How can we maintain an intimate relationship with God in a busy world? How do we read the Bible to feed our souls, rather than “professionally”, looking for the next talk we have to deliver? How do we care for ourselves and avoid either burn–out or rust–out?
Paul Mallard has written Staying Fresh for everyone involved in ministry, at whatever level that may be. While he acknowledges the importance of conviction and competence, his primary emphasis here is on character. He is passionate about the importance of integrity, of persevering in prayer and discipleship, of never giving up in our battle with sin and our service for Christ.
“But even if you are not a leader and never aspire to be one,’ he says, ‘I hope that what you learn here will help you to maintain the freshness of young love.”
”If you are a leader or if anyone is leading you, be encouraged by reading Staying Fresh. Packed with personal insight and ministry experience, this book offers an incisive health check for today’s leaders. Our spiritual, mental, physical and emotional health is examined by a careful unpacking of God’s Word, with a view to sustaining the Christian life until we cross the finishing line. Staying Fresh will warm your heart, stretch your mind and strengthen your wobbly knees!”
– The Revd Dr Simon Vibert, Vice Principal, Director of the School of Preaching, Wycliffe Hall
“Here comes another blockbuster from the pen of Paul Mallard. We all know that the gospel is the most glorious message in the world, but gospel ministry doesn’t always feel like that. With a disarming blend of personal experience, good humour, biblical wisdom and pastoral sensitivity, Paul guides pastors and other church leaders through a bewildering maze of issues that threatens to discourage and derail all of us in any kind of church leadership or gospel ministry. Above all, Paul is a gospel optimist. He keeps bringing us back to the ultimate reality that we’re not super–man; Jesus is. And he loves church leaders dearly. Church leaders, this is not a volume to adorn your book–shelves and impress your friends; it is another must–read volume that will enlarge your hearts and enrich your ministries – and, as a result, bless the people you serve.”
– Richard Underwood, Pastoral Director of The Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches
