The Vulnerable Pastor -- Mandy Smith

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The Vulnerable Pastor

How Human Limitations Empower Our Ministry

by Mandy Smith

Often as pastors we feel like we need to project strength and competency in order to minister effectively. That's why we go to conferences and emulate the latest superstars. But we know we can never live up to those images. Deep down, we know our own limitations, our weaknesses, our faults. We fear that if people knew who we really are, we'd be disqualified from ministry. Not so. Mandy Smith unpacks the biblical paradox that God's strength is revealed through our human weakness. Transparently describing her pastoral journey, Smith shows how vulnerability shapes ministry, through our spiritual practices and relationships, influencing our preaching, teaching and even the nuts and bolts of the daily schedule. Understanding our human constraints makes our ministry more sustainable and guards us against disillusionment and burnout. We don't have to have it all together. Recognizing our weakness makes us rely on God, so our weakness can become a ministry resource. God has called you to lead not as a demigod, but as a human, so the world can see that the church is a place for humans like them. | read more»

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About the Book and Author

Mandy Smith unpacks the biblical paradox that God's strength is revealed through our human weakness. | read more »

Leading, Vulnerably: A Q&A with Mandy Smith

When so many are disillusioned by a manipulative or dogmatic church, how refreshing will it be to find the church lead by those who know how to listen and don’t need to control? | read more »

Praise for "The Vulnerable Pastor"

"No kidding: If I could make one new book magically appear on the bedside table of every minister, priest, deacon and elder in North America, 'The Vulnerable Pastor' would be it." | read more »

Read an Except from "The Vulnerable Pastor"

"Do you ever feel like you're making it up as you go along?" ~from the book | read more »

"The Vulnerable Pastor" Facebook

Let your guard down and join the conversation about the book on Facebook! | read more »

Becoming a Vulnerable Leader: 3 Reasons It's Easier Said Than Done

"I had, in my limited way, tried to model Jesus. And, in doing so, I felt weak, dumb, ashamed. What is wrong with us that Christlike leadership has become shameful?" ~Mandy Smith | read more »

Talking Points for "The Vulnerable Pastor"

"Are leaders really meant to be strong, seemingly unshakable individuals? Or should they have the ability to call on God in times of weakness?" | read more »

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