Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor

by John F. MacArthur Jr.

Perhaps no one else has ever faced as much hardship, opposition, or relentless suffering as the apostle Paul. And yet, through it all, Paul stood firm in Christ and remained faithful―to the very end. The power of Paul’s example has captivated veteran pastor John MacArthur for years, and here he outlines nine unwavering convictions that contributed to this remarkable perseverance. In an age when pastoral failure and burnout are increasingly common, this book is a call to endurance in ministry, encouraging pastors to stand strong in their role and not lose heart, regardless of what God sends their way.

Genres: Leadership, Christian, Christian Living, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith

80 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2019

About the author

John F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.

Reviews

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift from my mother-in-law on the occasion of my ordination.
It's a wonderful collection of meditations on faithfulness in ministry by a man who has ministered faithfully for over 20 years. Good stuff.

[James Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read comparing the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians chapter 4 with the proper convictions every pastor should have. Very well written, though I wished it took a little more time expanding on each conviction.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent exposition of 2 Corinthians 4, and an encouraging mark to faithful pastors to press on.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really just a booklet (like 62 pages) but thoroughly solid, with helpful reminders for faithful ministry based on preaching the Word. Glad I read this.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As his life and ministry drew to a close, Paul the apostle wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). The former blasphemer completed his mission on this earth and glorified the Lord both in his life and in his death.

The mandate to finish strong is the calling of every follower of Christ. Men called to pastoral ministry must carefully heed this call, which is the theme of John MacArthur’s most recent book, Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor.

Aspiring to remain faithful is one thing. But actually finishing strong is quite another. Tragically, pastoral failure commonplace, only bringing shame and reproach on the church.

Dr. MacArthur argues that pastors need to shore up their convictions, which help them be faithful in ministry:

Convinced of the Superiority of the New Covenant

Convinced That Ministry is Mercy

Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart

Convinced of the Need to Preach the Word Faithfully

Convinced That the Results Belong to God

Convinced of His Own Insignificance

Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering

Convinced of the Need for Courage

Convinced That Future Glory is Better than Anything This World Could Offer

MacArthur briefly explains each conviction. Each chapter is a short, Scripture-soaked spur for pastors who aspire to be faithful ministers. Frankly, every man who intends to finish strong in the Christian race should read Remaining Faithful in Ministry. While the author focuses on pastors in particular, the principles are immediately transferable to all followers of Jesus Christ.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence from the introduction: Four successive generations of my immediate ancestors included men who faithfully served the Lord as pastors.

First sentence from chapter one: Second Corinthians 4 begins with Paul saying, “Therefore, having this ministry . . .” (v. 1).

In John MacArthur's newest book--or booklet--he shares NINE essential convictions that every pastor true to the gospel of Christ should hold and hold dear. These nine essential convictions do not come out of thin air, nor are they the result of MacArthur's personal preferences. No, these nine essentials are taken straight from the Word of God--drawn from 2 Corinthians to be more precise. This booklet examines 2 Corinthians 3 and 4.

So what are these nine essentials?

Convinced of the Superiority of the New Covenant
Convinced That Ministry is a Mercy
Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart
Convinced of the Need to Preach the Word Faithfully
Convinced That the Results Belong To God
Convinced of His Own Insignificance
Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering
Convinced of the Need for Courage
Convinced That Future Glory Is Better Than Anything

There is a chapter for each conviction, each essential. One doesn't need to read the book to guess what "convinced of the need to preach the word faithfully" might mean. But some of the others you may need the book to clarify for you.

I would recommend this one. I love that it is biblical. MacArthur doesn't talk opinions, ideas, philosophies, world views. He speaks the Word of God--what it meant then, what it means now. And guess what--those two don't contradict shouldn't really contradict one another. I love that it focuses on teaching. Perhaps he's assuming that his audience wants to learn, but I think he's assuming correctly! I love that he introduces Greek words, shows how various translations translate the word in the passage, and then gives us his opinion on what the passage means--in this case, what Paul means.

For example,

As he unpacks his philosophy in 2 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a detailed answer to the question of how he remained faithful in the midst of so much adversity. He begins the chapter with this triumphant declaration: “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (v. 1). Modern translations typically say, “We don’t give up” (or some close equivalent). The Greek verb Paul uses (egkakeō) is a combination of two common words.The first is a form of the preposition en, which speaks of being at a state of rest or surrender “in” or “among” something. The main root is a noun, kakeō, meaning “wickedness” or “depravity.” So the sense of the expression is, “We do not give in to evil”—much stronger than if he were merely saying, “We don’t grow weary.” In other words, this is not only about resisting fatigue, discouragement, or cowardice. There’s a powerful note of holy defiance in Paul’s tone.

MacArthur is able to pack a lot of insight into this little booklet. He's concise. He has a point he wants to make and gets straight to it. Sometimes you have to love a no-nonsense approach.

Favorite quotes:

When you see the word therefore in Scripture, you have to ask what it’s there for.

To sum up, the old covenant offered sinners no hope.The new covenant offers “such a hope [that] we are very bold”(2 Cor. 3:12)...This is a powerful argument for staying focused on gospel truth—proclaiming the whole message of the gospel, studying the details of the gospel, defending the doctrines of the gospel, meditating on the promises of the gospel, encouraging one another with the precepts of the gospel, and singing about the glories of the gospel. We must never forget what a privilege it is to be called as ministers of the new covenant.

God doesn’t call us because of any aptitude or proficiency we develop on our own. We are not in ministry because we are somehow more righteous or more worthy than others. It is a mercy. Every good thing that comes to us is an undeserved mercy. By God’s great mercy he calls us, equips us, and surrounds us with men and women who come alongside to serve the Lord in partnership with us. It’s an undeserved privilege, and the moment any minister begins to see his calling any other way, he is on the road to disaster.

When declared with conviction and clarity, God’s Word is always profitable, even when the results are not immediately obvious. In fact, the supreme encouragement for making God’s Word the centerpiece of our ministry strategy is summed up in a promise that comes from God’s own mouth in Isaiah 55:10–11.

It’s never right to adjust the message or employ manipulative strategies in order to elicit a more positive response. Doing so suggests that the minister deserves at least partial credit for the results.
On the one hand we might say that the doctrine of human depravity is the most discouraging doctrine in the Bible. Unbelievers are spiritually dead, without the capacity to love God, obey him, or please him (Rom. 8:7–8)—much less believe in him by their own freewill choice or initiative. But in another sense, as we seek to share the gospel with a hostile world, we should be encouraged by the fact that it is outside the scope of our range or abilities to awaken dead sinners. It means our only duty is to be faithful, through the open statement of gospel truth, to appeal to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.

We speak what we believe. Paul is saying, “My convictions give rise to courage. If I truly believe something, I say it. I don’t edit myself.”

I’m tasked with delivering a message, not with masterminding a compromise between human opinion and divine revelation. When I preach, I can think of one thing only: Is this true? I believe; therefore I speak.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book on the nine convictions that every pastor should hold close in ministry as told by and lived out by the Apostle Paul and explained by Pastor John MacArthur.

The Apostle Paul:

*stayed focused on the whole message of the gospel,
*maintained an attitude he was counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Christ (to be in the ministry at all was a glorious mercy he did not deserve),
*had a pure life keeping a clear conscience,
*preached the Word faithfully,
*knew that the results of his ministry were entirely up to our sovereign God,
*knew the power of the glorious gospel had nothing to do with him,
*embraced suffering,
*his convictions gave rise to courage,
*knew the ultimate prize was Christ himself...including a share in the riches of his glory.

Pastor MacArthur explains each bullet point in a short chapter. Quick read, could be read in one sitting, but I would read it over 3-5. Good book.

[NinaB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must-read for anyone involved in ministry. As someone who has been serving alongside her husband for 20+ years in a country semi-hostile to the Gospel, I found this to be so refreshing and a balm to my sometimes weary soul.

John MacArthur knows what hardship in ministry means, having served for 50 years in the same church. But, he doesn’t focus on his own or his ancestors’ (who were also preachers) accomplishments and experience in this book. Instead, he examines the life of the apostle Paul whose suffering in the work of the kingdom is recorded in the Scriptures.

In typical MacArthur fashion, as with his sermons, this book is a faithful exposition of the Bible, in this case, 2 Corinthians 3 and 4. He breaks down the passage into nine essential convictions in order to succeed, in a biblical and not earthly sense, in ministry. These necessary convictions may not be popular anymore, but they are a tried and true methodology that leads to a God-glorifying success. But foremost of all, they are biblical!

I will recommend this to be read by every Bible student and graduate of the school that my husband leads. It will be a great tool in order to, not only survive, but thrive in a country where spiritual fruit is sometimes hard to see.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, practical exposition from 2 Corinthians. Vintage MacArthur. Perhaps lacking nuance in one or two places, nevertheless, it gets all the big things right. Helpful for any pastor.

[Adam Godbold · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright, somewhat helpful and encouraging. He proof-texted quite often, though, and unnecessarily. His points were good and on-point, but his ideas were sometimes not fully thought-through or were sabotaged doctrinally. I’m glad I read it, to be sure, but it was a bit wanting.

[Barbier Jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un livre encourageant ! John aborde par le biais de l'apôtre Paul le ministère pastoral. Un exemple à suivre pour être un serviteur fidèle de notre souverain Maître, Jésus-Christ.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear and emphatic exhortation to all Christians to be courageous to uncompromisingly preach the truth (as so many fail to do), and to stay faithful to Jesus through life’s trials and temptations until the end. All the more powerful coming from a man whose own life exemplifies this.

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, practical, and essential reflections for pastors.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:5. The gospel is a message about Christ, and at all times he is to be the singular focus of the message we proclaim.


This study is not only for pastors but also lay people as well. Pastors are called to a higher standard and the pressures of keeping the flock, their family and their ministry centered on Christ is a matter of faith. That being said, it will did me well to nurture my faith with this study. A study on Paul on how he remained faithful in thought and deed. The things that matter and the things that don't. Paul went thru many tribulations and thru it all remained faithful.

Paul was convinced. What does that look like? And what takes that away. Each chapter starts with the word convinced.

The Superiority of the New Covenant
That Ministry is Mercy
The Need of a pure heart
The need to preach the word Faithfully
The results belong to God
Our Own insignificance.
The Benefit of Suffering
Need for Courage
The future glory is better than anything.

The order of these chapters, lay the ground work for faith. The word and the superiority of the word does not get us far in faith if we are not convinced. Mercy deals with a humble spirit to lead others to Christ and the notion of what true mercy is. True mercy begets purity. Preaching and in my case listening to the word faithfully. I must know the word and be an avid student of the word to be faithful in the word. The word can be hard to digest but it is key the results of faithfulness. The results belong to God frees anyone the notion that it is up to me. I only need faithfulness in what the Lord has given to me in people, circumstances, and resources. Am I faithful. I can be faithful if I do not think to much of myself. Am I content, am I inward. (These can be the most convicting.) And if I am doing this right, it will most definitely lead to suffering. Suffering always takes courage and the courage that God gives, always leads to Glory.

So do not be put off that this is only for Pastors but it can be for you. How you can encourage your pastor as well as your faith. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a pastor that wants to read something to encourage you or are you someone that want to get a book for your pastor to encourage him to persevere in the work of faithful ministry? If sot his book is for you. I had this work for some time now but somehow didn’t get to it until now; and providentially this is timely for it fed my soul spiritually and encouraged me to engage in a heart check and also led me to pray and look to Christ and continue to trust in the Gospel. This is by pastor and teacher John MacArthur who looks at the Apostle Paul with how he persevere in ministry. Looking at 2 Corinthians 4 MacArthur observes nine principles that are “essential Convictions for Every Pastor” (what the subtitle is for this book).
After the introduction the nine principles have their own respective chapters. Some of the things MacArthur listed include “Convinced That Ministry is a Mercy,” “Convinced of the Need for a Pure Heart” and “Convincted that the Results Belong to God.” I was really edified with the introduction that set this up with how Paul was ministering to a very difficult church in Corinth that even mocked him and thought of him very lowly; and yet Paul did not quit. Paul ministered for reasons he mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4. I was blessed with the chapter on the chapter on the need for a pure heart, that was sanctifying. I pray for increase holiness. I also enjoyed the chapter on “Convinced of His Own insignificance” and “Convinced of the Benefit of Suffering.” Fed my soul. The chapter on the need for courage is also good, we are living in an age where pastors and church leaders need to be courageous.
The writings was simple, clear and edifying. I also appreciate the observations that MacArthur gives from the Greek. Wished there could have been more but the observations that he did gave was relevant and made his point compelling. I love that it was short in length (80 pages) and since it was so good for a minister’s soul I finished it rather quickly more than I expected. I recommend this!

[Clued-in With A Book (Elvina Ulrich) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apostle Paul's ministry was one that faced great opposition. He was beaten, stoned, and imprisoned, yet he pressed on and remained faithful to the end. How did Apostle Paul persevere and endure all his ministerial setback and even wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10 - " Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." In this booklet, Pastor MacArthur outlines and examines 9 essential convictions that played a pivotal role in Apostle Paul's extraordinary perseverance, with the primary focus taken from 2 Corinthians 4.

As always, I enjoyed Pastor MacArthur's pellucid and insightful writing, without sugar-coating the truth. Drawing from Apostle Paul's teachings and his life, Pastor MacArthur outlined the 9 convictions as superiority of the New Covenant, ministry is a mercy, the need for a pure heart, the need to preach the Word faithfully, the results belong to God, his own insignificance, the benefit of suffering, the need for courage, and future glory is better than anything this world could offer. Each chapter is short, concise and fill with teachings from the Scripture.

This little gem is a must read not only for pastors but for every believer. It is an encouragement to us all especially in this last days where God's Truth is constantly being compromised and attacked.

"Therefore we will not lose heart, we will not defect; we will not give in to evil if we live by those convictions. We will one day stand in glory, having been faithful to the end and hear the Lord say, "Well done.""- John MacArthur

***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from Crossway through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed in this review are my own and was not influenced by the author, publisher or any third party.***

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur recently reached his 50-year milestone of pastoring Grace Community Church. What kept him going after all these years? How was he able to remain faithful?

Commentary on 2 Corinthians

In his own characteristic fashion, this book from John MacArthur is an exposition and commentary on 2 Corinthians 4. He gives a full view of what we know from Paul as revealed in Scripture.

Some will find reading MacArthur to be dry. He sticks to the facts and gets to the point. Being familiar with his work, I found this volume to be quite refreshing as it was the perfect length for a study on God’s servant.

Characteristics and Qualities

The book is divided into nine short chapters. He uses cross-references and illustrations from the lives of others. Unsurprisingly, his Scripture Index is almost double the length of his General Index.

By the end of the book, the answer is clear: MacArthur has been able to remain faithful in ministry by mimicking what he sees in the Apostle Paul. He is totally convinced of his character and clearly sees his special qualities.

John MacArthur and the Apostle Paul

Most revealing is when MacArthur says what Paul has meant to him personally. He answers whether he thinks much about how people might react to his preaching. He says, like Paul, he is simply called to be an ambassador.

MacArthur also sees himself as Timothy, who sought to emulate Paul and follow his example. I thank God for giving me the example of John MacArthur, who I myself would like to follow in his footsteps of faithfulness in ministry to our Lord.

Crossway has provided me with a complimentary copy of Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor through their Blog Review Program.

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

John MacArthur’s new book, Remaining Faithful in Ministry, is a convicting, challenging, and motivating read that every pastor or preacher should have in his library.

MacArthur, who recently celebrated fifty years of ministry at Grace Community Church, writes on 2 Corinthians 4 and the faithful ministry of the Apostle Paul. In fact, the book reads almost as a biography of the Apostle.

The book seeks to examine the life of Paul and how he was faithful in his ministry. It does this by looking at nine key areas (convictions) of his life and ministry. These are the superiority of the new covenant, ministry is a mercy, the need for a pure heart, the need to preach the Word faithfully, results belong to God, his own insignificance, the benefit of suffering, and the need for courage.

Throughout each chapter, MacArthur examines the writings of Paul as well as accounts of his life from the book of Acts. Each shows a man who was deeply devoted to God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ after his conversion challenging each of us as believer’s to step up and do the same.

The book is well-written and easy to understand.

Overall, I recommend this book not only to pastors and preachers, but to every Christian. It is a short read that can be finished in one sitting of a couple of hours. It will challenge and convict you and stretch your faith for growth and maturity.

I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher in exhange for a fair and honest review.

[David Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

MacArthur roots this short book firmly in Scripture. In thinking about the encouragement pastors need and the author this should not be a surprise. If you are looking for a book filled with personal stories or self-help platitude this is not the book for you. In looking at the ministry of the apostle Paul and 2 Corinthians 4, MacArthur reminds us that the work of a pastor needs to be done with the understanding that it can only be done for God glory and not our own, with God's resources (the Word of God and the power of God) not our "resources" (our opinion, stories and strength).

One specific conviction that was very challenging and helpful to me at this time is "convinced of the benefit of suffering" from 2 Corinthians 4:8-12. MacArthur writes "Our infirmity keeps us dependent on the grace of God, and our weaknesses also magnify God's grace."

The book encourages pastors to trust in the Lord and strive towards godliness. Every Christian, a pastor or not, have areas we need to grow in and each of us needs to remember who God is and what He has provided for us. This book has proven to be a very helpful reminder to me during a challenging ministry transition time.

This link, https://www.crossway.org/articles/wha..., is to a post entitled "What Hurts Most in Ministry."

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through Crossway's Blog Review Program.

[Aaron Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remaining faithful in ministry has been a very impactful book for me as a minister at a local church. I wouldn’t say there was anything new in this book, but there was a ton of wisdom from a man who has been in ministry for years. That is one of the things I find most valuable about remaining faithful in ministry is the years of wisdom that you feel leap off the pages as you read chapter after chapter.

I would suggest and highly recommend this book to every believer, but especially to believers in ministry leader positions or pastoral leadership. This puts our service into perspective that we don’t do this job for fame or money, rather bring glory to Christ and to reach the lost with his great grace. MacArthur brings clarity to obstacles that we will face and suffering that we will endure and helps put that into the perspective of eternity.

The need for a pure heart and clean hands in ministry is made very evident in this book. It was a nice challenge and reminder that we as leaders often times set the tone for the ones who follow us. IF they see of behaving in a sinful way they may pull permission from our lifestyle.

If you are in ministry, thinking of joining in ministry, or just an average joe, I would recommend you read this book!

[C.H. Cobb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Often it is the slender books, the brief books, that are most profound. In this class I would include such writings as Andrew Murray’s Humility: the Journey toward Holiness, Tozer’s Knowledge of the Holy, and Stott’s Basic Christianity. I can now add MacArthur’s Remaining Faithful in Ministry to this list. At just seventy-seven pages it is a book that punches far above its weight.

MacArthur writes on selected texts from 2 Corinthians 1-4, drawing nine points of faithful ministry out of Paul’s testimony to the Corinthian church. In one sense it is standard MacArthur: solid yet accessible exegesis, comparing Scripture with Scripture, delving into Greek terms when it enhances the meaning of the English text, combined with biblically faithful application. The power of his writing lies wholly within his skillful use of the biblical text.

The subtitle is 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor, and the book delivers abundantly on that theme. Every man in pastoral ministry should read this book and come under the weight of its convictions. Five stars, highly recommended.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit that I enjoy reading and attempting to synthesize all of Dr. MacArthur's books. This last one, I almost feel guilty about listing as a book I read simply because it is so short. That being said, Dr. MacArthur has a way of saying in few words what I struggle to say in hours of going round and round the mulberry bush.
In this book, Dr. MacArthur looks at nine characteristics of the Apostle Paul as laid out in 2 Corinthians 4. These characteristics were what made Paul successful in ministry and, if followed, will ensure ministry success to generations afterward. No, these will not mean a large church or a book deal. They will mean something much more important: the acceptance and praise of God which brings Him glory.
While certainly written by a pastor to pastors, this little book will challenge every reader to be consider God's call in their lives to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

[Toby Newell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short (only 71 pages!!) and helpful distillation of what ministry is all about. Using solid exegesis of 2 Cor 4, MacArthur draws out 9 gospel ministry convictions right from the pen of the apostle Paul, that challenge and encourage us to keep serving faithfully. Here is a great summary:

“In view of the astounding and all-glorious reality of new-covenant gospel truth, new-covenant ministry, a mercy that flourishes in the life of an unworthy preacher under the sovereign power of God in the faithful preaching of the Word—even in the midst of being battered and bruised in the struggle—Paul embraces the perfecting power of suffering. He’s faithful to his convictions. He faces life or death in the confident assurance of resurrection. And he does it all because he looks for an eternal weight of glory.” (pg. 68-69)

[Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine reasons for pastors and leaders to not not give in to evil or lose heart from Paul’s example
1. They are stewards of a new and better covenant
2. That role is not only a high privilege but a great mercy extended by the grace of God
3. He determined to keep his heart pure and upright, faithfully, in pursuit of true integrity
4. He had one controlling passion: devotion to preach the Word of God
5. He knew God’s Word never returns void (Isa 55:11) and wasn’t stymied by mad-made standards of success or failure
6. He was humble, pursuing God’s glory, not his own, at all costs
7. He knew God uses suffering to sanctify and was eager to share in the fellowship of Christ’s suffering
8. He sought to emulate the courage and faith of OT saints
9. He had his heart fixed on Heaven knowing his sufferings of this world aren’t worthy to be compared to Heaven’s glory

From 2 Corinthians 4

[James Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book enough for pastors. It is short and easy to read. I had just finished reading a few longer books, so this being so short was refreshing for me. It is also not a hands-on practical book to the ministry, but rather the focus is on the heart of ministry and our motivation as pastors. This was very helpful, encouraging, convicting, and challenging, and it will be one that I return to yearly.

[Jeffrey S. Harley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because as a Pastor I struggle with perseverance and patience in times of trials and tribulations shepherding God's people. MacArthur uses the Apostle Paul as a paradigm and 2 Corinthians 4 as a backdrop to reveal some very encouraging principles for Pastor's, Minister's, and anyone who is in spiritual leadership in the church.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable and tremendous little book that should be read by every pastor, church leader, or any gospel worker. Saturated with scripture, this concise description of 9 essential convictions that kept the apostle Paul faithful in ministry is written by a man who has been faithful as a pastor of one church for 50 years. Full of wisdom and spiritual insight.

[Tim Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who else best to learn from about the conviction to remain faithful as church leaders then from the Apostle Paul and John MacArthur. This is a small gem of a book that provides nine strong reasons and ways we can stay faithful against all odds in the ministry. It is a great commentary on 2 Corinthians 4 as well.

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using 2 Corinthians 4, John MacArthur shares nine convictions pastors and ministers can have while staying faithful in ministry for years and years. Each chapter is short, no more than 8 pages, and gives a concise summary of the specific conviction. This book could have been twice as long and given more detail in each chapter and I would have been content.

[Guilherme Duarte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is quite simple, but with that, I don't mean is bad.
MacArthur, goes straight on the points he has, and instructs the way a Pastor has to see the Gospel, and Gods work in his life, and keep going, grabbing the example of the Apostle Paul.
Good Read, it's a tiny book, but worth the time.