How can I edify others during life’s difficulties? How can I cope when I’m overwhelmed with the demands of helping others? Resilient Pastors is a book for anyone who asks these questions, particularly in the context of Christian discipleship and ministry. Justine Allain-Chapman’s thoughtful book draws upon the stories and themes of Christian theology and tradition, contemporary research into resilience, and the insights of psychology to help people make sense of the personal costs of pastoral care. This book is an important resource for pastors, written to help them recognize the dynamics of developing their own resilience, as well as enabling them to strengthen others.
If you like this resource be sure to check out New Library of Pastoral Care (10 vols.).
“The resilient take action that has positive consequences for their lives, such as finding mentors, entering the armed forces, finding a new or deeper faith, marrying healthy partners, or leaving a deviant group.” (Page 18)
“Change begins with self-awareness, of the difficulty being faced and the emotional pain of its impact. Good enough self-esteem is vital in order to be motivated to come through and control, and empowerment enables resilience to be built.” (Page 25)
“Resilient pastors are those who are able to feel and convey their sadness about a situation and show compassion” (Page 1)
“Christian theology and practice should take account of pain and struggle, but not glory in them” (Page 33)
“self-discipline during times of trauma can enable physical escape or psychological protection” (Page 29)