Walking in Wonder: Resilience in Ministry

In ministry as in life we get knocked down. Sometimes due to our folly or despair or fatigue or external opposition we stumble and fall. How do we get back up--again and again and again? Resiliency the ability to bounce back is a gift of God. Leaders are able to get up and follow the crucified and risen Lord when they are drawn when they are enchanted by the awesome mystery of the triune God. Discipleship has never been easy. The way staying on the narrow path that leads to abundant life is hard. Today no less than the first disciples followers of Christ face an array of challenges not the least of which is disenchantment: We had hoped he was the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21). Seen through an Enlightenment lens disenchantment may be more acute and prevalent in our times but it is not new. We walk our own Emmaus Road. And when we keep walking when we follow the one who joins us on the Road eyes are opened hearts burn the one standing before us is recognized and we are sustained for the journey. This collection of theological essays on ministry is an invitation to run and not be weary . . . to walk and not faint (Isa 40:31) by walking in wonder with the wholly other God who is near. Ministry draws on every human resource--physical psychological intellectual and spiritual. Drawing on decades of pastoral experience George Sinclair offers a vision of pastoral life grounded in our deepest understandings of God and human life. He shows all pastors how to appreciate again the mystery of Gods kindness and love--and to wonder at its majesty. --John M. Mulder former President Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary Louisville KY Part memoir part theological table-talk this movingly written book explores all the crevices of pastoral ministry today--its fragility its temptations its strengths its forbearance and finally its capacity to be gathered up into wonder love and praise. Every reader will find joy and wisdom in these pages; pastors will find their sense of call powerfully refreshed. --Thomas G. Long Bandy Professor of Preaching Candler School of Theology Emory University Atlanta GA In this eminently wise book George Sinclair explores how the wonder of Gods steadfast love renews and sustains the practice of ministry. Through an engaging blend of personal and theological reflections George shows us what it means to be stewards of Gods mysteries. Paul would be proud! This is a book every seminarian and pastor should read. --Bill Brown William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament Columbia Theological Seminary Decatur GA George Sinclair is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For the past thirty-five years he has served churches in Illinois North Carolina and Georgia. He is currently pastor of Government Street Presbyterian Church in Mobile Alabama.