Immeasurable

"In my first seminary class, we were asked to introduce ourselves and say why we enrolled. I'll never forget what one student said: 'My denomination wants me to have an M.Div. degree, but once they see I can grow a big church, I don't think they'll make me finish the program.'"

Not long ago, ministers were among the most trusted and admired people in our culture. Not anymore. A 2013 study from Gallop revealed that Americans' admiration for clergy has reached an all-time low, taken with the growing distrust of institutional religion overall, and it's understandable why ministers feel insecure about their calling.

In response to the declining esteem of ministry, some pastors have looked to emulate those who are praised by the culture--business leaders, entertainers, and social activists. This has led to a new understanding of what a minister should be. We've turned away from viewing our pastors as shepherds, and now expect them to be celebrities.

Immeasurable will help ministers recognize the cultural forces shaping their view of the calling, and then reimagine what faithful church leaders can look like in the twenty-first century. Through short essays and reflections on aspects of the pastor's soul or skills, the book will be an encouraging companion to those beginning to explore their calling to ministry, and it will help veteran pastors reframe their vision for their work.

Drawing on cultural dynamics, personal stories, and his own experience working in a church and with church leaders, Skye Jethani will address matters like ambition, anger, community, consumerism, fame, health, justice, platform, preaching, rest, simplicity, success, vision, and more.

There are endless resources to help pastors do the practical work of ministry, but there are far fewer that speak to the pastor's soul and spirit. Immeasurable provides affirmation and encouragement for church leaders faithfully serving God. It commends the true work of ministry--shepherding, teaching, encouraging--while redefining what we mean by success in ministry. It's a book church leaders can return to again and again for insight and inspiration.