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Five Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them: Help for Frustrated Pastors--Including New Research From the Barna Group
Before pastors reach burnout and leave the ministry, they experience frustration and disappointment in ministry. Charles Stone, a veteran pastor, helps his fellow pastors understand and meet the challenges, regaining hope and energy to continue in their calling. Based on new information from The Barna Group and additional research, Stone shows readers what pastors are saying about ministry and how to overcome the obstacles, rebuild community within the congregation, and persevere with joy.
- GenresChristian
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
2 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 1, 2012
Picked this book up along with a few others recently on the subject of Pastoral Leadership. It sat on my "to read" shelf for a few weeks and I've only just picked it up.
I started reading the introduction about a Pastor called Jonathan who had problems with his Church because they didn't like his leadership style, didn't agree with his prioritisation of teaching/preaching and inevitably sacked him. Some time later the instigators that caused the division and called for his sacking admitted they had sinful motivations. The Church eventually confessed that they had done the wrong thing in sacking their godly and faithful pastor... 150 years after the fact. The pastor in question? Jonathan Edwards!
He's got me hooked. I'll be reading the rest to see what he's got to say to encourage Pastors and maybe I can pass it on to some of the guys in ministry that I meet up with.
I started reading the introduction about a Pastor called Jonathan who had problems with his Church because they didn't like his leadership style, didn't agree with his prioritisation of teaching/preaching and inevitably sacked him. Some time later the instigators that caused the division and called for his sacking admitted they had sinful motivations. The Church eventually confessed that they had done the wrong thing in sacking their godly and faithful pastor... 150 years after the fact. The pastor in question? Jonathan Edwards!
He's got me hooked. I'll be reading the rest to see what he's got to say to encourage Pastors and maybe I can pass it on to some of the guys in ministry that I meet up with.
April 6, 2019
A very helpful book for pastors just starting out and for those with experience. The stories ring true and the advice offered is practical. Ministry has unique challenges and this book offers a good road map to navigate them.
February 6, 2012
Geared towards pastors, specifically pastors who have or are struggling in some way within their area of ministry, "Five Ministry Killers..." is a book that speaks volumes about the personal perceptions that surround and define our own unique circumstances (whatever that may be). By revealing the untold spirit that can often fuel the nature of ministry related struggles (that is, the things that "I" am frustrated with, which is more often than not centered on people not being or doing what we would like them to be or do as leaders), it utilizes a wealth of very well documented (and personalized) statistics to help turn our attention to the appropriate place, which inward, before leading us to the practicalities of an outward response. And in doing this, the book keeps from becoming simply fuel for an individualized pity party and more an opportunity to challenge ourselves.
Perhaps the most telling statistic that it puts forth is the on that illuminates the difference between what Pastors "perceive" or think is the source of their greatest frustration through imagination and future expectation, and what actually "is" the most common frustration that pastors have experienced in retrospect. As pastors it seems that we tend to think we are most frustrated when we feel out of control of the "results" of our ministry expectations (which is a question of power), when in actuality the thing that seems to actually frustrate us (in retrospective thought) in almost every case has to simply do with a lack of encouragement (which is vulnerability). When we are encouraged we are empowered to accept criticism and support and to hear and to listen to those around us. When we are not encouraged we feel disempowered and become defensive and overly sensitive to frustrations. And at the heart of this book is the effort to create a tool to help us understand both how we are encouraged and how to communicate to others ways that they can encourage us.
At the end of the day there is a very apparent desire to help empower us as leaders to first and foremost do some honest self evaluation with the intent of filtering out what frustrations may be an indication of our own passions and desires and the frustrations that truly line up with God's heart and scripture. As leaders God has called us in to a place of leadership and influence for a reason, and there is not question (as this book also reveals) that ministry can be one of the toughest and most trying jobs on the planet (holding some of the highest rates of depression, dissatisfaction and lack of longevity). It is very rare to have so many in a position that is driven by such a high degree of passion and calling also admit to having continual or sporadic hidden thoughts of doing ANY other job than the one they are called to. It is a sobering reality. However, if this book is right, having the tools to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate frustrations, and being able to communicate a language of encouragement can help change this reality. I know that I was challenged, and I hope that it can make me not only a better pastor, but a better person on the other side of implementing these ideas in to my own world and ministry.
Perhaps the most telling statistic that it puts forth is the on that illuminates the difference between what Pastors "perceive" or think is the source of their greatest frustration through imagination and future expectation, and what actually "is" the most common frustration that pastors have experienced in retrospect. As pastors it seems that we tend to think we are most frustrated when we feel out of control of the "results" of our ministry expectations (which is a question of power), when in actuality the thing that seems to actually frustrate us (in retrospective thought) in almost every case has to simply do with a lack of encouragement (which is vulnerability). When we are encouraged we are empowered to accept criticism and support and to hear and to listen to those around us. When we are not encouraged we feel disempowered and become defensive and overly sensitive to frustrations. And at the heart of this book is the effort to create a tool to help us understand both how we are encouraged and how to communicate to others ways that they can encourage us.
At the end of the day there is a very apparent desire to help empower us as leaders to first and foremost do some honest self evaluation with the intent of filtering out what frustrations may be an indication of our own passions and desires and the frustrations that truly line up with God's heart and scripture. As leaders God has called us in to a place of leadership and influence for a reason, and there is not question (as this book also reveals) that ministry can be one of the toughest and most trying jobs on the planet (holding some of the highest rates of depression, dissatisfaction and lack of longevity). It is very rare to have so many in a position that is driven by such a high degree of passion and calling also admit to having continual or sporadic hidden thoughts of doing ANY other job than the one they are called to. It is a sobering reality. However, if this book is right, having the tools to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate frustrations, and being able to communicate a language of encouragement can help change this reality. I know that I was challenged, and I hope that it can make me not only a better pastor, but a better person on the other side of implementing these ideas in to my own world and ministry.
May 24, 2010
I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Charles Stone, on our radio show “Kingdom Highlights”, for his new book, “5 Ministry Killers And How To Defeat Them” published by Bethany House.
Dr. Stone saw a problem and that problem is that pastors grow disillusioned or just plain tired of their work. To find out what was causing this he commissioned the Barna Group, LifeWay Research and Chrisitanity Today’s National ChristianPoll.com to send a survey to over 1,900 pastors and 1,000 non-pastors. The results of the survey revealed 5 categories: 1) Head-in-the-sand mentality that denies existing problems, 2) Emotional investment in the wrong issues, 3) Unhealthy responses to ministry frustrations, 4) A lone ranger attitude that says, “God and I can handle this”, 5) Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses.
“5 Ministry Killers And How To Defeat Them” is a book that needs to be read over a period of time one chapter at a time and then needs to be thought about and considered. Why? you ask. Simple, what happens when we lose a pastor in the church? Yes, there is a vacancy and, eventually, that church gets a new pastor. What we fail to realize is that pastor did not burn out over night; it took time. In that time a bond was formed between the people and the pastor. The pastor had a vision for the church that the people were following then the pastor is gone. It takes time before a new pastor is brought in and when he does come the bond has to be developed and a new vision is put before the congregation. All this takes not only a terrible toll on the pastor but the whole congregation. If everyone were to read this book then we would all know how to help our pastors and to prevent their burn put. Pastors are not like a boss at a company you cannot hire and fire them at will, they are assigned by God to pastor a church and losing them is losing a great deal. We all benefit when we rally around our leaders and support them in this great work. That is why we are the Body of Christ. Thank you Dr. Stone for writing this book!
If you missed the interview for “5 Ministry Killers And How To Defeat Them” and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dr. Stone saw a problem and that problem is that pastors grow disillusioned or just plain tired of their work. To find out what was causing this he commissioned the Barna Group, LifeWay Research and Chrisitanity Today’s National ChristianPoll.com to send a survey to over 1,900 pastors and 1,000 non-pastors. The results of the survey revealed 5 categories: 1) Head-in-the-sand mentality that denies existing problems, 2) Emotional investment in the wrong issues, 3) Unhealthy responses to ministry frustrations, 4) A lone ranger attitude that says, “God and I can handle this”, 5) Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses.
“5 Ministry Killers And How To Defeat Them” is a book that needs to be read over a period of time one chapter at a time and then needs to be thought about and considered. Why? you ask. Simple, what happens when we lose a pastor in the church? Yes, there is a vacancy and, eventually, that church gets a new pastor. What we fail to realize is that pastor did not burn out over night; it took time. In that time a bond was formed between the people and the pastor. The pastor had a vision for the church that the people were following then the pastor is gone. It takes time before a new pastor is brought in and when he does come the bond has to be developed and a new vision is put before the congregation. All this takes not only a terrible toll on the pastor but the whole congregation. If everyone were to read this book then we would all know how to help our pastors and to prevent their burn put. Pastors are not like a boss at a company you cannot hire and fire them at will, they are assigned by God to pastor a church and losing them is losing a great deal. We all benefit when we rally around our leaders and support them in this great work. That is why we are the Body of Christ. Thank you Dr. Stone for writing this book!
If you missed the interview for “5 Ministry Killers And How To Defeat Them” and would like to listen to it please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
June 8, 2010
According to the research included in 5 Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them, 80% of pastors and 84/% of their spouses are discouraged or are dealing with depression (p. 33). The author also says that Focus on the Family estimates that 1500 pastors leave their assignments each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention within their local congregations (p. 43). Those are serious statistics.
In 5 Ministry Killers, Author Charles Stone has set out to examine the statistics, to evaluate the reports of the condition of those in ministry, and to provide help for frustrated pastors. He presents the information to pastors, but it’s packaged in such a way that lay people would gain much from reading the book as well. The author presents a convincing argument for the need to encourage pastors and help them renew their enthusiasm for ministry.
The book is based on sound research from multiple sources and the author approaches the topic from the trenches. I found this refreshing since he’s been there and understands that which he writes about. In a few cases, I thought maybe his experiences were a little too emotionally raw in that he comes across a little cynical, or mad. However, considering how few people really understand their pastor or his frustration, these feelings are understandable. He assumes that all 12-15% of pastors who said they had no struggles were in denial and clueless (p.55), however, I find it possible that not every pastor is frustrated. Still, the idea makes the reader want to explore a little and find out what truly does frustrate his or her own pastor.
Stone challenges the reader to think, spells out the problem, and then offers four clear steps for dealing with ministry frustration. The 5 ministry killers are mentioned in the introduction and then in Chapter 4, but then the author says, “I don’t unpack this in a linear fashion…Rather, I’ve sprinkled them throughout the book” (p. 11). I’m a little more linear in my thinking, so I would have liked to have seen a little more attention given to clearly unpacking the 5 ministry killers since that was the title of the book.
Does your pastor need this book? Most likely, yes. Why not give a copy as a gift?
(Note: I received a copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for my fair and honest review).
In 5 Ministry Killers, Author Charles Stone has set out to examine the statistics, to evaluate the reports of the condition of those in ministry, and to provide help for frustrated pastors. He presents the information to pastors, but it’s packaged in such a way that lay people would gain much from reading the book as well. The author presents a convincing argument for the need to encourage pastors and help them renew their enthusiasm for ministry.
The book is based on sound research from multiple sources and the author approaches the topic from the trenches. I found this refreshing since he’s been there and understands that which he writes about. In a few cases, I thought maybe his experiences were a little too emotionally raw in that he comes across a little cynical, or mad. However, considering how few people really understand their pastor or his frustration, these feelings are understandable. He assumes that all 12-15% of pastors who said they had no struggles were in denial and clueless (p.55), however, I find it possible that not every pastor is frustrated. Still, the idea makes the reader want to explore a little and find out what truly does frustrate his or her own pastor.
Stone challenges the reader to think, spells out the problem, and then offers four clear steps for dealing with ministry frustration. The 5 ministry killers are mentioned in the introduction and then in Chapter 4, but then the author says, “I don’t unpack this in a linear fashion…Rather, I’ve sprinkled them throughout the book” (p. 11). I’m a little more linear in my thinking, so I would have liked to have seen a little more attention given to clearly unpacking the 5 ministry killers since that was the title of the book.
Does your pastor need this book? Most likely, yes. Why not give a copy as a gift?
(Note: I received a copy of this book from the publicist in exchange for my fair and honest review).
May 18, 2010
Title: FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM
Author: Charles Stone
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0764207051
Genre: Inspirational/ministry
There are five killers of a ministry, according to Dr. Charles Stone of Ginger Creek Community Church in Chicago. This pastor noticed that a great number of ministers wondered what killed their joy. What robbed them of their passion?
So, Dr. Stone began researching over 1,900 pastors and 1,000 non-pastors in partnership with The Barna Group, LifeWay Research, and NationalChristianPoll.com from Christianity Today, Inc. What Dr. Stone discovered was that the death of ministerial joy comes from one of five categories:
1. Head-in-the-Sand mentality that denies existing problems.
2. Emotional investment in the wrong issues.
3. Unhealthy responses to ministry frustrations.
4. A lone ranger attitude that says, “God and I can handle this.”
5. Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses.
In FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM, Dr. Stone promises help for frustrated pastors. He uses his thirty-plus years of ministerial work to craft a four-part organic process that will help pastors sustain and renew their passion for ministry.
There are a lot of graphs and research data included in this hardcover book to help sustain the claims that Dr. Stone makes. This is not a book for laymen, rather it is written pastor-to-pastor, and appears to be used as a kind of teaching tool. It is more of a lecture in tone, not a friend-across-the-kitchen-table style. Although there are some really cute chapter titles in this book.
If you are a pastor and not feeling the joy that you once had or if you are in the ministry of a pastor who might benefit from this book, then FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM is a book you need to pick up. It can’t hurt—and might just help. $19.99 hardcover, 221 pages.
Author: Charles Stone
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0764207051
Genre: Inspirational/ministry
There are five killers of a ministry, according to Dr. Charles Stone of Ginger Creek Community Church in Chicago. This pastor noticed that a great number of ministers wondered what killed their joy. What robbed them of their passion?
So, Dr. Stone began researching over 1,900 pastors and 1,000 non-pastors in partnership with The Barna Group, LifeWay Research, and NationalChristianPoll.com from Christianity Today, Inc. What Dr. Stone discovered was that the death of ministerial joy comes from one of five categories:
1. Head-in-the-Sand mentality that denies existing problems.
2. Emotional investment in the wrong issues.
3. Unhealthy responses to ministry frustrations.
4. A lone ranger attitude that says, “God and I can handle this.”
5. Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses.
In FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM, Dr. Stone promises help for frustrated pastors. He uses his thirty-plus years of ministerial work to craft a four-part organic process that will help pastors sustain and renew their passion for ministry.
There are a lot of graphs and research data included in this hardcover book to help sustain the claims that Dr. Stone makes. This is not a book for laymen, rather it is written pastor-to-pastor, and appears to be used as a kind of teaching tool. It is more of a lecture in tone, not a friend-across-the-kitchen-table style. Although there are some really cute chapter titles in this book.
If you are a pastor and not feeling the joy that you once had or if you are in the ministry of a pastor who might benefit from this book, then FIVE MINISTRY KILLERS AND HOW TO DEFEAT THEM is a book you need to pick up. It can’t hurt—and might just help. $19.99 hardcover, 221 pages.
May 19, 2010
Are you a pastor running on empty? Does the very thought of getting up and preaching one more sermon make you ill? Do you feel like your parishoners don't really know you, or your frustrations? On the other side of the spectrum, are you a church leader or even lay person, who really does NOT understand what there is about your church to frustrate your pastor?
Charles Stone, a pastor himself, has watched over the years as fellow ministers fall in the line of fire, so to speak. As they finally decide it is all too much and give up the ministry. He has done extensive research including having research done specifically for this book that is unpublished by Barna Group and Lifeway Group, to find the issues that are plaguing pastors and their wives.
He has grouped together a list of five ministry killers, things that will bring on the demise of a pastor's ministry, unless addressed. This book is a not a fix all to all problems, but it will open your eyes to issues today's pastors face. I completely enjoyed this book, because as a pastor's wife, I have seen my husband walk these pathways, and know that there is someone who understands. A book that won't take long to read, but that is full of answers and encouragement. Most definitely a book to share with all ministry leaders. Also a valuable part of this book is the chapter where his wife addresses the problems that ministry wives face. Please if your a pastor or in leadership of any type, take time to read this book! 202 pages $19.99 US 5 stars
This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review
May 24, 2010
Everyone in ministry experiences hardships, especially pastors, but sometimes a problem can fester and actually kill...kill your ministry, that is. In his recent book entitled Five Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them Dr. harles Stone carefully explains the following five ministry "killers" as he dubs them
1. Head in the sand mentality that denies existing problems
2. Emotional investment in the wrong issues
3. Unhealthy Responses to Ministry Frustrations
4. A lone ranger attitude that says 'God and I can handle this'
5. Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses
Drawing from his more than thirty years of experience, Dr. Stone uses statistics from The Barna Group, LifeWay Research, and NationalPoll.com to compile a title to not only help diagnose ministry killers, but ward against them as well.
Five Ministry Killers was an enlightening book. It not only gave me a peek into what my pastor must got through, but also gave me a warning for issues in my own real of ministry. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to the following two groups of people: anyone in ministry or anyone who has a pastor. This book is well worth the time spent reading it.
A copy of this title was provided by Glass Road PR for review purposes. Receiving a free copy in no way affected the content of this review.
1. Head in the sand mentality that denies existing problems
2. Emotional investment in the wrong issues
3. Unhealthy Responses to Ministry Frustrations
4. A lone ranger attitude that says 'God and I can handle this'
5. Attitudes and actions that lead to lonely, hurting spouses
Drawing from his more than thirty years of experience, Dr. Stone uses statistics from The Barna Group, LifeWay Research, and NationalPoll.com to compile a title to not only help diagnose ministry killers, but ward against them as well.
Five Ministry Killers was an enlightening book. It not only gave me a peek into what my pastor must got through, but also gave me a warning for issues in my own real of ministry. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to the following two groups of people: anyone in ministry or anyone who has a pastor. This book is well worth the time spent reading it.
A copy of this title was provided by Glass Road PR for review purposes. Receiving a free copy in no way affected the content of this review.
October 13, 2016
While the thesis of this book is not one I am necessarily drawn to (I'd prefer meaty biblical theology and a macro picture of seeing how our work is all for the glory of God), I did find that I quite like this book. For the purposes of research for a paper on church growth, I sped through about 25 books, many of which grieved me so very much because they actually were written by authors who hated the church (and wanted to justify their own version of church by quoting Scripture out of context).
I felt that Stone genuinely cared for his fellow pastors but what I really appreciated was the amount of research he did in preparation for this book. Not only does he routinely refer to large surveys and studies conducted by the Barna Group and Lifeway, he repeatedly references the most salient points from veterans in the field. And boy were many of these so very really impactful - they made me feel like actually going to look up these secondary sources in future.
In a world with too many opinioned authors who are very happy to give their two cents worth on how to run God's church, Stone's masterpiece of a meta-analysis was a very welcome breath of fresh air. His passion, personal brokenness and rigour research have come together to create this encouraging read.
I felt that Stone genuinely cared for his fellow pastors but what I really appreciated was the amount of research he did in preparation for this book. Not only does he routinely refer to large surveys and studies conducted by the Barna Group and Lifeway, he repeatedly references the most salient points from veterans in the field. And boy were many of these so very really impactful - they made me feel like actually going to look up these secondary sources in future.
In a world with too many opinioned authors who are very happy to give their two cents worth on how to run God's church, Stone's masterpiece of a meta-analysis was a very welcome breath of fresh air. His passion, personal brokenness and rigour research have come together to create this encouraging read.
May 23, 2010
Although I am not a pastor I gained quite an insight into their problems. This book would be of benefit to members of the congregation as well as ministers. The book is divided into common problem areas and contains many different solutions to the problems but always suggestions on ways in which to recognize the situations before they develop into problems. There is also an excellent area on problems encountered by a pastor's wife. Dr. Stone has used extensive research data and has ripped apart the veil of "everythings just fine thank you" that covers a multitude of burnout and disappointment in the life of a pastor. Excellent reading for everyone involved in churches.
January 17, 2011
Very interesting and encouraging for pastors and preachers. I highly recommend this book for those that are in the ministry.
January 31, 2015
Great book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews