“The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1). Indeed, the church and the world alike need good pastors called by God for his glory. Those who respond to this call serve a special role in God’s kingdom. However, church leaders — particularly those in the United States — face a plethora of challenges. They too often do not receive the materials, appreciation, and encouragement they need. It can be difficult for pastors to consistently find ways to balance their church’s spiritual maturity along with their own individual walk with God, all while wrestling with an increasingly secular culture.
American Christians are incredibly blessed to be able to freely worship Jesus without fear of persecution. However, as Christianity has become more entrenched in American culture, the culture has had a significant impact on the church. Conservative Christians are putting their hope in politics without realizing they have committed idolatry, the church is struggling to address mental health crises, young people are deconstructing and leaving the church in droves, and differing views on social issues are dividing the people of God before the eyes of a watching world. How are pastors to respond?
Equipping Pastors for the Work of the Ministry: Encouraging & Preparing Church Leaders as They Contend for the Faith is a free ebook written by pastors for pastors. In it, church leaders are encouraged to:
- Maintain a kingdom posture when engaging in the political realm
- Respond wisely to questions regarding suffering and the problem of evil
- Humbly pursue unity in the Church
- Understand anxiety and depression from a biblical worldview
- Recognize and overcome pastoral burnout
Leading well entails being prepared and thoughtful while responding to contemporary issues facing the church. This ebook can serve as an invaluable resource for church leaders as they serve. While God has given pastors a unique calling and a special task, they are not alone. All followers of Jesus have a calling to help build up the body of Christ and to be a light. Even those not currently serving in church leadership roles can benefit from better equipping themselves as they contend for the faith. Our hope and prayer is that this content will help equip and encourage various church leaders as they proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to rising generations.
Click on the link to download the free ebook.