Before You Quit -- When Ministry Is Not What You Thought

By Blaine Allen

Book Overview

"Are you about to throw in the towel on your ministry position? You're not alone People just like you pastors, church leaders, teachers, ministry staff are quitting in record numbers. What's a leader to do? How do you know if you're making the right decision? Someone is still on your side, and He would like you to review your call to ministry before making any final decisions. Blaine Allen is on your side, too. With a knack for helping others put tough times in proper perspective, Blaine provides the tools to help you review your expectations for ministry, evaluate the roots of your current dissatisfaction, and honestly assess your physical, emotional, and spiritual strength. It could be that it's time for a change. Just make sure you have the facts first and that you are really listening to God before you jump out of ministry."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825420121
• ISBN13: 9780825420122
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Kregel Academic & Professional
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.4" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Insight and Perspective

The author relies on personal experience, common ministry conflicts, and biblical examples to guide the reader in examining his or her reasons for leaving a ministry position. The central theme is that when a person is in right relationship with the Father, He will guide their steps, and whether they ultimately leave or stay, it will be in His will. The tone of the book is one of friendly advice, and it is applicable to people in various types of ministries.

Good Encouragement for Those Thinking About Quitting

In my humble opinion, Allen has written an excellent title for not only pastors and staff members, but also lay people who are considering giving up on involvement in church life. Granted, being involved in church is not always pleasant - who hasn't been hurt or offended by something that was done or said? While getting discouraged with church life is natural, obatining the power to endure and even thrive is supernatural. Among the points covered in the book include: 1. Sometimes we are guilty of misreading God's silence. 2. Take your cue from God instead of the crowd. 3. God knows the best way to get our attention! 4. Questions to ask yourself when it is time to move on. 5. When in trouble, remember that God is incapable of making mistakes. 6. The devil likes to maintain a low profile - he never leaves a calling card. 7. Prayer is the main weapon against the devil. 8. Not having proper rest, diet, and exercise can cause us to make stupid decisions. 9. Evaulate whether a new opportunity will enhance your relationship with the Lord. 10. Spiritual maturity is characterized by the ability to respond properly to what happens to us. Allen also peppers the book with humurous anecdotes to help lighten what is a very serious subject. All in all, an excellent and highly recommended read. Read and be encouraged in the Lord!