The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times was written by Jonathan K. Dodson and published by The Good Book Company in 2022.
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The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times
This book has always been needed for pastors! However, with the arrival of COVID in 2020, the increased expectation for pastors to speak on every cultural issue of our day, and the constant onslaught of criticism via email and social media, this book is especially needed today. I am glad that Dodson wrote it.
This book consists of eight chapters and about 150 pages. It’s short enough for even the busy pastor to read through rather quickly. I think that Dodson’s book is sure to encourage pastors and to make them feel loved and kept by God for their ministry, no matter how difficult it may be. That is, in fact, Dodson’s aim in writing this book. He says that “this book is, in a sense, a long prayer. A flaming arrow shot into the darkness of trial, with the hope that every leader who reads it, and every pastor who engages with it, will feel seen and known, not merely by me but by their Father in heaven and the compassionate Savior at his right hand.”
I love that Dodson placed a summary at the end of each chapter. It’s a reminder to the reader of what was just taught, and it’s worth pondering over before moving on to the next chapter. There are real life examples that wonderfully illustrate how to apply what he’s teaching. I especially appreciated the material on dealing with criticism and taking the long view with people (treating people not from their sin forward but from glory backward). I was challenged by Dodson at times as I realized how prideful and unloving I can be toward those in the church.
I hope that pastors all over the world will pick up and read this wonderful book by Dodson. It is sure to help them lead the church with grace in divisive times. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to the Good Book Co. for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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