Pastors and politicians have more in common than either will admit in polite company, but there is one thing both readily agree on—to serve in government or pastor a church requires a thick skin. The difference, however, is the pastor must also have a soft heart for the Word of God and for the needs of the congregation. And because pastors work with the spiritual needs of people, they are bound to come under criticism. Toughening up without becoming callous is a tricky balance to find and maintain.
Pastoral work is not for the faint of heart. Insight for Living understands this and is grateful to those who answer the high calling of the pastorate. By providing pastoral resources, including our popular Pastor’s Blog, we’re committed to encouraging pastors in their pursuit of developing a tough hide and a soft heart.
“Cultivating a Tender Heart and a Tough Hide”
by Charles R. Swindoll
Anyone who takes a strong stand for God and His truth must learn to withstand harsh criticism. Chuck Swindoll offers the tenacity of the apostle Paul as a great example to follow when enduring false accusations. Chuck lists seven characteristics Paul exhibited that we can all emulate when facing strong opposition.
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Body Life at Its Best
Ephesians 4:11-16
In recent decades, many churches have taken on a corporate mentality that suggests everything should be slick, efficient, and planned for the greatest profit or expansion. We have begun to lose a sense of family or “body life,” where each of the members is an integral and related part with all the others. This has left churches increasingly disconnected and diseased. We need an infusion of healthy thinking that will bring us together, so that many individuals can work together as one for our common purpose of bringing glory to God.
Absolute Essentials, CD series
Can One Person Make a Difference? CD series
Character Counts: Building a Life That Pleases God, CD series
Passion for the Gospel, CD series
So, You Want to Be Like Christ? Eight Essentials to Get You There, CD series
Browse through our complete list of products to find books, Bible Companions, audio series, and more to challenge and encourage you as you seek to shepherd the flock God has given you.
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The Grace Awakening
by Charles R. Swindoll
softcover book
Have we forgotten the meaning of grace?
Preachers preach it. Teachers teach it. Theologians analyze it. Then we forget about it.
The Grace Awakening is Chuck Swindoll’s best-selling classic that has awakened hundreds of thousands of readers to the untapped wonders of grace—wonders that Christians know with their minds but forget with their hearts. Wonders that can make a difference in the way we live, in the way we approach life. Wonders that can make the difference between ho-hum religion and an intimate relationship with a God who wishes us nothing short of joy.
304-page softcover book
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So, You Want to be Like Christ Workbook
workbook
Have you lost your first love—that simple, pure, burning love for Christ that you once had? Pastors aren’t immune from the waning of commitment to Christ. But nothing could be more needed in a pastor’s life than Christlikeness. The good news is, returning to a deep, intimate relationship with God can be achieved with the help of eight essential spiritual disciplines. Based on Chuck Swindoll’s book So, You Want to Be Like Christ? this workbook will help you learn and apply these eight disciplines through challenging and insightful features, rekindling your love for the Savior.
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A Life Well Lived: Discover the Rewards of an Obedient Heart
DVD
What does God want from you? What does it mean to really live? As a servant of Christ, you don’t have to scratch your head and wonder what it takes to live life as God intended. God has provided a clear path for you to follow—a path that leads in a different direction than the rest of the world. But the pressures of the pastorate force you to make tough choices every day. Will you fall before adversity . . . or stand for what’s right? Will you harbor deep bitterness . . . or embrace divine mercy? Will you feed selfish pride . . . or cultivate selfless humility? Will you put up a false front . . . or put on true integrity?
Engage with Chuck Swindoll as he shares at a recent Insight for Living conference the clear expectations God provides for us in Micah 6:8. Leave the shackles of this world behind and embrace God’s grace, in your life and ministry, with A Life Well Lived DVD.
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Visit the Pastors' Blog
As a pastor, you are certain to need words of encouragement and understanding regularly from those who serve in the trenches alongside you. Chuck Swindoll's pastor's blog offers wisdom and support from his more than forty years in ministry. You will see his thoughts weekly on a wide range of issues to help you in your role as a pastor, husband, and father . . . and to feed your own soul.
