Instant Library

I got a call out of the blue yesterday from a local pastor who resigned a few weeks ago and is now moving out of town. He asked that I come by his old office because he had a few things for me. All he told me was to bring a box. I did, but it sure wasn’t big enough. He loaded me up on tons of pastoral books from his library that he didn’t have room for anymore. I am blown away sometimes at how God provides. I absolutely love to read and this is a real blessing to now have tons of research and sermon books and resources. I hate to see him leave, but church politics left him with no choice. It makes me sick to see how pastors are treated, especially at this particular church since it was the one I grew up in. After seeing the inner workings of many churches over the years, I can understand why the following statistics from focus of the family occur

  • 1500 pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches
  • 70% of pastors consistently fight depression and do not have a close friend or confidant
  • 80% of pastors and 84% of pastors wives are discouraged with the ministry

Statistics like these make me even more determined to be a part of a church that is dangerous and different. A church where people are challenged to actually live by what the Bible teaches. And it also makes me realize that as leaders in a church, we have a tough job ahead of us, and it doesn’t always turn out the way we plan. But I am thankful for the advice over the past year and now the gift of so many books to help me as I start full-time in the ministry. Thanks Pastor Strickland and we wish you all of God’s blessings as you continue your ministry.

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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