Keep Your Spiritual Edge: Lessons from Andrew Bonar for Ministers Today - Paperback

by David P. Beaty (Author)

How can pastors keep the faith amidst the pressures of ministry in the 21st century?
A rise in pastoral burnout has left many in the church concerned that the answer is "no."

In Keep Your Spiritual Edge, David P. Beaty draws lessons from Andrew Bonar's spiritual life to show how ordinary ministers can combat burnout through a vibrant fellowship with God. Andrew Bonar, a Nineteenth-century minister who pastored for more than 50 years, had the same aspirations as today's pastor: to fulfill his ministry and finish the fight of faith.

"Pastoral fatigue has accelerated to a place where we are now facing a crisis of pastoral resilience. We need to seriously consider what it looks like for an ordinary pastor to 'keep their edge' for years of long and faithful ministry. Pastor David Beaty offers us the humble example of a pastor whose deep devotion to the Lord and complete reliance on prayer and steadfast commitment in sharing the gospel resulted in a long-term faithful ministry. Through great challenges and suffering, Bonar kept his 'edge, ' and his example can inspire a new generation of pastors to do the same."
--D. Dean Weaver, stated clerk/CEO, Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Back Jacket

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."--2 Timothy 4:7

Is it possible for pastors to keep the faith amidst the pressures of ministry in the 21st century? A rise in pastoral burnout has left many in the church concerned that the answer is "no."

Andrew Bonar, a Nineteenth-century minister who pastored for more than 50 years, had the same aspirations as today's pastor: to fulfill his ministry and finish the fight of faith. In Keeping Your Spiritual Edge, David P. Beaty draws lessons from Andrew Bonar's spiritual life to show how ordinary ministers can combat burnout through a vibrant fellowship with God.

"Shaped by the rugged spirituality of his native Scotland, Andrew A. Bonar has much to teach all who genuinely desire a deeper relationship with Christ and a fresher experience of God's grace. This wonderful little volume will warm your heart and refresh your spirit."
--Garth M. Rosell, senior research professor of church history, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

"Pastor David Beaty offers us the humble example of a pastor whose deep devotion to the Lord resulted in a long-term faithful ministry. Through great challenges and suffering, Bonar kept his 'edge, ' and his example can inspire a new generation of pastors to do the same."
--D. Dean Weaver, stated clerk/CEO, Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Author Biography

David P. Beaty (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is pastor of River Oaks Community Church, Clemmons, North Carolina. He and his wife, Beth, have two children, Anna and Matthew. Dr. Beaty has also written An All-Surpassing Fellowship: Learning from Robert Murray M'Cheyne's Communion with God.