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Pastor, Jesus is Enough: Hope for the Weary, Burned Out, and the Broken
In Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, Jeremy Writebol invites pastors to hear the words of the risen Jesus in the seven letters within Revelation 2–3:
Pastors love Jesus most
Pastors suffer
Pastors teach and tell the truth
Pastors become like Jesus
Pastors abide in Jesus
Pastors find their value in Jesus
Pastors repent
The exhortations in Revelation 2–3 are directed to churches. But they also exhort pastors. In these letters, Jesus draws near to pastors―whether hurting or straying―and reminds them of his sufficiency. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has hard words for pastors. But they are words of life. Most of all, Jesus urges pastors to keep their focus on him.
Being enough is exhausting. But pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. Because only Jesus is enough.
Pastors love Jesus most
Pastors suffer
Pastors teach and tell the truth
Pastors become like Jesus
Pastors abide in Jesus
Pastors find their value in Jesus
Pastors repent
The exhortations in Revelation 2–3 are directed to churches. But they also exhort pastors. In these letters, Jesus draws near to pastors―whether hurting or straying―and reminds them of his sufficiency. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has hard words for pastors. But they are words of life. Most of all, Jesus urges pastors to keep their focus on him.
Being enough is exhausting. But pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. Because only Jesus is enough.
184 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2023
13 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Writebol
7 books40 followersJeremy is the Lead Campus Pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Plymouth, MI. He is the author of several books including the award-winning Pastor Jesus is Enough (Lexham Press). He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute (BA) and The Resurgence Training Center (Missional Leadership). He and his wife Stephanie have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 9, 2023
Writebol sees Revelation’s seven letters to the churches as pastoral epistles. It’s a fascinating take filled with gospel encouragement.
March 16, 2023
Weary, Burned Out, Broken, and Hopeful
Over the past couple of years, I’ve reviewed and recommended a rather eclectic collection of books, from the first century to yet-to-be-released books; huge tomes to plain and simple biographies. I do my best to recommend the books I think will be of particular help and interest to all of you reading, and this book is no exception. What stands out in this case, is that I have the great pleasure of commending to you not only the book, but also the author who penned it. Jeremy is a friend and a brother who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with since before I started the Raven’s Writing Desk. Jeremy was one of the driving forces of encouragement who got me started on this journey, and it is no stretch to say that I wouldn’t be where I am without him. When we first met I had recently been diagnosed with the illness I have suffered from ever since; I’m painfully aware of my brokenness both physical and personal. My patience, my perseverance and trust in God have been tested time and time again, and so reading this book—which takes the reader through Jesus’ words in Revelation 2-3—has felt rather poignant for me personally. Some books feel like lectures, others like poetry, and some rare volumes feel like sitting down with a friend and opening up the bible together—this book is firmly in the latter category.
The tagline for the book is “hope for the weary, the burned out & the broken” and though not all of us are pastors, that certainly speaks to each of us as Christians. We are constantly having to be reminded not to allow our experiences, our losses, and our sufferings to tempt us to believe that life has become hopeless, but rather that our hope in Jesus is reforged in furnaces such as these. Last night, the pain in my spine grew so great that I had to sit on the ground, back straight, and eyes closed during a church Bible study … whilst wearing a three-piece suit. I was the very image of a deflated proper broken British suffering gentleman. In the midst of my temporary inability to move, see, or interact as I usually would, instead I joined the woman in the passage in question, the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15:21-28 who, on her knees, begged: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.”
Jesus was enough for her. Jesus was enough—is enough—for me.
Over the past few years every pastor has been affected and at times battered by constant changes, by changing rules and regulations, by accusations and resignations. Churches have closed, staff and members have left, beloved brothers and sisters have deconstructed and some Pastors have borne it in a similar fashion; Dressed to the nines in the right outward appearance and perfectly prepared preaching, whilst feeling the weight of mortification and even shame dragging them down to the floor, eyes closed, praying for just enough strength to return to the pulpit again the following Sunday.
The Enoughness of Jesus
If that’s you, or if you love your Pastor—which I sincerely hope you do—this book is for you. As is often the case, when we begin work that the Lord has set out before us, we’ll be tested. Jeremy, with regard to this book, put it like this, “It's as if the Spirit was asking me if I had ears to hear. Did I really believe the enoughness of Jesus for my own life and ministry?” Jeremy echoes here the question on the heart of every Pastor I’ve ever spoken to. They might not put it like that, but it is always present. Pastors deal with family issues, death threats, hard questions, and utter lies. Pastors have false accusations come their way, and even harsh judgements about their beliefs, and the God whom we all love and serve. Some Pastors even deal with outright persecution, and some have their lives taken from them, or watch as others around them die for the faith.
Is Jesus enough?
Those are just the struggles from without, but what about those within? Failure to meet personal ministry goals, forgetting that new member’s name again(!), Sunday morning family arguments, temptations, lies, memories of better Pastors who stand in defiance against the Pastor in the mirror. Jeremy encourages you to keep “[your] eyes…fixed on Christ, who is enough to rescue us from our greatest failures, our worst sermons, our poor counseling, our weak prayers, and our deepest sorrows. Christ died for us! He is enough for us.”
Do you believe it?
An Old Revelation
I’m thrilled to say that this book is entirely un-revolutionary with regard to its core message and biblical basis, and I can’t stress how important that is. In a world in which we’re always looking for the next big thing, our new favourite film, the latest craze, as Christians we should always be looking back to that “old thing” the Bible. “Pastor, Jesus is Enough” brings a word which is sorely needed in the Church.
I remember a few years ago reading the Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil, the message I went away with was “Shepherds should care for their sheep.” I can’t remember whether Senkbeil ever put it exactly like that or not, but the simplicity of his Biblical reminders about pastoral care, which should have been obvious, bowled me over at the time. Sadly, it wasn’t something I’d experienced in some time, and it would be a few years before I would be under such leadership again. In the years since I’ve had to remind myself when reading the Bible or other books inspired by the Bible, that the simplest truths can knock us for six, and it is often those basic truths that have the longest-lasting effects on our lives. Jeremy is open throughout the book about his own need for ongoing reminders that Jesus is enough, and his posture reminds me of that moment when a child discovers a new trick and can’t wait to show his friends how to do it too. Jeremy embodies childlikeness as a Pastor and invites others to do the same.
If you’re a Pastor reading this, I want you to know that while I don’t know your struggles, or the pain the last few years have caused you. What I can say, and what Jeremy would wholeheartedly affirm, is that this book is not enough, Jeremy is not enough, and this article is most certainly not enough.
There is, however, one who is.
Pastor, Jesus is Enough.
Jeremy has written this book to point beyond his own words, to words spoken by our Saviour, the only one who is enough. These words have passed through Jeremy, changing him, moulding him, and proving him through the furnace of testing. The result is a man beckoning others to sit with him before the throne, Bible open to the book of Revelation, reading together, learning together, weeping together, and working together on giving up human strength in return for the one whose power is perfected in weakness. Wherever you are, whatever you’re thinking right now, I implore you, pick up the book and read it for all it is worth.
Knowing that Jesus is Enough is one thing, believing it is quite another.
Pastor, Jesus is Enough
Grace and Peace,
Adsum Try Ravenhill
Over the past couple of years, I’ve reviewed and recommended a rather eclectic collection of books, from the first century to yet-to-be-released books; huge tomes to plain and simple biographies. I do my best to recommend the books I think will be of particular help and interest to all of you reading, and this book is no exception. What stands out in this case, is that I have the great pleasure of commending to you not only the book, but also the author who penned it. Jeremy is a friend and a brother who I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with since before I started the Raven’s Writing Desk. Jeremy was one of the driving forces of encouragement who got me started on this journey, and it is no stretch to say that I wouldn’t be where I am without him. When we first met I had recently been diagnosed with the illness I have suffered from ever since; I’m painfully aware of my brokenness both physical and personal. My patience, my perseverance and trust in God have been tested time and time again, and so reading this book—which takes the reader through Jesus’ words in Revelation 2-3—has felt rather poignant for me personally. Some books feel like lectures, others like poetry, and some rare volumes feel like sitting down with a friend and opening up the bible together—this book is firmly in the latter category.
The tagline for the book is “hope for the weary, the burned out & the broken” and though not all of us are pastors, that certainly speaks to each of us as Christians. We are constantly having to be reminded not to allow our experiences, our losses, and our sufferings to tempt us to believe that life has become hopeless, but rather that our hope in Jesus is reforged in furnaces such as these. Last night, the pain in my spine grew so great that I had to sit on the ground, back straight, and eyes closed during a church Bible study … whilst wearing a three-piece suit. I was the very image of a deflated proper broken British suffering gentleman. In the midst of my temporary inability to move, see, or interact as I usually would, instead I joined the woman in the passage in question, the Canaanite woman from Matthew 15:21-28 who, on her knees, begged: “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David.”
Jesus was enough for her. Jesus was enough—is enough—for me.
Over the past few years every pastor has been affected and at times battered by constant changes, by changing rules and regulations, by accusations and resignations. Churches have closed, staff and members have left, beloved brothers and sisters have deconstructed and some Pastors have borne it in a similar fashion; Dressed to the nines in the right outward appearance and perfectly prepared preaching, whilst feeling the weight of mortification and even shame dragging them down to the floor, eyes closed, praying for just enough strength to return to the pulpit again the following Sunday.
The Enoughness of Jesus
If that’s you, or if you love your Pastor—which I sincerely hope you do—this book is for you. As is often the case, when we begin work that the Lord has set out before us, we’ll be tested. Jeremy, with regard to this book, put it like this, “It's as if the Spirit was asking me if I had ears to hear. Did I really believe the enoughness of Jesus for my own life and ministry?” Jeremy echoes here the question on the heart of every Pastor I’ve ever spoken to. They might not put it like that, but it is always present. Pastors deal with family issues, death threats, hard questions, and utter lies. Pastors have false accusations come their way, and even harsh judgements about their beliefs, and the God whom we all love and serve. Some Pastors even deal with outright persecution, and some have their lives taken from them, or watch as others around them die for the faith.
Is Jesus enough?
Those are just the struggles from without, but what about those within? Failure to meet personal ministry goals, forgetting that new member’s name again(!), Sunday morning family arguments, temptations, lies, memories of better Pastors who stand in defiance against the Pastor in the mirror. Jeremy encourages you to keep “[your] eyes…fixed on Christ, who is enough to rescue us from our greatest failures, our worst sermons, our poor counseling, our weak prayers, and our deepest sorrows. Christ died for us! He is enough for us.”
Do you believe it?
An Old Revelation
I’m thrilled to say that this book is entirely un-revolutionary with regard to its core message and biblical basis, and I can’t stress how important that is. In a world in which we’re always looking for the next big thing, our new favourite film, the latest craze, as Christians we should always be looking back to that “old thing” the Bible. “Pastor, Jesus is Enough” brings a word which is sorely needed in the Church.
I remember a few years ago reading the Care of Souls by Harold Senkbeil, the message I went away with was “Shepherds should care for their sheep.” I can’t remember whether Senkbeil ever put it exactly like that or not, but the simplicity of his Biblical reminders about pastoral care, which should have been obvious, bowled me over at the time. Sadly, it wasn’t something I’d experienced in some time, and it would be a few years before I would be under such leadership again. In the years since I’ve had to remind myself when reading the Bible or other books inspired by the Bible, that the simplest truths can knock us for six, and it is often those basic truths that have the longest-lasting effects on our lives. Jeremy is open throughout the book about his own need for ongoing reminders that Jesus is enough, and his posture reminds me of that moment when a child discovers a new trick and can’t wait to show his friends how to do it too. Jeremy embodies childlikeness as a Pastor and invites others to do the same.
If you’re a Pastor reading this, I want you to know that while I don’t know your struggles, or the pain the last few years have caused you. What I can say, and what Jeremy would wholeheartedly affirm, is that this book is not enough, Jeremy is not enough, and this article is most certainly not enough.
There is, however, one who is.
Pastor, Jesus is Enough.
Jeremy has written this book to point beyond his own words, to words spoken by our Saviour, the only one who is enough. These words have passed through Jeremy, changing him, moulding him, and proving him through the furnace of testing. The result is a man beckoning others to sit with him before the throne, Bible open to the book of Revelation, reading together, learning together, weeping together, and working together on giving up human strength in return for the one whose power is perfected in weakness. Wherever you are, whatever you’re thinking right now, I implore you, pick up the book and read it for all it is worth.
Knowing that Jesus is Enough is one thing, believing it is quite another.
Pastor, Jesus is Enough
Grace and Peace,
Adsum Try Ravenhill
August 30, 2024
great, encouraging book
Really enjoyed this book by Jeremy. I will definitely come back to it - especially the final chapter. Extremely encouraging!
Really enjoyed this book by Jeremy. I will definitely come back to it - especially the final chapter. Extremely encouraging!
September 12, 2025
Around once or twice a year I feel like I read the right book for the right time. "Pastor, Jesus is Enough" was that book this year. I am grateful for God's providence in bringing this book to me at this time. If you are a pastor going through a deep, dark season, I highly recommend this book. You will be edified, challenged and constantly pointed to your all sufficient Savior.
April 15, 2024
Writebol's Pastor, Jesus is Enough is sufficient in its pursuit to encourage both prospective and present pastors. Little in this book is overtly shocking, but few times Writebol articulates Gospel truths in a transformative and thought-provoking way. Pair this with some unique exegetical liberties when looking at Revelation, Writebol produces a relatively encouraging, intriguing, and basic work for those looking for an uplifting read.
May 28, 2025
Although there are bits of repetition, this book was a much needed balm for my heart.
April 22, 2023
Pastor, Jesus Is Enough
Hope for the Weary, the Burned Out, and the Broken
by Jeremy Writebol
Pub Date 15 Mar 2023
Lexham Press
Christian | Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Lexham Press and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Pastor, Jesus is Enough for review:
It can be exhausting to be enough!
Pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. This is because only Jesus is sufficient.
In Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, Jeremy Writebol invites pastors to hear the words of the risen Jesus contained within the seven letters of Revelation 2–3. In Revelation 2–3, exhortations are addressed to churches. Furthermore, they exhort pastors as well.
As Jesus draws near to pastors in these seven letters, he reminds them of his sufficiency, whether they are hurting or straying. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has harsh words for pastors. It is important to note that these are words of life. The most important thing Jesus urges pastors to do is to keep their focus on him.
I give Pastor, Jesus is Enough five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Hope for the Weary, the Burned Out, and the Broken
by Jeremy Writebol
Pub Date 15 Mar 2023
Lexham Press
Christian | Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Lexham Press and Netgalley have provided me with a copy of Pastor, Jesus is Enough for review:
It can be exhausting to be enough!
Pastor, the good news is that you cannot be enough. This is because only Jesus is sufficient.
In Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, Jeremy Writebol invites pastors to hear the words of the risen Jesus contained within the seven letters of Revelation 2–3. In Revelation 2–3, exhortations are addressed to churches. Furthermore, they exhort pastors as well.
As Jesus draws near to pastors in these seven letters, he reminds them of his sufficiency, whether they are hurting or straying. In these warnings and promises, Jesus has harsh words for pastors. It is important to note that these are words of life. The most important thing Jesus urges pastors to do is to keep their focus on him.
I give Pastor, Jesus is Enough five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 1, 2023
Encouraging read to keep looking at Jesus - and get out of the rat race of creating a ministry that is all about me and my self-sufficiency. I am not called to be a CEO of a church or a master entertainer/philosopher/orator/mentor/counselor/event planner all in one. Jesus is supreme. This morning after finishing the book I sang the old song, "His name is wonderful." So thankful that it's his name - and not my own, or my reputation that is wonderful.
A helpful reminder for tired ministers who need to be gently corrected to keep looking to Jesus, not to self.
I received a free copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
A helpful reminder for tired ministers who need to be gently corrected to keep looking to Jesus, not to self.
I received a free copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2024
A timely and encouraging devotional for pastors and ministry leaders who need help to lift their gaze to our Chief Shepherd.
March 17, 2024
This was a good and encouraging read!
November 25, 2025
Writebol takes the reader through an immensely helpful & encouraging treatment of Revelation 1-4. His work is targeted for road weary pastors but will greatly benefit all followers of Christ who find themselves in need of rest & hope. Applicable, transparent, freshly insightful & needed. Jesus is indeed more than enough! Highly Recommend.
“Those in the presence of God have never failed to see or exalt the holiness of God.”
“To the pastor who wonders if he will hear “Well done good & faithful servant,” consider when that statement came for Christ. It’s essential for us to understand that before Christ did any ministry work, he received full approval from his Heavenly Father. At his baptism, as He came up out of the water the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”.
“To become like Christ, one must behold Christ.”
“Value comes from Christ, not us.”
“The call of ministry is to love Jesus most, suffer, become like Jesus, teach & tell the truth, abide in Christ, labor in little, repent & fix our eyes on Jesus.”
“The loss of our first love is the gradual sometimes imperceptible decline of our affections away from one thing & an increase of our affections for another. It’s putting the spotlight on something good, while taking it off of something better.”
“God’s holiness is his complete transcendence, uniqueness, & purity.”
“The elders declare his right to all glory, honor, & power because he is the one who created all things.”
“All things exist because of his Devine desire & subsequent ability to carry out those desires.”
“Jesus is the one. Jesus is enough.”
“Those in the presence of God have never failed to see or exalt the holiness of God.”
“To the pastor who wonders if he will hear “Well done good & faithful servant,” consider when that statement came for Christ. It’s essential for us to understand that before Christ did any ministry work, he received full approval from his Heavenly Father. At his baptism, as He came up out of the water the Father said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”.
“To become like Christ, one must behold Christ.”
“Value comes from Christ, not us.”
“The call of ministry is to love Jesus most, suffer, become like Jesus, teach & tell the truth, abide in Christ, labor in little, repent & fix our eyes on Jesus.”
“The loss of our first love is the gradual sometimes imperceptible decline of our affections away from one thing & an increase of our affections for another. It’s putting the spotlight on something good, while taking it off of something better.”
“God’s holiness is his complete transcendence, uniqueness, & purity.”
“The elders declare his right to all glory, honor, & power because he is the one who created all things.”
“All things exist because of his Devine desire & subsequent ability to carry out those desires.”
“Jesus is the one. Jesus is enough.”
October 22, 2023
"Pastor, Jesus is Enough" is a great book for ministers. It helps reorient our focus onto Jesus rather than on the many distractions that take our eyes from him. I appreciated the author's insights and found myself highlighting many passages. The message of the book is both convicting and liberating.
May 1, 2024
Praise the Lord that there is hope for the weary, the ones who are at the end of their rope, and the broken! This book is a helpful reminder of the comfort that is found in Christ, even for those who are called to remind others to rest in that same comfort… Pastors.
Overall it was a good book, and I found it encouraging. One thing that made it a challenge, is that the entire thesis of the book is based upon an interpretive decision that I am not convinced of. That decision is to interpret “messenger/angel” as speaking about the Pastor in Revelation 1-4. The interpretation is rather minor, and most of the application still carries over. But it was a challenge to put that aside when it inevitably came up.
Other than that, there are many gospel reminders to encourage other pastors with, so I’m looking forward to some of the great discussions that can stem from this book!
Overall it was a good book, and I found it encouraging. One thing that made it a challenge, is that the entire thesis of the book is based upon an interpretive decision that I am not convinced of. That decision is to interpret “messenger/angel” as speaking about the Pastor in Revelation 1-4. The interpretation is rather minor, and most of the application still carries over. But it was a challenge to put that aside when it inevitably came up.
Other than that, there are many gospel reminders to encourage other pastors with, so I’m looking forward to some of the great discussions that can stem from this book!
April 21, 2023
“Not just the grand moments. Every moment.”
So often we think only in terms of the grand moments. Whether of happiness, suffering, sacrifice or success, the moments that lodge in our minds are the “grand moments;” when battles were won, loved ones died, heroic deeds were performed. Of the moments in between, we tend to forget. Yet every moment comprises a life. And so with Jesus. In particular, every moment of Jesus’ human life, says Writebol, was a form of suffering. Though in the grandest gesture of all, he sacrificed himself on the cross so that we might be saved, his daily life up to that point was also one of suffering. Full of slights, misunderstandings, slander, and emotional pain. Remembering this is to know that Jesus empathises with our day-to-day sufferings. None are below his notice.
Pastors—Writebol’s primary audience—are not immune from such day-to-day sufferings. Being a pastor is a weighty task, and these shepherds of God’s people must guide us along a path from which they themselves are prone to stray. Writebol seeks to encourage pastors. Taking the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation, Writebol distils them into seven messages to pastors. Seven messages to tired, confused and perhaps disillusioned pastors wading through a world (and sometimes their own minds) that seduce them into subscribing to worldly measures of success and happiness. From disordered love to personal sin to giving in to cultural pressure that dilutes or adds to the Gospel, Writebol illuminates each challenge and points the pastor towards the solution of finding their value and comfort in Jesus.
I don’t read many Christian living books. Often I've found they’re too prescriptive, and hence simplistic, making the ‘good’ life just one to-do list and behavioural modification away from reach. Writebol’s book is more of a heart-check, which I appreciated immensely.
His candidness around his own imperfections and struggles, particularly in the last few Covid and cultural-war ridden years makes it clear he’s a battle-scarred fellow saint, not a Saint benevolently passing wisdom down from on high. Though not a pastor, I still benefited from this book. We are all, after all, called to minister to those around us in Christian community.
Four stars - the highest mark possible short of a life-changing five stars.
So often we think only in terms of the grand moments. Whether of happiness, suffering, sacrifice or success, the moments that lodge in our minds are the “grand moments;” when battles were won, loved ones died, heroic deeds were performed. Of the moments in between, we tend to forget. Yet every moment comprises a life. And so with Jesus. In particular, every moment of Jesus’ human life, says Writebol, was a form of suffering. Though in the grandest gesture of all, he sacrificed himself on the cross so that we might be saved, his daily life up to that point was also one of suffering. Full of slights, misunderstandings, slander, and emotional pain. Remembering this is to know that Jesus empathises with our day-to-day sufferings. None are below his notice.
Pastors—Writebol’s primary audience—are not immune from such day-to-day sufferings. Being a pastor is a weighty task, and these shepherds of God’s people must guide us along a path from which they themselves are prone to stray. Writebol seeks to encourage pastors. Taking the seven letters to the seven churches in Revelation, Writebol distils them into seven messages to pastors. Seven messages to tired, confused and perhaps disillusioned pastors wading through a world (and sometimes their own minds) that seduce them into subscribing to worldly measures of success and happiness. From disordered love to personal sin to giving in to cultural pressure that dilutes or adds to the Gospel, Writebol illuminates each challenge and points the pastor towards the solution of finding their value and comfort in Jesus.
I don’t read many Christian living books. Often I've found they’re too prescriptive, and hence simplistic, making the ‘good’ life just one to-do list and behavioural modification away from reach. Writebol’s book is more of a heart-check, which I appreciated immensely.
His candidness around his own imperfections and struggles, particularly in the last few Covid and cultural-war ridden years makes it clear he’s a battle-scarred fellow saint, not a Saint benevolently passing wisdom down from on high. Though not a pastor, I still benefited from this book. We are all, after all, called to minister to those around us in Christian community.
Four stars - the highest mark possible short of a life-changing five stars.
March 27, 2023
Where can pastors find help when the pressure becomes unbearable? In Pastor, Jesus is Enough, Jeremy Writebol brings hope for the weary, the burned out, and the broken.
Warnings and Promises for Pastors
By examining the seven letters in Revelation 2-3, Writebol addresses pastors with warnings and promises. Ministry idolatry, worldly distractions, and our fallen nature can cause us to drift from our first love. Writebol calls us to keep our focus on Christ.
The temptation to prominence is one that impacted me the most. Writebol notes that we tend to believe falsehoods that tell us our porminnce comes form our upward mobility into larger and larger ministires. Isn’t this the point of platforms? Writebol reminds us that Christ has placed you in a strategic setting. He has given you a specific flock to shepherd, and he knows all of his sheep by name. And even the pastor himself belongs to Jesus. And “because pastors belong to Jesus, they can serve in obscurity.” This is how you can find rest in a world that tells you to work with your own strength.
Fix Your Gaze on Jesus
I was most challenged to see how this isn’t a self-congratulating book. The office of the pastor is a high calling, and pastors will face stricter judgment. Chapter 8 specifically calls the pastor to repent. The humble pastor knows he has a place in Jesus’ throne. In this way, he can know who he is and know the power and reality of Christ’s redemptive grace. But repentance must come first. It is the safest thing to do for those who belong to him. Writebol does not mince his words. He is firm and kind in calling pastors to repent.
The book ends on an incredible note. Writebol calls us to fix our gaze on Jesus, specifically on his holiness, his glory as creator, and his suffering. The worship of Jesus and his work on the cross is compelling enough. Recognizing our weakness helps us find our strength in him. This is a bold and beautiful book. Pastors will find their hearts heavy. But those that come to Christ will find their spirit sparked — ready to serve him in the strength that he supplies.
I received a media copy of Pastor, Jesus is Enough and this is my honest review.
Warnings and Promises for Pastors
By examining the seven letters in Revelation 2-3, Writebol addresses pastors with warnings and promises. Ministry idolatry, worldly distractions, and our fallen nature can cause us to drift from our first love. Writebol calls us to keep our focus on Christ.
The temptation to prominence is one that impacted me the most. Writebol notes that we tend to believe falsehoods that tell us our porminnce comes form our upward mobility into larger and larger ministires. Isn’t this the point of platforms? Writebol reminds us that Christ has placed you in a strategic setting. He has given you a specific flock to shepherd, and he knows all of his sheep by name. And even the pastor himself belongs to Jesus. And “because pastors belong to Jesus, they can serve in obscurity.” This is how you can find rest in a world that tells you to work with your own strength.
Fix Your Gaze on Jesus
I was most challenged to see how this isn’t a self-congratulating book. The office of the pastor is a high calling, and pastors will face stricter judgment. Chapter 8 specifically calls the pastor to repent. The humble pastor knows he has a place in Jesus’ throne. In this way, he can know who he is and know the power and reality of Christ’s redemptive grace. But repentance must come first. It is the safest thing to do for those who belong to him. Writebol does not mince his words. He is firm and kind in calling pastors to repent.
The book ends on an incredible note. Writebol calls us to fix our gaze on Jesus, specifically on his holiness, his glory as creator, and his suffering. The worship of Jesus and his work on the cross is compelling enough. Recognizing our weakness helps us find our strength in him. This is a bold and beautiful book. Pastors will find their hearts heavy. But those that come to Christ will find their spirit sparked — ready to serve him in the strength that he supplies.
I received a media copy of Pastor, Jesus is Enough and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2023
I have been anticipating this new book from Jeremy Writebol geared to exhort and encourage pastors. Having just finished an advance copy I can say the anticipation was matched with clear and timely words for those doing ministry in our age.
In Pastor, Jesus is Enough Writebol endeavors to relay Jesus' comfort and challenge in his letters to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 (which he sees as letters to the messengers, pastors of these churches). Unpacking each helpfully through the lens of modern ministry and how we are prone to trusting in our self-sufficiency, get caught up in the rage of the day, or experience our own suffering.
Each chapter shows how Jesus is enough, that he is for us and how that is meant to shape our vision and execution of ministry. And the book ends in worship, what carries us through.
Writebol's own experience of division and desertion out of the pandemic and political upheaval of the last couple of years serves as the backdrop for this work. This makes the book tremendously meaningful for those serving in North American churches. But it also is not a polemic that takes sides or pushes for more disruption. This book is solidly about Jesus and his care for his churches, his pastors.
More than for pastors, I think Pastor, Jesus is Enough includes helpful reminders for all believers, and it would serve members of congregations to read and pray through how best to pray for and remind their pastors that Jesus is enough.
In Pastor, Jesus is Enough Writebol endeavors to relay Jesus' comfort and challenge in his letters to the churches in Revelation 2 & 3 (which he sees as letters to the messengers, pastors of these churches). Unpacking each helpfully through the lens of modern ministry and how we are prone to trusting in our self-sufficiency, get caught up in the rage of the day, or experience our own suffering.
Each chapter shows how Jesus is enough, that he is for us and how that is meant to shape our vision and execution of ministry. And the book ends in worship, what carries us through.
Writebol's own experience of division and desertion out of the pandemic and political upheaval of the last couple of years serves as the backdrop for this work. This makes the book tremendously meaningful for those serving in North American churches. But it also is not a polemic that takes sides or pushes for more disruption. This book is solidly about Jesus and his care for his churches, his pastors.
More than for pastors, I think Pastor, Jesus is Enough includes helpful reminders for all believers, and it would serve members of congregations to read and pray through how best to pray for and remind their pastors that Jesus is enough.
April 3, 2023
This book is a needed and deeply encouraging word to the pastors who need it most.
Pastors are often told to read books. There is no end to the number of books we are given or recommended. Many of them promise some new idea or insight that will change our ministry and effectiveness if we could only apply it correctly. This is not that kind of book. Instead, this book is a balm for your soul. It is a reminder of all the things pastor's know but are tempted to forget.
The book walks through the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. It applies the message to each church as a message to a particular pastor. I had never considered reading the letters this way before, but I am not sure if I will ever be able to unsee it. The encouragements and admonishments in the letters are so applicable to the life of a pastor.
This book is profoundly devotional and pastoral. I often had to force myself to read it slowly one chapter at a time because my soul needed it. He covers all of the temptations and challenges we face as pastors. At each moment, he offers us Christ and the gospel. I loved this book. Any pastor who is struggling, tired, or weary should read this and find healing.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Pastors are often told to read books. There is no end to the number of books we are given or recommended. Many of them promise some new idea or insight that will change our ministry and effectiveness if we could only apply it correctly. This is not that kind of book. Instead, this book is a balm for your soul. It is a reminder of all the things pastor's know but are tempted to forget.
The book walks through the seven letters to the churches in Revelation. It applies the message to each church as a message to a particular pastor. I had never considered reading the letters this way before, but I am not sure if I will ever be able to unsee it. The encouragements and admonishments in the letters are so applicable to the life of a pastor.
This book is profoundly devotional and pastoral. I often had to force myself to read it slowly one chapter at a time because my soul needed it. He covers all of the temptations and challenges we face as pastors. At each moment, he offers us Christ and the gospel. I loved this book. Any pastor who is struggling, tired, or weary should read this and find healing.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
March 28, 2023
Writebol's "Pastor, Jesus is Enough," is written out of the pastoral furnace of Covid-19 as a word of encouragement and exhortation to weary, burned out, and broken pastors. In other words, all of us. My reading of Writebol's book was timely for my own heart. In the middle of a challenging season, I found myself weary and self-focused, and at times allowing the deadly companion self-pity to take up residence in my heart.
Writebol's book is taken from John's letters to the seven churches in Revelation. His words continually press us to the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, and the one who has given himself for us.
Here is a taste of his encouragement, "Pastor, labor where you are planted. Teh door of opportunity that only Christ can give is open before you. He has ordained before the foundation of the earth good works for you to do in the church you are in right now. Rest in the love of Jesus, and labor to feed his little flock that he died to purchase for himself."
Thank you so much for your work to shepherd us, Jeremy. Grateful for your ministry of the Word.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
Writebol's book is taken from John's letters to the seven churches in Revelation. His words continually press us to the Lamb of God, the Good Shepherd, and the one who has given himself for us.
Here is a taste of his encouragement, "Pastor, labor where you are planted. Teh door of opportunity that only Christ can give is open before you. He has ordained before the foundation of the earth good works for you to do in the church you are in right now. Rest in the love of Jesus, and labor to feed his little flock that he died to purchase for himself."
Thank you so much for your work to shepherd us, Jeremy. Grateful for your ministry of the Word.
For more reviews see thebeehive.live.
March 21, 2025
The message of this book is simple, and summed up in the title: Jesus is enough. Jeremy Writebol wants to encourage weary, worn out, pressured, doubting, struggling, broken, damaged, uncertain pastors with this message: Jesus is enough. Whatever we face, whatever we will face, Jesus is enough. We're not enough, but we don't need to be. Jesus is enough.
Writebol explores this theme by working through Jesus's letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. I don't agree with all of his interpretations, but his reflections on ministry are still valuable. He shows how Jesus is enough in both our suffering and in our successes, in our sin and in our service. "Our eyes are fixed on Christ, who is enough to rescue us from our greatest failures, our worst sermons, our poor counseling, our weak prayers, and our deepest sorrows. Christ died for us! He is enough for us" (145).
Pastors, let's keep looking to Jesus. He is enough.
Writebol explores this theme by working through Jesus's letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. I don't agree with all of his interpretations, but his reflections on ministry are still valuable. He shows how Jesus is enough in both our suffering and in our successes, in our sin and in our service. "Our eyes are fixed on Christ, who is enough to rescue us from our greatest failures, our worst sermons, our poor counseling, our weak prayers, and our deepest sorrows. Christ died for us! He is enough for us" (145).
Pastors, let's keep looking to Jesus. He is enough.
March 28, 2024
I appreciate how this book uses Revelation’s letters to the 7 churches to prompt reflection, to encourage, and to challenge those in ministry, and I especially liked the final chapter and how it reflected on these 7 letters in light of Rev. 4-5.
It is important to note (and the author briefly says this at the beginning), that the premise of this book is based on 1 interpretation of who the angel of each church is in Rev. 2-3, that it’s the pastor of the church. That’s 1 option of interpretation out of several that have merit (see DA Carson, Greg Beale, and Richard Bauckham for more on this), and if you interpret the identity of the angel differently than Writebol, it affects the whole premise of the book.
It is important to note (and the author briefly says this at the beginning), that the premise of this book is based on 1 interpretation of who the angel of each church is in Rev. 2-3, that it’s the pastor of the church. That’s 1 option of interpretation out of several that have merit (see DA Carson, Greg Beale, and Richard Bauckham for more on this), and if you interpret the identity of the angel differently than Writebol, it affects the whole premise of the book.
April 12, 2024
As an exhortation and encouragement to pastors, it is an excellent book. Writrebol understands the wrong desires and motivations that tempt and pull a pastor's heart from Christ as he engages in ministry. In each chapter, Writebol seeks to rebuke, exhort, and encourage pastors to fix their eyes on Jesus persevering in their ministry as they face suffering, temptation, and more.
However, as an exposition on the first several chapters of Revelation, it is rather lacking. The letters to the churches are not solely addressed to the pastor of that church, but the book's exegesis and message are centered around this idea. I see where it comes from, and I agree with the majority of the points that Writebol makes, I just would not make the points in this way.
However, as an exposition on the first several chapters of Revelation, it is rather lacking. The letters to the churches are not solely addressed to the pastor of that church, but the book's exegesis and message are centered around this idea. I see where it comes from, and I agree with the majority of the points that Writebol makes, I just would not make the points in this way.
September 9, 2025
An impulse buy (a frequent occurrence for me) based on the title and suggested content, this book was mostly great in content and structure. Where it could have been made more consistent or applicable would have been if the author applied this more broadly to Christians or churches, or the plurality of elders as the NT indicates was the practice of governance rather than the approach that eisegeted an idea of individual pastors being addressed. While understanding (even appreciating) the idea and principle, it made for awkward interpretation and missed applications at times. What could have been a wonderful title on Christian life in general became a specific address to leaders. Narrowing the intended audience from the original intent of John made it unnecessarily distracting.
December 30, 2023
If I could choose one book beyond the Bible for every minister to read, it would be Pastor, Jesus Is Enough. Jeremy Writebol brilliantly takes Revelation's letters to seven churches and imagines them as being written to the Pastors of those churches. It's not a big leap. Jeremy is transparent and vulnerable as he examines the words of Jesus to the churches. His love for Jesus and for ministers comes through strong. Excellent. I'm so glad someone put it in my hands.
June 19, 2023
"Pastor, Jesus is Enough" is a great book for ministers. It helps reorient our focus onto Jesus rather than on the many distractions that take our eyes from him. I appreciated the author's insights and found myself highlighting many passages. The message of the book is both convicting and liberating.
December 24, 2024
Writebol's book walks through the seven letters to the churches and applies them to pastoral ministry with variegated purposes: encouragement to persevere, gracious rebuke, recalibration of priorities, call to humble self-awareness, patient suffering, a joyful contentment in Christ - each purpose presents Jesus as all-sufficient.
April 2, 2024
3.5. This was an encouraging book overall. At times it felt repetitive and basic, though gospel reminders are always needed. His exegesis of Revelation was also a bit questionable at times. Regardless, this was a helpful book. This could be a good resource for discouraged pastors.
April 13, 2024
Good pastoral application, suspect exegesis of Revelation 2-4.
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