Reviewed by: Connor Salter, Professional Writing student at Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Introduction

Title: 12 Faithful Men: Portraits of Courageous Endurance in Pastoral Ministry

Author: Collin Hansen and Jeff Robinson (editors)

Publisher: Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Paperback

Length: 187 pages

OVERVIEW

Pastors generally don’t start their careers assuming they will experience suffering. The reality is suffering comes to everyone on some level. Since pastors are supposed to be the church leaders, the shepherds of their flocks, they often don’t know how to handle suffering when it comes. This book by the Gospel Coalition answers that problem by collecting stories about twelve notable pastors who experienced plenty of suffering during their careers. Each chapter is written by a contributing pastor and discusses the suffering that person went through and important lessons that readers can learn to overcome their own suffering.

By writing about well-known pastors like John Bunyan and Jonathan Edwards and going into detail about the pain they experienced, the writers break the illusion that spiritual leaders never have hard times. They also cover an eclectic mix of pastors, from ones who went through dark times and then reached new pinnacles to ones who just continued being faithful through seemingly endless dark times.

The lessons readers learn from each chapter are honest and highly applicable, showing pastors that no matter what situation they are in, God is not finished with them. All in all, an excellent book on how suffering can become a crucible for stronger faith and even better ministry.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

4 stars

Suggested Audience

Pastors seeking advice on handling criticism and suffering.

Christian Impact

This book will help pastors reconsider how they view suffering and lead them to see how God can take even the worst things and use them for good.

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