Steady Strength: Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion
Ebook
A flourishing pastoral heartbeat is possible—for those who are intentional.
Ministry in modern society presents a perpetual assault on the pastor’s soul. Culture has changed, and the challenges of ministry have changed with it. Many new pastors are discovering that they’re ill-equipped to manage unexpected, soul-health tensions of ministry. Some are walking away, and others are choosing to not enter the pastorate despite a sense of God’s calling.
Cary Schmidt shares a fresh approach to cultivating emotional health for a lifetime in ministry. Infuse your weary pastoral soul with renewed health, consistent joy, and true flourishing.
The heart of Steady Strength is to bring vitality and renewed passion to perplexed and weary servants. Schmidt explores how tensions on the modern pastor can be navigated in three compelling ways:
- Reckoning with the realities of an unusual call.
- Cultivating health in unique ways.
- Nurturing a robust, gospel-culture in ministry.
Far from a mournful, complaining manifesto of the negative burdens of the pastor’s life, this book is a celebration of the wonderful and joyful opportunity to shepherd God’s people. In this three-part book, Cary Schmidt unfolds a workable approach to sustained, joyful pastoral health.
“Every weary pastor I know will find fresh oil and godly practical wisdom in this book. If, like the apostle Paul, you intend to say ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,’ Cary Schmidt’s wise counsel will help you get there.”
—Bob Lepine, pastor, Redeemer Community Church of Little Rock; longtime cohost of FamilyLife Today
“In most every conference talk I’ve done in the last five years, I’ve ended with an encouragement to stand strong for the journey. We need more finishers in ministry leadership. I’m thankful for this book. It’s going to help us all with ‘steady strength.’”
—Ron Edmondson, pastor, author, podcaster
“What if your setback, the adversity and discouragement you’re facing, is God’s invitation for something better? Cary Schmidt reveals a path toward healing for your heart, your relationships, and your ministry. This book gives real hope!”
—Chris Fabry, author and Moody Radio host
“Steady Strength is soul food for any ministry servant. Cary invites us to examine ourselves for robotic habits that have crept into our lives, offering us biblical replacements for our mechanical inventions. The gospel has shaped both Cary and this book.”
—Francie Taylor, author and president of Keep the Heart
“In Steady Strength, Cary Schmidt calls those of us in ministry to a biblical and healthy definition of success. I found gems in every chapter!”
—Mark Hoover, Lead Pastor, NewSpring Church, Wichita, KS
“Beautifully blending story and principle, Cary has once again blessed us all with a read-worthy book. Steady Strength is refreshing, convicting, and sharpening and will prove to be a necessary resource for all Christian leaders.”
—Bryan Samms, River City Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
“Cary Schmidt always seems to know what I need when I need it. Like a timely vacation, this book refreshed and replenished me. Highly recommended.”
—Jeff Redlin, pastor, Campus Church, Pensacola, FL
“Cary is an experienced and trustworthy shepherd. The truths imprinted on these pages and applied to your life will serve to cultivate health for your soul and the congregation you serve. I invite you to join him on this journey!”
—Timothy R. Sisk, Professor of Intercultural Studies, Moody Bible Institute
“Pastoral wellness is a topic that’s been ignored for far too long. Cary Schmidt’s book represents an amazingly thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a healthy minister of the gospel. It should be on every pastor’s bookshelf.”
—Jonathan Hoover, Assistant Professor / Program Director, Regent University; Associate Pastor, NewSpring Church
“For many years, Cary has been a tremendous example and encouragement to me in this area of sustainable, healthy rhythms in life, marriage, and ministry. I’m thankful that he has taken the time to candidly share his heart, his struggles, and his growth in this book for our benefit. Steady Strength will give you biblical truths and practical tools to get back up and soar again in God’s slipstream.”
—Ryan Thompson, pastor, Liberty Baptist Church, Newport Beach, CA
“Resist the urge to plow through this handbook for spiritual health. Take your time. Sit with Cary on the sidewalk of life and allow these words to slowly fill you with courage, joy, and strength. I recommend this book to all my preacher friends and fellow disciples.”
—Josh Teis, pastor of Southern Hills Baptist Church, Las Vegas, NV
“As a pastor, I’ve experienced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual depletion in my life and ministry. Thus, I’m excited to see the work Cary has done in developing a three-step model to pastoral wellness in his book Steady Strength. I truly believe this model has great potential to help any spiritual leader who needs Steady Strength to avoid the drift toward depletion.”
—Eric Capaci, pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church; president, Champion Christian College
“Cary Schmidt symbolically puts his arm around your shoulder, sits down with you, and reminds anyone in pastoral ministry what you need for the journey of shepherding God’s people. It’s a page-turner that will comfort, counsel, and cheer you on for the work God has called you to. Each chapter is a must-read! You’ll no doubt, in the years to come, find yourself turning back through its pages and being encouraged again and again.”
—Morris Gleiser, evangelist, Rockwall, TX
“This book is a powerful tool that will equip pastors and spiritual leaders for their daily calling. Well-written and encouraging, Cary takes you chapter by chapter through a journey of discovering where true strength comes from.
—Josué Ortiz, pastor and church planter in Mexico City”
“If you have found yourself believing that ministry exhaustion is the norm, that running on fumes is a sign of spirituality, or that ministry success is determined by the size of the audience, Cary offers a more healthy, biblical alternative. Ministry leaders can find steady strength by learning there’s another way to be involved in gospel ministry.”
—J. Michael Lester, president, Veritas Baptist College
- Title: Steady Strength: Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion
- Author: Cary Schmidt
- Publisher: Moody Publishers
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780802473202, 9780802431615, 0802431615, 0802473202
- Resource ID: LLS:9780802473202
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-09-02T07:39:25Z