Keep Your Spiritual Edge

Can pastors keep the faith amidst the pressures of ministry in the 21st century?

A rise in pastoral burnout has left many in the church concerned that the answer is “no.”

Andrew Bonar, a Nineteenth-century minister who pastored for more than 50 years, had the same aspirations as today’s pastor: to fulfill his ministry and finish the fight of faith. In Keep Your Spiritual Edge, David P. Beaty draws lessons from Andrew Bonar’s spiritual life to show how ordinary ministers can combat burnout through a vibrant fellowship with God. 

Table of Contents:

Introduction

1. The Life and Ministry of Andrew Bonar
2. Bonar’s Preaching and Teaching
3. Humility, Compassion, and Servanthood
4. Bonar’s Communion with God
5. Learning from Andrew Bonar
6. Wisdom from Bonar

Appendix: Bonar Collection Tract Titles
Bibliography

112 pages.

“Shaped by the rugged spirituality of his native Scotland, Andrew A. Bonar has much to teach all who genuinely desire a deeper relationship with Christ and a fresher experience of God’s grace. Bonar’s pastoral heart, remarkable humility, and experiential knowledge of the Bible are on full display in David Beaty’s excellent new study. Meticulously researched and beautifully presented, this wonderful little volume will warm your heart and refresh your spirit.”
—Garth M. Rosell, senior research professor of church history, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“Pastoral fatigue has accelerated to a place where we are now facing a crisis of pastoral resilience. We need to seriously consider what it looks like for an ordinary pastor to ‘keep their edge’ for years of long and faithful ministry. Pastor David Beaty offers us the humble example of a pastor whose deep devotion to the Lord and complete reliance on prayer and steadfast commitment in sharing the gospel resulted in a long-term faithful ministry. Through great challenges and suffering, Bonar kept his ‘edge,’ and his example can inspire a new generation of pastors to do the same.”
—D. Dean Weaver, stated clerk/CEO, Evangelical Presbyterian Church