Serve Strong – Terry Powell

Spiritual warfare
Feelings of inadequacy for a called task
Relationship conflicts
Apparent lack of results
Failure in an endeavor
Weariness from overwork
Discouragement due to weaknesses of temperament or personal battles with temptation.

No matter what joy or other benefits you derive from serving
the Lord, the factors previously listed threaten motivation for
and resiliency in ministry. That’s why I wrote a new book in
2014, where I explain and illustrate the biblical principles
that have sustained me for almost 45 years of vocational ministry (as a biblical university prof, church staff member, itinerant Bible teacher, and trainer of national workers in 13 countries). It’s titled Serve Strong: Biblical Encouragement To Sustain God’s Servants (Leafwood).

Every chapter offers a reassuring biblical perspective, and illustrates it in the life of someone who was or is engaged in ministry. Historical figures whose stories dot the pages of Serve Strong include, but aren’t limited to, David Brainerd, D. L. Moody, Hudson Taylor, William Wilberforce, John Newton, Charles Spurgeon, and CIU’s own legendary professor, the late James “Buck” Hatch.

Robertson McQuilkin, former CIU president, says this about Serve Strong: “I can’t remember reading a more powerful book of encouragement for pastors, missionaries, and lay Bible teachers. Well-written, practical, fresh, penetrating—and a fun read! I heartily recommend Serve Strong for you, or as a gift for any professional or lay leader.”

Theologian James I. Packer adds, “There is a biblical counter to the discouragement that Satan foments among God’s servants, and Terry spells it out vividly and with proven authority. His book is a potent antibiotic for the Christian worker’s struggling soul.”

Pastor and author Stuart Briscoe concludes, “This book will go a long way toward convincing God’s servants that their labor is not in vain.”

A number of times as I worked on this book, the truth I was trying to convey touched my heart and moved me to tears. If that I have written touches only the cognitive domain of leaders, I have failed. I sincerely want Serve Strong to feed your soul, warm your heart, and strengthen your hands for ministry.

If you obtain it and God’s Spirit ministers to you through it, I hope you’ll mention it to others or get a copy for someone in leadership. One church has ordered 50 copies from the publisher to give to lay teachers. A foundation that supports 225 missionaries ordered a copy for everyone it supports. Two other mission agencies ordered copies for their headquarters staff. Soli Deo Gloria!

Marv Newell
Editor, Missio Nexus
Leader’s Edge Book Summary

Mary Faith Phillips
Retired Bible Teaching Program Director
Columbia International University

Elizabeth Davis