Overview

Many pastors feel they are paddling harder than ever, yet making less progress. What if the problem is not their effort, but something jammed below the surface? Drawing on decades of pastoral leadership, clinical practice and academic research, Richard Black reveals hidden factors and unhealthy ministry dynamics sabotaging church leaders everywhere. In his warm yet straight-talking manner, Richard offers pastors, denominational leaders and ministry training organisations a proven model to 'unjam the rudder' and bring realignment in three key areas: identity, calling, and role. For pastors who are weary of trying harder with diminishing returns, this is a liberating invitation to lead with renewed joy, clarity, and impact. For denominational leaders who want healthy pastors and measurable impact, this is a strategic opportunity to nurture pastoral wellbeing, empower emerging leaders, and unlock fresh kingdom momentum. Described as 'a unique blend of spiritual formation, leadership clarity, and organisational insight', The Thriving Pastor equips readers to realign their hearts with the call of God on their lives, experience new levels of ease and effectiveness in their role, and enjoy the deep satisfaction of thriving in ministry.

Full Product Details

9781991299932

Table of Contents

Reviews

Richard Black addresses the issues many of us feel but rarely articulate, areas we often overlook or avoid. He speaks with the wisdom of experience and the heart of a shepherd, offering insight that is both deeply personal and profoundly practical. This book is timely, necessary, and deeply strengthening. - Boyd Ratnaraja, National Leader, Elim Church of New Zealand If you're yearning for a healthier sense of self, a clearer calling to ministry, and stronger alignment in your church work, read this book. - Dr Michael Frost, Morling College, Sydney A catalyst, not just for pastors but for our churches, denominations and ministry training institutions, to rethink our whole approach to church leadership. - Mark Powell, Team Leader, Whangaparaoa Baptist Church Integrates rigorous research with pastoral sensitivity, offering a clear framework for realigning identity, calling, and role. I recommend this book to every pastor, denominational leader, and theological educator who cares about the health and fruitfulness of those who lead our churches. - Graham Joseph Hill OAM PhD, Assoc Professor, Charles Sturt University; Author of World Christianity. A timely and deeply insightful contribution to the ongoing conversation about pastoral wellbeing and sustainable ministry. Richard Black addresses the hidden pressures that shape pastoral identity, calling and effectiveness, offering both honest diagnosis and hopeful pathways for realignment. - Dr Francine Bennett, Former Principal of Pathways Bible College; Snr Lecturer in Education, Laidlaw College One of the most honest and hopeful books I've read on pastoral ministry in years. Richard names what too many leaders quietly know: something is stuck, and the story needs to change. This should be at the top of the list for every pastor and leadership team to read-especially together. - Jonathan Dove, Snr Pastor, Gracecity Church; Executive Chair, Auckland Church Network Richard deals carefully with the issues that plague church ministers, and he does so with kindness and deep insight gained from many hours of listening to their hearts. This book paints a convincing and hopeful picture of how a pastor and a church can fulfil God's call, and maybe even have fun doing so. - Rev Canon Simon Martin, Nelson Anglican Diocese A valuable resource to help pastors thrive in ministry. - Dr. Glenn Melville, Director, Carey Centre for Lifelong Learning We need to help existing leaders to lead more healthily and sustainably and raise up a new generation of leaders who can do the same. This book is a timely and vital contribution to this work. - Simon Gill, Snr Pastor, The Street Church Honest, practical, and full of hope. I recommend it without hesitation to anyone who's walking the day to day realities of ministry. - Major Kylie Tong, The Salvation Army, Wellington As sons and daughters and stewards of God's church, we would do well to read this, consider its wisdom carefully, and boldly make some changes to safeguard and champion the church and its ministers for a thriving future. - Tessa Cameron, Te Kāinga C3 Church Richard Black clearly articulates the challenges church leaders face and how the system we have is part of the problem. As a local church leader, I am confronted, challenged, equipped and inspired by this book. Thriving is not just a pipe dream. - Rev Dr Darryl Tempero, Kiwi Church; Forge Aotearoa; Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership What Richard has produced is exceptional and desperately needed. The content is rooted in strong research, deep theological understanding, as well as ministry nous. This book is going to radically change the game for many pastors and leaders! - Ben & Amy Kendrew, Lead Pastors, Arise Church

Author Information

RICHARD BLACK holds a first class honours degree in theology and a master's degree in counselling. With many years of pastoral leadership and clinical work with senior leaders, he has developed a ministry model that helps pastors thrive and churches flourish through spiritual formation, leadership strategy, and psychological insight. He is deeply committed to the health and mission of the whole Church. He is married to Jennifer, and they have three adult children. Richard lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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