Tough Stuff (ePub)

Years past, I enjoyed regional meetings with fellow clergy. In the confidential atmosphere of a church we enjoyed a bag lunch and bared our souls about what was happening in our lives and ministries, then encouraged and prayed for each other. Non-competitive understanding and support was uplifting. What most sticks in mind is a time that one pastor shared hellish struggles he was experiencing with a power group in his church. As I remember it, we all listened attentively, with sympathy and understanding, since we also had fumbled with similar challenges through the years, but we offered nothing specific to help manage his situation. A room full of seasoned clergy and none of us seemed able to offer specific helpful advice. At the conclusion of our time and prayer together, he left in tears. A short time later he committed suicide

Horrible anguish seeped into my soul from this heart-wrenching news - such disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, desperation and futility, driven by church people into the soul of their gentle, caring, godly pastor. I've never recuperated from the sense that we should have done something more - but what?

That heartache sticks with me. He came to us for help. He poured out his soul. We gave him nothing. What if we could have provided that sensitive spiritual pastor with tools for action, would he be ministering even now? What if I had a book like this to share with him? Oh the need - THE NEED!!

That's my driver. I have groveled in the heartaches and hardships of pastors, bleeding with them. I have mixed their blood with my own. This tragedy, and more, again and again along the way, has pulled on my spirit to do something. Nothing has been tougher, but there was no other way to unearth effective, biblical and honorable solutions to the greatest perplexities of ministry. My goal is to enable exceptional clergy competence through proper preparedness for all the tussles of the task.

"In my opinion this should be required reading for all congregational pastors." Rev. Raymond Cross BTh, BA

The Rev. Dr. K. Rick Baker -- "A tremendous labour of love from a God-sized hearted man. May the Lord use this to equip His valued servants better to face the rigors of the greatest calling in all the world. We need all faithful shepherds to stay in the field - there are many wolves."