Pastoral ministry is not for the faint of heart. The difficult circumstances unique to leading a church can cause young pastors to question their calling and quickly burn out. But quitting or failing are not the only options—a fact proven by the faithful track records of veteran pastors throughout church history.

Featuring contributions by a diverse team of experienced pastors such as Tim Keller, D. A Carson, Bryan Chapell, Dave Harvey, and Juan Sanchez, this book offers young pastors a realistic view of issues that could potentially undermine their ministry—issues such as family life, personal devotions, criticism, and financial strain. Each chapter includes a letter written by a young pastor setting up a dilemma, followed by an answer filled with wisdom gleaned from the Bible, history, and years of personal experience, to encourage pastors to keep the future in view as they press on in ministry.

"This book will prove to be a spiritual tonic for pastors." —Thomas R. Schreiner

This book offers pastors examples of long-term faithfulness in ministry and practical wisdom from veteran pastors for real-life issues.

• Attending to your personal spiritual life (Tim Keller)
• Leaving a church
  (D. A. Carson)
• Crafting sermons week after week
  (Bryan Chapell)
• Facing criticism
  (Dan Doriani)
• Pastoring a church you wouldn't attend (Tom Ascol)
• Caring for your wife in the midst of criticism
  (Juan R. Sanchez with Jeanine D. Sanchez)
• Feeling deserted by members leaving (Dave Harvey)
• Pastoring a small church that seems insignificant
  (Mark McCullough)
• Experiencing burnout
  (John Starke)
• Shepherding a church that has outgrown your gifts
  (Scott Patty)
• Handling financial burdens
  (Brandon Shields)
• Doubting your calling
  (Jeff Robinson Sr.)