Going the Distance: How to Stay Fit For a Lifetime of Ministry

by Peter Brain

Christian ministry is not a sprint; it's a marathon, a long-term race, requiring not just initial enthusiasm and ability, but staying power.Unfortunately, a growing number of Christian ministers don't seem to possess that staying power. 44% of all pastors who have been involved in ministry for more than 15 years suffer from 'burn out,' mental breakdown or serious illness. And that doesn't include those who fail to continue in active ministry for other reasons, such as immorality or loss of faith.Going the Distance is abut making sure you're not one of those statistics. Drawing on decades of biblical reflection and experience, Peter Brain explains how to keep fit mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually for the long-haul.

Genres: Leadership, Christian

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

The Right Reverend Dr. Peter Brain is the current bishop of Armidale in the Anglican Church of Australia.

Brain studied at Moore Theological College, and was formerly rector of Wanneroo parish in Western Australia. There he gained a reputation for encouraging his fellow-clergy. He has been bishop of the diocese since 2000.

The Armidale Diocese has the reputation of having the highest proportion of evangelical clergy of any Anglican diocese in the world (even higher, proportionally, than Sydney Diocese, which may be the largest Evangelical Diocese in terms of total population).

Brain obtained a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his doctoral work led him to write Going the Distance: How to Stay Fit for a Lifetime of Ministry, which achieved a "highly commended" in the 2004 Australian Christian Book of the Year awards.

Brain is married with four children.

Reviews

[Wayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a young pastor, I found this book to be of personal benefit. Some chapters were stronger than others: the importance of self care (ch. 1), the stress and demands of ministry (ch. 3), stress and adrenaline (ch. 4), principles of self-care (ch. 10), and developing a maintenance plan (ch. 11). These chapters were practical and realistic.

Brain writes as an Anglican in Australia, so some of his discussion will reflect the peculiarities of his polity; overall, pastors in ministry will find different points to encourage and challenge them to develop a healthy, sustainable pace for ministry.

For pastors looking to figure out how to “go the distance” in ministry, I would recommend perusing this book or David Murray’s easy read “Reset” (which is less specifically geared toward pastors though).

[Myles Elton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theology and practice in great balance. Thankful for the thoughtful patient description of time and how we use it in light of the Gospel and the desire to glorify God

[Mary Hodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lengthy but helpful book, aimed at Pastors developing better self-care. Useful for those generally in full time ministry; has many good practical suggestions and reflective/study questions to work through.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I only had one book on ministry, this would be the one book. Spiritually enriching and practically invaluable. Balm for the weary and troubled souls and bodies of pastors. Every gospel pastor must read this. Every evangelical church should buy a copy for their pastor, and write into their contract the requirement to read it! (okay maybe the last bit is slightly exaggerated, but you'll get my point). Christian - does your pastor have a copy? Can you buy him a copy?

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. Wise, proven advice for persevering in ministry. Very practical in terms of suggestions, tools, ideas. Doesn't neglect biblical/theological foundations. Unexpectedly long - not a quick read.

[Nicholas Varady-szabo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone starting out or in the midst of pastoral ministry. It is packed with wisdom, advice and direction about how to approach the office of pastor in a way that prevents you becoming a statistic of burnout. Every Pastor, and probably church leadership team should read this book.

[Rob Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important and practical reading for those in ministry. No one is bullet proof or has all the answers

[Marc · Rating 3 out of 5]

My senior pastor recommended this book, saying he wishes he had read it twenty years ago. I can see why it was a great benefit to him. It has the simple and profound truths that make perseverance in the pastorate a reality. I will certainly keep it as a cross-reference for years to come. There were a handful of helpful insights, and it is probably one of those books that isn't striking me as much now as it will later. A good refresher on the basic building blocks of healthy self-care.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books on pastoral ministry: some excellent books on philosophy of pastoral ministry that are light on practical helps; some that are heavy on practical helps with few roots in the realities of the Biblical call. Peter Brain's is an excellent example of practical suggestions borne of experience of wrestling with the Biblical call and its parameters in the crucible of parish ministry.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical and helpful reflections on ministry. The chapter on justification by faith really resonated with me, as I tend towards workaholism and it's easy to drift into a destructive mindset when 'doing things for God'. I also found the chapters on the pastor's family and friends especially helpful.

Written mainly for pastors, but also an excellent exhortation to caring for our pastors and self-care for lay leaders. Highly recommended for church leaders.

[Arabicstudent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this an helpful book with some great practical ideas on how to stay heathly and get balance in ministry. I've picked up a few books like this over the years, but i think i kept reading this one to the end so i'f recommend it.I just need to dig it out again now and apply a bit more of the advice to my life and in ministry!

[Graham Heslop · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to place in the hands on church leaders, congregants, lay leaders. Though a little long in the tooth and ponderous at times, Brain provides valuable insights and practical tips gleaned from experience and gilded with realistic expectations.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book for people in ministry. The author, an experienced pastor, looks at how to respond to the challenges, demands and stress of the work.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites. The challenge is "finishing well". Stay focussed, look after yourself, share the journey and have others protect you too.

[Simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s clear that a lot of work has gone into this book. The content was thought-provoking and I walked away from almost all chapters with new insights.