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The Measure of Our Success, An Impassioned Plea to Pastors
How do pastors measure success? Is it through the number of people who fill the pews on Sunday morning? Is it tied to programs, building projects, salary, or book deals? Is it about how much technology they use or what their worship band sounds like? Shawn Lovejoy has seen all of these measures of success lead pastors toward pride, self-reliance, loneliness, isolation, exhaustion, and, in the most extreme cases, self-destruction.
In this honest and encouraging book, he calls pastors back to the "main thing"--the call to love people and make disciples--and to measure their success the way God does. Using Scripture, personal examples, and case studies, Lovejoy gently leads pastors back to their first love, and in doing so he leads them toward a more effective and joy-filled ministry.
In this honest and encouraging book, he calls pastors back to the "main thing"--the call to love people and make disciples--and to measure their success the way God does. Using Scripture, personal examples, and case studies, Lovejoy gently leads pastors back to their first love, and in doing so he leads them toward a more effective and joy-filled ministry.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 24, 2024
I was looking for a guide to help rethink dashboard metrics for healthy, disciple-becoming and disciple-making church. This book wasn’t that. It was a good reminder and focus on what to pay attention to in your own life and elements of ministry that create health.
December 29, 2020
The book addresses the core assumptions we make about what we consider to be success, often without being aware of God's standard or our own. The discussion helped me exercise some reflection on past and current ministry opportunities and responsibilities and how I might have looked at them differently as I go forward in my service to Christ.
The book is an easy read. I finished it without much effort in about a week. There are thirteen chapters in which the author addresses specific pitfalls ministers often encounter and reframes the issues using biblical paradigms. I like that at the end of each chapter, he has a pastor write a response to the topic on which he wrote and discusses how the lesson he is trying to convey impacts ministry at a very practical level.
I am giving this book 5 stars because 4.5 is not an option. I recommend it, especially for ministers in all stages of their ministry.
Happy reading!
The book is an easy read. I finished it without much effort in about a week. There are thirteen chapters in which the author addresses specific pitfalls ministers often encounter and reframes the issues using biblical paradigms. I like that at the end of each chapter, he has a pastor write a response to the topic on which he wrote and discusses how the lesson he is trying to convey impacts ministry at a very practical level.
I am giving this book 5 stars because 4.5 is not an option. I recommend it, especially for ministers in all stages of their ministry.
Happy reading!
January 4, 2017
I've bought this books for dozens of pastors. Please read it.
October 11, 2012
A Review - I received this book a few weeks ago and was intrigued by the title. As a pastor, I should be willing to listen
to any plea directed to specifically to pastors, and if the plea is impassioned, well, hey, I certainly ought to pay attention. Lovejoy, who has served as a pastor, and who works actively with church planters, has the singular desire to awaken pastors to what should be our true measure of success. Rather than focusing on attendance figures, seeking the accolades of parishioners, and falling into unhealthy work habits, Lovejoy calls pastors to re-evaluate what constitutes "success". Specifically, this means we need to emphasize the importance of teamwork, acknowledge our own weaknesses, cultivate healthy work patterns, while being more missional in our vision for what ultimately matters.
All this is good, but not necessarily original. Lovejoy's points are well-taken, but his book lacks the theological depth and spiritual insights of say, a Eugene Peterson, when it comes to cultivating a healthy self-understanding of pastoring in a North American church today. In the end, I was rather underwhelmed with what Lovejoy had to say.
Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
to any plea directed to specifically to pastors, and if the plea is impassioned, well, hey, I certainly ought to pay attention. Lovejoy, who has served as a pastor, and who works actively with church planters, has the singular desire to awaken pastors to what should be our true measure of success. Rather than focusing on attendance figures, seeking the accolades of parishioners, and falling into unhealthy work habits, Lovejoy calls pastors to re-evaluate what constitutes "success". Specifically, this means we need to emphasize the importance of teamwork, acknowledge our own weaknesses, cultivate healthy work patterns, while being more missional in our vision for what ultimately matters.
All this is good, but not necessarily original. Lovejoy's points are well-taken, but his book lacks the theological depth and spiritual insights of say, a Eugene Peterson, when it comes to cultivating a healthy self-understanding of pastoring in a North American church today. In the end, I was rather underwhelmed with what Lovejoy had to say.
Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Baker Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2015
This week I had the pleasure of looking deeply into the life of a church planter. Author Shawn Lovejoy uses the pages of his book to guide pastors through many of the pitfalls of pastoral ministry. Speaking through many years of experience, both personal and through the interviews of fellow pastors, Lovejoy takes on myths of measurement and success. He delves deep into his own personal life as he divulges the keys to a successful life with flock and family. This book is not only beneficial for church planting pastors, but for all who experience difficulties in ministry leadership. I found the book to be insightful and took several real life applications away. Ultimately, as Lovejoy points out, we are only to serve our master, our Lord Jesus, and allow Him to work in the hearts of the people He puts in our paths and pews each week. He is the one that can do exceedingly and abundantly more than anything we could ever ask or imagine. Wonderful read!
May 25, 2016
As a pastor, the title of this book grabbed my attention. Picking up the book, I read something that immediately struck a chord. In chapter 1 entitled "What's Wrong with Pastors," I read the following research results:
"In their recent research, most pastors admitted to struggling with
1. The battle to overcome pride, self-reliance, and driveness
2. Loneliness and isolation
3. Mistrust
4. Lack of Rest
5. Maintaining a sense of joy"
Although not all of those applied to me in my experience, the first on the list was something that I continued to battle.
I loved the frankness of the material in this book. I also enjoyed the insights given at the end of each chapter by different ministry leaders across the country.
The entire book was a paradigm shift to my way of thinking and training. And to be honest, it was rather refreshing. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any pastor in the ministry.
"In their recent research, most pastors admitted to struggling with
1. The battle to overcome pride, self-reliance, and driveness
2. Loneliness and isolation
3. Mistrust
4. Lack of Rest
5. Maintaining a sense of joy"
Although not all of those applied to me in my experience, the first on the list was something that I continued to battle.
I loved the frankness of the material in this book. I also enjoyed the insights given at the end of each chapter by different ministry leaders across the country.
The entire book was a paradigm shift to my way of thinking and training. And to be honest, it was rather refreshing. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any pastor in the ministry.
December 10, 2015
Like salve to the wounded soul
Shawn Lovejoy hit the nail on the head with this book. He hits so many issues you need to go back over it again and then analyze it with your team and a coach. What are we measuring our success by? Is it numbers? If so you will find a hollow victory waiting for you at the end. Is it affirmation of the masses? You will find that fleeting. Lovejoy speaks to the wounded soul who has chased after all the measures that typically define success and in his energetic way slaps you in the face while making you feel loved. I recommend pastors take their church staffs thru this book.
Shawn Lovejoy hit the nail on the head with this book. He hits so many issues you need to go back over it again and then analyze it with your team and a coach. What are we measuring our success by? Is it numbers? If so you will find a hollow victory waiting for you at the end. Is it affirmation of the masses? You will find that fleeting. Lovejoy speaks to the wounded soul who has chased after all the measures that typically define success and in his energetic way slaps you in the face while making you feel loved. I recommend pastors take their church staffs thru this book.
Want to read
June 21, 2012[free nook book]
October 19, 2012
Honestly, a MUST read for any pastor!
August 27, 2012
Gives practical advice to pastors and church leaders. A good read.
December 29, 2012
Very practical read for pastors. I would recommend it.
March 16, 2013
A much needed and timely read! This book is a must read for all pastors.
April 6, 2013
Not a pastor but loved this book
August 19, 2013
a great wakeup call to workaholic pastors. favorite quote from this book was "Christian community that is not reaching unchurched people is not Christian community; it's consumerism." (p.145)
March 6, 2014
Great reminder and encouragement for pastors to pursue the right things and properly define success.
January 7, 2013
Challenging, inspiring, though-provoking, convicting, practical. What more could I ask for?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews