Steady Strength: Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion

by Cary Schmidt

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

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.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

Cary Schmidt is the senior pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Newington, Connecticut.

Reviews

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared towards pastors but anyone who minsters or is involved with people or church ministries can benefit from this book. It looks at the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of one whom shepherds and cares for others.

It’s a call to keep on serving and loving and taking care of yourself regardless of our culture and modern demands. Schmidt gives examples from his own life of ministry and lessons he has learned of what to do before depletion.

Thank you Moody for my copy.

*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*⁣
💬𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/

[Brent Loveless · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book given by one who has a pastor's heart. Good reminder that we can only minister to others when we have been ministered to by Christ.

[Joel Rockey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely excellent! Steady Strength: Reversing Ministry's Dangerous Drift Toward Depletion was a given to me by a friend, and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Pastor Cary Schmidt, who has been an influence in my life for over a decade, delivers soul-nourishing wisdom in this book. For pastors feeling the weight of their ministry, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on a retreat. Similar to Cordeiro’s Leading on Empty (but less practical) and Murray’s Reset (but less theological, thorough, and practical). Nevertheless, there is much helpful wisdom in this book.

[Ashley McNeese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this and I have to say unequivocally that it’s his best book yet!

It feels special to read something new from an author whose work I’ve been blessed by for the last two decades. The growth and experience in his writing is evident, but the same warmth and humor that drew me in as a teenager is still there too. This book is so helpful, rooted in both scriptural truth and the reality that is ministry life in 2023. If you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or just a believer trying to navigate a life of service to Christ, you need this book.

I’ve grown weary in recent days of people who act like they have everything figured out. Pastor Schmidt finds the balance here of sharing hard-won wisdom and life lessons while still acknowledging his own continued, imperfect progress in these areas. “A growing Christian,” indeed. ❤️

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ministry/ Pastoral ministry is a calling; however, it can be difficult and draining. While there are numerous resources that Pastors can examine, there is still a great need for Pastoral care and encouragement. In Steady Strength, Cary Schmidt examines the calling of ministry, all the expectations (whether self imposed or expectations of others), and a renewing perspective to assist those in ministry. Very encouraging and helpful. This book is not simply for Pastors or Ministry leaders but beneficial for all- in order to gain a healthy perspective.

[Donald Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Schmidt is an amazing author with powerful insight. I wish I read this 35 years ago in the beginning of my ministry. I could relate to the warnings of manufacturing true organic spiritual growth in myself and in the people I pastor. The truth in this book was forged in the crucible of personal trial, experience, and victory. I strongly recommend this work to anyone in or training for ministry.

[Matt Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Cary combines the unique traits of being a deep thinker, yet a gifted communicator. You will benefit from his insights on the true source of steady strength that we all long for.

[Leroy Burkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚓️ I consider myself a many pastors prayer warrior and this has equipped me with many insights into the life of pastors and their families.
Wonderful read.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enlightening book and can be very helpful for people who are just in a ministry, not just for pastors.

[Jayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and soul nourishing book from someone who’s been in the trenches. I found it a good balance both doctrinally grounded, practical, devotional, and authentic.

[Kason Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on continuing in the ministry in a healthy way.