The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your Church in a Rapidly Changing World

In the wake of crises that have accelerated and revealed massive cultural changes that have been underway for years, we see more clearly than ever the seismic shifts of Christianity and culture. We are experiencing the surge of a new pluralism, a new paganism, and a new individualism, leaving us with a messy aftermath and conflicting attitudes toward faith. All of this leads us to ask:
How can pastors remain faithful to their call and resilient in the storm?
Drawing on new research from the Barna Group, pastor and theologian Glenn Packiam reflects on wisdom from Scripture and church history to address your most pressing questions about how to lead in these times, including What is a pastor's calling and vocation? How do church leaders cultivate a deeper life with God? How do pastors develop meaningful relationships? How do church leaders restore their credibility in a disillusioned world? Why does the church gather in worship? Does it still matter if we do? How do we actually make disciples amid competing voices? How can we face the challenges to unity presented by nationalism and racism? What is the church's mission in the world? How do we welcome the presence and power of God in our churches?
This book is for all who are burdened by the challenges facing the church and the turbulence of our times. With theological insight, infographics and enlightening data, and reflections from other ministry leaders like Ruth Haley Barton, Derwin Gray, Bishop Todd Hunter, and more, this book is the perfect resource for church leaders who want to cultivate resilience in their ministry today.
’If there's anything pastors and church leaders need in these bewildering days, it's resilience. In this volume, respected pastor Glenn Packiam shows us the way to resilience in every aspect of life and ministry. If you feel embattled or discouraged or exhausted, you will find words of hope in this book.’
Dr. Russell Moore, director of the Public Theology Project at Christianity Today
’At peak moments of crisis, rays of light tend to come and break through the darkness. Now is such a moment of crisis for many pastors and ministers, and The Resilient Pastor is a ray of light, illuminating a healthier and more fruitful way forward for those called to lead and love in Jesus's name.’
Mark Sayers, senior leader at Red Church, Melbourne, Australia, and author of a number of books, including Facing Leviathan and Reappearing Church
‘All pastors need a trusted guide to lead us into an unknown future, and Glenn Packiam has earned the right to be that trusted guide. Glenn is a pastor, an academic, and an artist, and perhaps most importantly, Glenn has displayed phenomenal resilience in his own ministry. Because of Glenn's rare skill and experience, he has forged a helpful path for us in The Resilient Pastor. I commend this book to any pastor looking for a hopeful way forward.’
Steve Cuss, pastor and author of Managing Leadership Anxiety
’For many of us pastors, the last few years we've grown profoundly weary in doing good. Dr. Glenn Packiam reframes the resiliency required to address the right challenges and seize the right opportunities so that we can prepare our hearts and minds for the redemptive potential before us.’
Steve Carter, pastor, podcaster, and author of The Thing Beneath the Thing