Perseverance: Fifteen Reflections on Christian Ministry at the Halfway Point –– An Invitation to Make It to the Finish Line Well –– Oh God, Help

by Jon Thompson, Darrell W. Johnson (foreword)

Every generation of Christian leaders for the past 2000 years has had to face landmines that are potential killers, even on the best of days. Some are universal and some cultural, but all are dangerous. We shouldn’t be shocked; after all, when we read through Scripture, we see that only 30% of leaders actually finish well. So the question is, how does one really make it? Written for those who are considering entering ministry, those who have been in the trenches for any period of time, and even those who are coming near the end of their Christian leadership journey, this book is the reflection of one pastor at the midway point of his own ministry walk. Perseverance shares fifteen observations that are transcultural, timeless, and transportable to many different
Together, these have the potential to create an ecosystem that breeds biblical, healthy, and genuine perseverance. And when brought together in a life over time, they just might lead one to be in the 30% who not only finish, but finish well.

Genres: Christian

244 pages, Hardcover

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church – a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area and online – where he has served for 25 years.

He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending his childhood in Ecuador with his missionary parents, Jon began his ministry as the Youth Pastor before assuming his current role as Senior Pastor at Sanctus Church. Jon is married to Joanna and has three kids.

Reviews

[Jake Steen · Rating 5 out of 5]

mom said why are you reading about perseverance, you haven’t even started yet😭
Anyways showing love to my guy Jon T. I wonder where he ranks on the all time Jon’s list
This one was rich

[Ryan Fendley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.2/5

Jon thompson loves repeating things over and over. I understand he is trying to get his point thru but dang man ur killing me. First like 80 pgs were good but the last 120 was true perseverance.

[Kellie Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

SUPER encouraging and helpful content… did not need to be this long. It was difficult to finish.

[Matt Walton · Rating 3 out of 5]

started strong but did not persevere.

I was overwhelmed at the depth of insight, wisdom, and challenge Jon presented in the first 7 chapters but the remaining material felt like filler that was requested by a publisher to make sure there were an adequate number of chapters. Had the entirety of the book held such a wealth of insight as the first half this would have been a book for the ages. Instead I felt that perseverance was required to complete “Perseverance”.

[Paige Pietrofesa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I was expecting more practical guidance and thoughts on how to continue running the race of Christian faith. It didn’t really have that aspect so I think I just was confused on why the summary on back of book made it seem like it would be that & then wasn’t lol. Some interesting points dispersed throughout the book & liked the closing chapters

[Aden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on following Jesus faithfully in ministry. Jon does a great job navigating tons of topics, and showing the reader how to persevere not just in ministry, but in living faithful to Christ.

[Grant May · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing book with amazing content, but not an easy read by any means. I found myself having to read certain sections multiple times to fully understand what he was saying. By Mr. Jon has a way with words.

[Andrew Cavnar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed it. 1st half was really great about how to persevere as a minister, 2nd half didn’t really connect to perseverance as much for me, but still was an enjoyable read. The chapter on John 21 was so rich.

Nice Jon