Despite all the support they give to others, pastors are in dire need of relational support themselves. 70% of pastors do not have a single close friend and 40% have considered leaving ministry. Church planters are especially impacted. When the initial startup is over and they lose much of their support in years 4-9 of the plant, they report experiencing high levels of emptiness, loneliness, and burnout.
Based on biblical principles and research from the United States and Canada, Supply Lines identifies five types of relational support that pastors and planters need: spiritual, inspirational, motivational, interpersonal, and practical. The book builds a theology of support, addresses the misunderstandings that hold leaders back from relational support, and explores each of these Supply Lines in detail.
This book teaches pastors and church planters to set up and strengthen a support plan for themselves, and it also teaches coaches and movement leaders how to set up healthy support systems for others. With strong Supply Lines, you can be protected from burnout and have the support you need for bigger dreams, wiser decisions, and healthier results.
Содержание
Planters and Pastors Need More Support
The Importance of Support
The Value of Supply Lines
Misunderstandings About Support
The Five Supply Lines
Soul Sharpeners Spur Us Closer to Christ
Vision Casters Inspire Big Dreams
Tail Kickers Encourage and Motivate
Friends and Heart Healers Refresh and Repair
Strategic Thinkers Provide Resources and Systems
Strengthening Supply Lines
Hitting the Wall: Preparing for Crisis
Making and Living Your Support Plan
Supporting Others: Supply Lines for a Larger Movement
Appendix A: The Support Tool
Appendix B: Misunderstandings About Support
Appendix C: Summary of Tips for Finding and Strengthening Supply Lines
About the Author
Об авторе
Scott Nelson (M.Div, D.Min) is the church planter and lead pastor of Covenant Grove Church in Modesto, California. He also serves as a church planting coach and trainer, and he has spoken across the country on evangelism, discipleship formation, leadership development, and strategic planning. Scott and his wife Hannah have five wonderful children.