Working from a Place of Rest

by Tony Horsfall

Exhaustion, burnout, tiredness, even breakdown... sadly, such conditions are all too common these days, not least among those involved in some kind of Christian ministry, whether full-time, part-time or voluntary. In striving to do our utmost for God, we can easily forget that there were many times when Jesus himself was willing to rest, to do nothing except wait for the Spirit's prompting, so that he demonstrated the vital principle of 'working from a place of rest'. Drawing on extensive experience of training and mentoring across the world, Tony Horsfall reflects on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman to draw out practical guidance for sustainable Christian life and work. As he 'Come and sit by the well for a while. Take some time out to reflect on how you are living and working. Watch Jesus and see how he does it. Listen to what the Spirit may be saying to you deep within, at the centre of your being; and maybe, just maybe, God will give you some insights that will change your life and sustain your ministry over the long haul.'

Genres: Christian, Theology, Spirituality, Leadership, Christian Living

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 22, 2010

Reviews

[Kenny Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful wee book: how to do ministry for the long-term, humbly, dependent on the Spirit and responsively to Him rather than in our own efforts. I particularly liked the chapters on the stages of the Christian life, rest, and evangelism.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really helpful the first time we read it - about not working/doing life from a place of "do" but of rest in God. I have just re-read the book this summer and carrying on reflecting on it. Well worth a read as are any of his books in my view.

[Andrea Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

BRF 2010
This book is written for people who are serving in Christian ministry, who are perhaps starting to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or are heading for burnout.
The first part of the book develops the metaphor of life as a journey, using the life of Jesus as an example. He explores the journeys of discipleship, inner transformation and the stages of life as we age. He provides some reflection questions to aid engagement with the material in the book.
The middle part of the book discusses reasons people become tired and worn out, and looks at the concept of creating margin in different areas of life. He then provides permission from the Bible to stop and rest, keep sabbath, and emphasises the importance of play. He reminds us that everything does not depend on us. We need to say “no” to make time for our true “yes”.
He then addresses the deeper motivations for over-work, when we have something to prove, and encourages the reader to move to centring their worth in God, so work can be an overflow of love, not a way to gain love.
Finally, he writes about developing spiritual practices, which encourage us to recognise our dependence on God. This leads to a discussion of contemplative activists, whom he describes as people who “work just as hard as anyone else, yet they do so in a way that expresses their dependency on God and takes account of their own humanity.”
There is a lot of practical wisdom to be found in these pages. I read this book when I felt overwhelmed, and it certainly pointed me on a journey which has proved to have many layers to it! I recommend it for any Christian who is doing too much!

[Gary Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horsfall presents some really helpful ideas which are obviously a culmination of many years of thought, study and teaching. His questions at the end of the sections are helpful and present good opportunity for reflection. I am unused to reading his narrative style so at times I feel I perhaps missed some of his points early in the chapter as typically his high point comes at the end of the chapter. Apart from some exegetical questions that were raised the material was of benefit to ministry.

[Peter Dray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent extended meditation on Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4, and the implications for Christian ministry (especially those in full time set aside Christian ministry). Many of the practical outworkings are similar to those you might read elsewhere, but the emphasis here is refreshing, convicting and hopeful, all at the same time.

[Pauline Bicknell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Took a long time going nowhere. The inside didn't meet the expectation I had from reading the back cover

[Joy Conkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging book which made me rethink what it really means to know Jesus and walk with Him daily, doing His will.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book with lots of profound, wise and achievable advice.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book. Short, easy to read, but filled with a lot of life and ministry changing content. It's ostensibly about not being too busy, and is focused on people in ministry (abroad or at home), but I think the principles are more broadly applicable to any Christian. I think the most challenging realization from the book was that if we don't have margin in our lives (a gap between our load and our limit) then we'll miss the doors that God is opening and be unable to meet the needs of those around us. Definitely a challenging and worthwhile read.

[Michelle]

Rec. by Pat Roseman, sounds like it has some important insights

[Donna Dorrington]

a good read and uplifting. it's reasuring to know that while we rest god can be working on us ( I pick this up in the book).