Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome

Every year thousands of Godrs"s servants leave the ministry convinced they are failures. Years ago, in the midst of a crisis of faith, Kent Hughes almost became one of them. But instead he and his wife Barbara turned to Godrs"s Word, determined to learn what God had to say about success and to evaluate their ministry from a biblical point of view.This book describes their journey and their liberation from the "success syndrome"-the misguided belief that success in ministry means increased numbers. In todayrs"s world it is easy to be seduced by the secular thinking that places a number on everything. But the authors teach that true success in ministry lies not in numbers but in several key areas: faithfulness, serving, loving, believing, prayer, holiness, and a Christlike attitude. Their thoughts will encourage readers who grapple with feelings of failure and lead them to a deeper, fuller understanding of success in Christian ministry.This book was originally published by Tyndale in 1987 and includes a new preface."One of the very best books I have read on the spirituality of pastoral ministry." Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia"I recommend that every pastor first read the Hughesrs"s book privately and then go over it with his lay leaders. Doing this will not be less than a milestone and might well be a watershed." J. I. Packer, Board of Governorsrs" Professor of Theology, Regent College"Born out of experience, based on the Word of God, and applied to real life, this book is just what weary and discouraged pastors and their wives need. And it wouldnrs"t hurt if critical church officers read it too! I highly recommend it." Warren W. Wiersbe, Retired General Director, Back to the Bible"With wisdom gained from their own struggles and long years of experience, Kent and Barbara Hughes spell out the principles that can set Godrs"s servants free from the yoke of unscriptural ideas." Vernon C. Grounds, Chancellor, Denver Seminary"Bless you, Kent and Barbara, for saying with clarity and boldness what thousands of pastors and pastorsrs" wives need to hear. Your call back to the basics in ministry will free many from the false demands of ls"successrs" and restore the proper measurements of achievement." Ray C. Stedman, Former Pastor, Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto, CA