Rhythms of Grace: Life-Saving Disciplines for Spiritual Leaders - Softcover

Williams BSC (Hons) PhD, Dr David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1594980403 ISBN 13: 9781594980404

Publisher: Barclay Press, 2017

Synopsis

There is no greater privilege in the Christian life than to serve as a spiritual leader within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a genuine crisis in the church today. Pastors and other spiritual leaders are leaving vocational ministry faster than we can replace them. This is due primarily to the crippling effects of burnout, a pastoral pathology resulting from a lethal combination of extraordinary job-related stress and woefully inadequate self-care. Most of us know someone experiencing burnout. They might be serving in your church right now, or more than likely, they may have recently left. They may be your friends; they may be part of your own family. So what is the cure? We find clues in the life of the prophet Elijah, in his practices of physical refreshment, spiritual renewal, and vocational realignment. And as you will see, when practiced on a regular basis these renewing rituals  or rhythms of grace prove to be life-saving disciplines for spiritual leaders.

About this title

Review:

"In Rhythms of Grace, author David Williams invites us to experience inward renewal by engaging three simple rhythms that are masked by the conflicting tempos of a polyrhythmic world. He draws from a rich array of personal experiences and the collective wisdom of many others to remind us of things we have forgotten and to inspire us to breathe afresh the life-giving grace of God."

Charles J. Conniry, Jr., PhD

Vice President and Dean, Portland Seminary at George Fox University

Author of Soaring in the Spirit: Rediscovering Mystery in the Christian Life

 

"Self-care is one of the most important, yet most neglected, aspects of a sustainable, enduring pastoral ministry. So often those who dedicate their lives shepherding others to healing and wholeness seem unsure of how to experience that same shalomin their own lives. Dave Williams' book is a spiritual roadmap for those who have lost their way. As a pastor of pastors, Dave communicates with a shepherd’s heart as he guides leaders back to the Good Shepherd. Biblically-grounded, theologically astute, and enormously practical – I consider this book a must for any pastor looking to sustain or regain those unforced rhythms of life-giving grace."

Derek Brown, Ph.D.

Professor of Pastoral Ministry, Barclay College

 

"Rhythms of Grace is a deeply personal and practical book. With raw honesty and humble transparency, David Williams offers realistic remedies for the deadly threats of burnout. To the weary, disillusioned and lonely, I pray that this book will encourage your soul in the profound way that it has refreshed mine."

Fil Anderson,

Executive Director, Journey Resources

Author of Running on Empty and Breaking the Rules

 

"Rhythms of Grace speaks to the exhaustion and burn-out that many (if not most) spiritual leaders experience sooner or later. Williams cites his own story of trying so hard and ending up exhausted, disillusioned and isolated. Then with the Old Testament prophet Elijah as a model, enormous research on the subject and his own pastor’s heart, he takes the role of a shepherd to the wounded. He gently leads toward rest, renewal and ministry realignment. Whether prevention or cure is needed, this is a helpful book for any Christian who feels stressed, overworked or severely criticized."

Charles Mylander,

former superintendent of Evangelical Friends Church-Southwest, former director of Evangelical Friends Mission,

co-author with Neil Anderson of Setting Your Church Free

About this edition

• Publisher: Barclay Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1594980403
• ISBN 13: 9781594980404
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 138