Survive or Thrive

One doesn’t have to look hard to see that Jimmy Dodd’s Survive or Thrive is a timely book. As a pastor I can testify that it is often times a lonely calling if one is not intentional in the area of relationships. The isolation that many pastors find themselves in can be dangerous for themselves, their family, and their ministry.

In the first section of his book Dodd lays out principles which will help the pastor survive in ministry. The second section goes through six types of relationships that pastor’s need to thrive in the midst of pastoral ministry. Those relationships that are needed are boss, teacher, coach, counselor, mentor, and friend. I would wager if you were to find a pastor who wasn’t thriving that one or more of these relationship types would be missing from his life. The final section of the book deals with the areas of repentance and growing dependence upon the grace of God.

Many pastors find themselves incapable of embracing personally the grace they proclaim to their congregations. I would recommend this book to anyone in or preparing for pastoral ministry. The stakes are high and as we see pastors crash and burn both figuratively and literally all who serve as pastors should be reminded the need for them to guard against failure and burn out. A review copy of this book was provided through Netgalley.

Each of the six relationships reminds us that, ultimately, we need Jesus. Jesus is our Fatherly Loving Boss, (Proverbs 3:11-12). Jesus is our Gentle Trainer (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is our Inspired Coach (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus is our Eternal Mentor (Proverbs 9:9). And Jesus is our Forever Friend (John 15:15) Every human relationship is a faint reflection of what our heavenly Father has promised.

Pastors and Christians struggle with relationships, with pride, passivity, and any other sin under the sun. It is recognizing that sin and bringing it to the cross that makes the difference. Working at church for 10 years, I know somewhat of the struggles that pastors go thru and after reading this book, it is a great reminder the support our pastors need. Dodd having been a pastor himself and how leading a world ministry to pastors, makes a well written claim for the six relationships that our pastors need (as well as ourselves) and the work and commitment it takes to embrace these relationships.

Broken in 3 parts relating to the six relationships starting with the Survive - Heart of the Problem –How did we get here. Just like in the beginning, we hide from people getting to know the real you. We have a front stage persona and the back stage where only a few people might know. There are well-defined boundaries for both and how we relate to others. The bigger the church, the harder it is. I cringe at the word small group and I embrace the word community. Starting with leadership-life must be lived in community. We life in a world where living in community can be difficult however, that is where true growth occurs.

Part 2 - Thrive-The Six Relationships Every Pastor Needs It is in these relationships we see our blind spots, our weaknesses and encouragement for our strengths. These relationships will lead to confession that will free us from bondage and isolation. It is in these relationships we thrive.

Part 3 Gospel Transformation. With the Gospel is a great way to end. We need the gospel 24/7.

Each Chapter ends with questions for Reflection. The reality of our circumstances. Rewind and Review Go back with what you just read and with specific questions how does it apply to your circumstances. Reflect. With specific questions that relate that you may have missed. Remember A verse that coincides with God’s goodness and will. Respond What steps will you take for change and transformation.

In reading of Dodd’s experiences with the church, he mentioned the major city that I live near and a church that he helped plant sounded so much like the church I attend with my grown daughters. My two daughters have grown spiritually and with maturity in this church and it was exciting to see that Dodd had his hand prints on this growth. Googling is fun! 

If you are a church member, you will be encouraged as well. With questions on how does the leadership treat sinners within the body and with each other? Is there transparency? Do they offer grace, a plan of redemption, or isolation? Survive or Thrive is a great tool to root out problems and embrace them with members and leaders of the body where growth in the gospel is paradox.

A Special Thank You to David C Cook and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.