Immeasurable

Reflections on the Soul of Ministry in the Age of Church, Inc.

By: Skye Jethani

Narrated by: Adam Verner

"In my first seminary class, we were asked to introduce ourselves and say why we enrolled. I'll never forget what one student said:

'My denomination wants me to have an M.Div., but once they see I can grow a big church, I don't think they'll make me finish the program.'"

The priorities of this future pastor were startling, but he's not alone in them. In the years since that class, author and minister Skye Jethani has seen more and more pastors swallowed by the celebrity syndrome.

Not long ago, ministers were among the most trusted and admired people in our culture. But not anymore. A 2013 study from Gallop revealed that Americans' admiration for clergy has reached an all-time low. That, taken with reduced trust of institutional religion overall, makes it easy to see why ministers feel insecure about their calling.

In response to this trend, some pastors have looked to emulate those who are praised by the culture - business leaders, entertainers, and social activists. This has led to a new understanding of what a minister should be. We've turned away from viewing our pastors as shepherds, and now expect them to be celebrities.

Immeasurable will help ministers recognize the cultural forces shaping their view of the calling, and then reimagine what faithful church leaders can look like in the 21st century. Through short essays and reflections on the pastor's soul and skills, this book will help prospective pastors explore their calling to ministry, and it will help veteran pastors reframe their vision for the work.

Drawing on cultural dynamics, personal stories, and his own experience working in a church and with church leaders, Skye Jethani will address matters like ambition, anger, community, consumerism, fame, health, justice, platform, preaching, rest, simplicity, success, vision, and more.

There are endless resources to help pastors do the practical work of ministry, but there are far fewer that speak to the pastor's soul and spirit. Immeasurable provides affirmation and encouragement for church leaders faithfully serving God. It commends the true work of ministry - shepherding, teaching, encouraging - while redefining what we mean by success in ministry. It's a book church leaders can return to again and again for insight and inspiration.

©2017 eChristian (P)2017 eChristian

Such a breath of fresh air amidst the fog in the church today

I truly appreciate Skye's honest commentary and humility in this book. I plan on buying a case of these books and sharing with friends and pastors I care about. Definitely worth the read or listen. Not since Soul Survivor by Yancey have I felt peace amidst the struggle of "Church Inc." and its members

Great & thoughtful critique

Great read that takes a loving thoughtful critique of modern church challenges. Very worth your time!

Good perspective on Church in America

The Western Church (read, church in America), has, to a large extent, almost become a business (hence the Church, Inc.) reference. Skye Jethani is a young pastor who wants to see things change and become both more real and more relational/personal. I says many things said elsewhere (reach Church 3.0 by Neil Cole which I reviewed as well) but he offers an younger perspective on what is going on and how his generation feels about it. My only issue was the performance - I think a better narrator than Adam Verner (or a better producer/director) could have made the listen much more enjoyable.