors!

[Wassenario · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this very encouraging in a couple of real life things I was going through. Appreciated the practicality

[Billy Glosson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balm to my soul. Thank you Jonathan Dodson for leading me to water. The timeliness of this book cannot be overstated. A must read for pastors.

[nate]

As a pastor who sometimes wavers, I was very encouraged by this book. Dodson writes with clarity, charity and a surprising vulnerability.

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a timely book. Dodson hits many of the tensions squarely as he captures the emotional, spiritual, and mental weight that so many ministry leaders are carrying. Definitely a book worth recommending and returning to.

[Othym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I found this book to be a helpful encouragement. Jonathan Dodson is honest about the realities of pastoral ministry. He shares about the struggles and hope in Christ. In Jonathan’s work, I found great encouragement.