Most pastors know when they enter the ministry that they will spend time helping others through times of suffering. What they usually do not realize, though, is that they too will suffer. Caught off guard, many of them end up deeply hurt and quit the ministry, deciding that perhaps they misunderstood God's call on their lives or that they simply do not have what it takes. But church history is filled with compelling stories of men who were profoundly afflicted while they carried out their ministry and yet persevered faithfully until death. Now the editors of The Gospel Coalition have collected inspiring stories of twelve faithful men who endured great suffering for the cause of Christ. The stories of the apostle Paul, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, John Bunyan, Wang Mindao, and others show that suffering in the context of ministry is expected--and it's never wasted. Pastors and ministry leaders, as well as those who support them, will find in this collection encouragement to run the race with endurance.

"I believe understanding our role as leader in our homes is key not only to revival in our homes, but to revival in our churches, and even to revival in our nation." A Faithful Man is drawn from Fox's own passion to be the man in his home that his family needs, and to help other men do the same. Starting with his own story of wanderings and failures, Fox leads the reader into a biblical and practical understanding of what it means to be a prophet, priest, protector and provider. "Most husbands and fathers have a desire to lead their families, but they testify that they don't know how to lead. J. Mark Fox has solved that problem in his book A Faithful Man. Flowing out of a passion for Jesus Christ to be glorified in the lives and families of those who bear His name, Mark provides clear, biblical, practical, doable encouragement for men as leaders of their families. The heart-warming personal stories, interesting illustrations, and helpful examples make the book relational as well as entertaining. As you read you feel like you're visiting with a friend, a fellowlaborer in the field of family life. A Faithful Man, written in a simple, easy-to-read style, invites you to read on attentively much like someone prospecting for gold stays at his task - the prospect of another treasure on the next page or in the next chapter. Any man who seriously desires to be a Christ-like leader of his family will be encouraged and equipped by J. Mark Fox's A Faithful Man." - Norm Wakefield, Author, Speaker, and Executive Director and Founder of The Spirit of Elijah Ministries International "J. Mark Fox has provided the men of the contemporary church with an insightful handbook on what it means to be a Christian father. Grounded in Scripture and theologically sound, Fox writes in such a way that allows any man, wherever he is in his Christian walk, to understand, act upon, and fulfill his God-given right and responsibility to his family. This is a necessary book for the Christian home both today and in the years to come. What is so refreshing about the manner in which Fox writes is that he is not afraid to admit and confess that he has had to learn much of what he writes about through trial and error. Even more refreshing is the fact that he readily acknowledges he is still learning. J. Mark Fox demonstrates through his excellent illustrations, his brilliant use of Scripture, and his own personal testimony that men are called and directed by God to live a lifestyle of discipleship within their families." - W. Ryan Steenburg, Ph.D., Associate Pastor of the Christian Home, First Baptist Church of Prospect, KY; Executive Director, The Council for the Family-Integrated Church; Founder and Director, Daddy Discipleship J. Mark Fox is the pastor of Antioch Community Church in Elon, NC, an adjunct instructor at Elon University, happily married to Cindy for 30 years, father of seven and grandfather of two, and the author of five other books, including Family-Integrated Church. He serves on the board for The Council for the FamilyIntegrated Church (C4FIC) and speaks

Trials have a way of changing us, for better or worse. They can humble us or harden us. They can make us run to God or away from him. Perhaps your trials have resulted in a closer walk with him, or maybe he seems far away. Often, God strengthens our faith through the witness of courageous Christians who've gone before us. Be encouraged and challenged by these 12 portraits of faithful women who steadfastly endured many trials-including physical pain, persecution, infertility, loneliness, and oppression-and who, in their various sufferings, found Christ to be an all-sufficient Lord and Savior, steadfast, faithful, and true.

"This book will prove to be a spiritual tonic for pastors." —Thomas R. Schreiner This book offers pastors examples of long-term faithfulness in ministry and practical wisdom from veteran pastors for real-life issues. Attending to your personal spiritual life (Tim Keller) Leaving a church (D. A. Carson) Crafting sermons week after week (Bryan Chapell) Facing criticism (Dan Doriani) Pastoring a church you wouldn't attend (Tom Ascol) Caring for your wife in the midst of criticism (Juan R. Sanchez with Jeanine D. Sanchez) Feeling deserted by members leaving (Dave Harvey) Pastoring a small church that seems insignificant (Mark McCullough) Experiencing burnout (John Starke) Shepherding a church that has outgrown your gifts (Scott Patty) Handling financial burdens (Brandon Shields) Doubting your calling (Jeff Robinson Sr.)

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Relationship Goals . . . Will you be remembered as a person who claimed to follow God but liked to play it safe? Or as a person who lived your life out on the limb and trusted God enough to live in crazy faith? Noah looked crazy when he started building the ark . . . until it started raining. It was crazy for Moses to lead a nation of people into the desert away from Egypt . . . until the Red Sea parted. It was crazy to believe that a fourteen-year-old virgin would give birth to the Son of God . . . until Mary held Jesus in her arms. There are many things that seem normal or average today that at one point in time seemed absolutely crazy. Smartphones, Wi-Fi, and even the electric light bulb were all groundbreaking, history-making inventions that started out as crazy ideas. Our see-it-to-believe-it generation tends to have a hard time exercising true faith—one that steps out, takes action, and sees mountain-moving results. Many of us would rather play it safe and stand on the sidelines, but it’s crazy faith that helps us see God move and reveals His promises. In Crazy Faith, Pastor Michael Todd shows us how to step out in faith and dive into the purposeful life of trusting God for the impossible. Even if you have to start with baby faith or maybe faith, you can become empowered to let go of your lazy faith, trust God through your hazy faith, and learn to live a lifestyle of crazy faith. With powerful stories of modern-day faith warriors who take their cues from biblical heroes, Michael Todd equips you to • believe for the impossible • choose hope over fear • be alert to the voice of God • cope with loss and doubt • develop a deeper level of trust in God • speak faith-filled declarations • inspire crazy faith in others God’s not looking for somebody to give Him all the reasons why His plans can’t happen. He’s looking for somebody to believe they will happen. In fact, He has so much He wants to do through you. The question is, Are you crazy enough to believe it?

This comprehensive textbook on pastoral ministry for pastors, church leaders, and students articulates a biblical model for shepherding God's people. Written by a leading psychologist and seminary professor who has served as a pastor for more than two decades, the book covers twelve major areas of pastoral ministry, highlights the essential work of the Holy Spirit, and focuses on the personal and family life of the pastor. It includes cross-cultural perspectives of special interest in our diverse world and a foreword by John Ortberg.

The complete biblical historical fiction compilation by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind. The Bible is filled with inspiring stories of unlikely candidates God chose to quietly change eternity. This bestselling compilation in one volume contains five novellas about such people—men who stood behind heroes of the faith. Aaron. Caleb. Jonathan. Amos. Silas. Each faithfully sought God in the shadows of His chosen leaders. They answered God’s call to serve without recognition or fame. And they gave everything, knowing their reward might not come until the next life. Be challenged by these faithful men whose stories we must never forget. Aaron—the priest who stood in Moses’ shadow but had the courage to cover his brother’s fears. Caleb—the warrior whose words stirred men’s hearts and brought God’s people to the Promised Land. Jonathan—the prince whose humility led him to befriend the man who would become king in his place. Amos—the prophet who heard when God called and spoke to a nation unwilling to listen. Silas—the scribe who surrendered his wealth to record God’s Word, even as those around him were silenced. Each novella includes an in-depth Bible study perfect for personal reflection or group discussion.