Book Review – 5 Ministry Killers by Dr. Charles Stone
What if you could give a pastor truth serum and ask him what ministry is really like? Behind the plastered-on smile and steady handshake are often men of God who struggle with depression, burnout, disappointment, and sin.
And yet, God continues to call ordinary men to the most extraordinary position as shepherd of God’s people. As a young and learning pastor myself, I’m humbled by the opportunity to stand in God’s place and speak the Word to His people. What a holy, humble, and high calling.
One of my good friends in ministry, Dr. Charles Stone, has written a powerful new book, 5 Ministry Killers. Charles rips the mask off of the ministry and reveals the heart of what it is like to be a pastor, going in depth into five areas that rob the joy and steal the fruit of a pastor’s ministry.
Stone compiles research from respected evangelical polling centers such as Lifeway Research, Barna, and Christianity Today. He combs through the research and layers it with his own personal experience—20 plus years in the ministry.
Rarely have I read a pastor so willingly vulnerable, eager to share his struggles and how God has carried him through.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At time the research arrested my attention. Other times I was forced to close the book and reflect and pray over my own flawed motivations. And the entire time I was challenged and strengthened by the book’s humble wisdom.
I highly recommend 5 Ministry Killers to any pastor, whether you’re like me and you’ve been in the pulpit only 2 years or you’re a grizzled veteran of church life. And you don’t have to be a pastor to benefit. I highly recommend church boards and key lay leadership read 5 Ministry Killers.
Kudos to my friend, Dr. Charles Stone, for a well-written, well-researched, and well-lived book.
Note: Click here to read a Friday Five interview with Dr. Stone that will officially post on June 18th.
Daniel, thanks for such a kind review. Charles
Dan
Yes, the challenge is great.
‘Behind the plastered-on smile and steady handshake are often men of God who struggle with depression, burnout, disappointment, and sin.”
Is it possible the reason “Burnout” is such a problem
for **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader” is they have found themselves
with a “Title” and “Position” NOT found in the Bible?
Did anyone have the “Title” “pastor” in the Bible?
Was anyone ordained a “pastor” in the Bible?
Were any congregations “led” by a “pastor” in the Bible?
And every “pastor” I’ve met also had the “Title” “Reverend.”
Does anyone have the “Title” Reverend in the Bible?
Does anyone have the “Title” and “Position” – “Pastor/Leader” – in the Bible?
Jesus taught “His Disciples” NOT to be called “Master/Leader”
For you have “ONE” “Master/Leader” The Christ. Mat 23:8-10 KJV
Ezekiel 14:1-7, speaks about “Idols of the Heart,”
and now God will speak to us according to the “Idols of our Heart.”
Has that “Title” “Pastor/Leader” become an “Idol?”
In my experience…
Titles become Idols.
Pastors become Masters.
Heavy weights on shoulders NOT easy to lay down.
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:
them also I must bring, and they shall “hear my voice;”
and there shall be “ONE” fold, and “ONE” shepherd.
John 10:16
One Fold – One Shepherd – One Voice.
If Not Now, When?
Be blessed in your search for Truth… Jesus.
A. Amos,
Actually, the pastor/teacher gifting is clearly spelled out in the Scriptures. Now, you’re right in the sense that this shouldn’t be a dicatorial, abusive style of leadership. It should model the firm, yet gentle shepherding of Jesus. We don’t lead “as the Gentiles lead,” we lead with grace.
Dan
Thanks for the response.
You write…
“the pastor/teacher gifting is clearly spelled out in the Scriptures.”
Yes it is. And it seems there has been a lot added to what the scripture clearly says.
The “word” pastor/shephered/teacher, and what they do, is in the Bible, Eph 4:11-12.
BUT, most of what a Paid, Professional, Pastor does **Today** is NOT in the Bible.
And NO ONE in the Bible had the “Title” or “Position” of “Pastor/Leader.” Yes?
Can you name **one** person, in the Bible, who was called “Pastor/Leader?”
Can you name **one** congregation, in the Bible, “Led” by a Pastor?
I have seen the dangers of “Titles,” and “Position” of **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader.”
“Spiritual Abuse” for both the “leader” and those “being led.”
IMO – The “Title” “Pastor/Leader” is very, very, dangerous for both.
In my experience…
No matter how loving, eventually…
No matter how humble, eventually…
No matter how much of a servant, eventually…
Pastor/Leader = exercise authority = lord it over = abuse = always
I’m not not new to “ministering healing” to those who have been “Abused”
by those who took the “Title” and “Position”- “Pastor/Leader.”
Folks who’ve been **burnt,** ** burnt out,** ** kicked out,**
and **crawled out** of “the religious system” most call “church.”
with it’s leaders, submission to authority, tithes and offerings,
and other unbiblical “heavy weights” put on folks shoulders.
I also spend time with pastors,
“so called leaders,” who can’t do it anymore.
Trying to please the denominational leaders,
the congregation and it’s leaders, his family,
and of course Jesus.
Who is often relegated to last place. Hmmm?
Searving so many masters, that’s tough; Yes?
Preaching every week… and it better be good, being the CEO,
the team leader, councilor, marrying, burying, smiley face. etc. etc.
If **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader.” (as we see them today) are of God?
He’s not taking very good care of His gift to us, “pastor/teacher”; Is He?
This is info from a websites helping burned out Pastors.
http://pastoralcareinc.com/WhyPastoralCare/Statistics.php
• 77% say they do “not” have a good marriage.
• 71% have felt burned out or depressed.
• 70% do not have someone they consider a close friend.
• 38% are divorced or seriously considering divorce.
• Over 1600 pastors in the U.S. are forced out of their positions each month.
http://www.pastorcare.org/PastorCare/Healing___Health.html
# 80% of pastors’ spouses wish they would choose a different profession.
# 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families.
…………..Many pastor’s children do not attend church now
……………because of what the church has done to their parents.
# 33% state that being in the ministry is an outright hazard to their family.
This is serious business. Yes?
Think there might be a problem with **Today’s** “Pastor/Leader?”
What is popular is not always “Truth.”
What is “Truth” is not always popular.
Peace…
P.S. Is there someway to receive additional comments automatically?