Being Holy, Being Human

by Jay Kesler

Publishers:

Christianity Today; Word

, 1988

Overview

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde had it easy …

… compared to the challenge facing pastors every day. There’s often a terrible tension between God’s call to holiness and our frail humanity. The Scriptures clearly state God’s call, and the Christian leader wants to obey. Parishioners expect their ministers to be models of godliness, too.

Yet pastors who are honest are also painfully aware of their shortcomings. But how can they admit their doubts and temptations without harming their ministries? In whom can they confide?

In Being Holy, Being Human, Jay Kesler draws on his years of experience as pastor, ministry leader, and Christian college president to provide answers. With the insight and helpful candor for which he is known, Kesler helps pastors to live with the tension creatively, to embrace God’s call while expressing and fully enjoying their humanity.

This is the thirteenth volume of THE LEADERSHIP LIBRARY, a continuing series from LEADERSHIP, the practical journal for church leaders published by Christianity Today, Inc. Other volumes in the series include Leaders, Making the Most of Mistakes and When to take a Risk.

Contents

Top Highlights

“A. W. Tozer pointed out that every Christian must learn to bear one of two pains, either the pain of double-mindedness or the pain of the crucified self. The pain of double-mindedness is like a toothache that lasts a lifetime. The pain is always there, filling you with resentment, anger, and envy. The pain of the crucified self, on the other hand, is a deep, terrible, surgical pain. But once it’s over, it’s over. It doesn’t make you cry out anymore. May God do that surgery in each of our lives.” (Page 36)

“In public settings, my first rule regarding transparency is that self-exposure must have a purpose.” (Page 45)

“My second personal rule of transparency is to point people to Christ, not myself.” (Page 46)

“As pastors, we must not only proclaim God’s grace, but also understand it as the only hope for any human being, including ourselves! Because we are human, our task is to experience and receive it. Grace is not only a topic for sermons; it’s also the key to authenticity, mental hygiene, and effective ministry.” (Page 23)

“We need to remember that faithfulness is not measured primarily by our highs but by our long. It’s our ability to remain faithful in the routines of life that proves our commitment.” (Page 95)

Product Details

• Title: Being Holy, Being Human
• Author: Jay Kesler
• Publisher: CTI
• Publication Date: 1988
• Pages: 182