Book Analysis
Submitted to Dr. Tyler Scarlett,
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
CLED 325-B01
Critical Issues in Ministry Leadership
by
Kristen Alderman
1
Summary
This book was such a timely, insightful read, particularly as I ma growing in my ministry
career, both vocationally and in various leadership volunteer roles. From the beginning of the
book, the examples given were practical, relatable ones that drew you in and gave you
confidence that the wisdom and advice to be given was practical and applicable. In a world that
is become increasingly fueled by comparison and image, this book stresses the importance of
fixing our eyes on God’s will for our lives and the church and looking to Him for guidance and
seeking His approval. It is a call to glorify Him in all things and not glorify the things of this
world.
I think that Hughes’ focus for most of the book on his early days in ministry is perfect for
those of us who are just beginning in the field because we will or have already faced some of the
same struggles. Hughes openly transparent conversation about his crisis creates this safe space of
exploring the topic.
Summarizing this book is no easy feat, as there is so much wisdom. There are 4 section in
the book: “A Dark Night of the Soul” shares a personal testimony of fractured expectations from
Hughes’ own life, and his realization that His success should never be measured against the
world’s definition of it. The second section, “Definitions”, breaks down 8 different aspects or
attributes of success in ministry. The 3rd Part, “Encouragements”, is perhaps my favorite. It is
fuel for our tank when working in ministry and was such uplifting content for me. The final
section,“Helps”, is hints and tips on how a pastor’s wife and congregation can help. The prayer
for success at the conclusion of the book that can be prayed over my current pastor. It is one I
have made a copy of and placed above my desk as a daily reminder to cover Pastor Greg in
prayer.
2
Strength Analysis
I think that the greatest strength of this book is hard to narrow down, but I would say the
authentic transparency of the author, nine attributes or characteristics of success and the section
on encouragement are huge strong points. For me personally, when I am readi.ng, it gives me
great excitement and confidence when the a32uthor is freely sharing both their good and bad
moments. Hughes’ honest and frank statement of, “I wanted to quit.”, opens the door wide open
for a relation and connection to him as the author.1 No one is perfect, particularly in ministry, and
having someone be open about their times of crisis and mistakes gives me confidence in their
understanding and confidence in God’s grace, mercy, love and strength.
The nine attributes of success are so helpful for me personally as a gauge or measuring
stick throughout my work in the ministry field. I think that if I am beginning to feel discontent,
comparing myself to others, or that I am a failure, these nine keys to success are great things to
align myself against. One of the statements by Hughes is one that I think should be in every
pastor and Christian leader’s office. “…we found no place where it says that God’s servants are
called to be successful. Rather, we discovered our call is to be faithful.”2
Lastly, the encouragement section is such a bright spot for me in this book. I am one that
tends to just do things on my own, and it leads to exhaustion and if one is not careful, burnout.
The discussion around Paul and his encouragement from Titus in what Hughes called “The Titus
Touch” was extremely powerful to me. If Paul needed encouraging, who are we to think that we
1 Hughes, R. K., & Hughes, B. (2008). Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome.
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2 Ibid
3
do not as well? As Hughes said, “ Exhaustion can make a coward and a depressive out of just
about anyone!””3
Weakness Analysis
Weaknesses are hard for me to identify in this book, but one that I can speak to is that
Part IV, entitled “Helps”, didn’t really seem to fit in the book for me. These chapters were more
for how others could help, but this book is mainly, in my opinion, read by pastors, not their wives
or congregation. I suppose you could say that these topics could be taught in the church or small
groups, but they just didn’t seem to fit in my opinion.
One other area that I would like to have seen handled differently is the topic of prayer in
this book. As someone who has and is walking through this, I would have loved to see a focus on
what to do when you feel that your prayers for your ministry, family and congregation just don’t
seem to be answered. I believe that an in-depth look at that would have been a huge benefit, and
possibly could have replaced the section discussed above and been a section in itself.
Again, it is hard to find any huge weaknesses in this book. What a fabulous tool to keep
on hand and on the office bookshelf for sure!
Favorite Quotes
In a book full of rich wisdom and application, it is a tough task to select just a few solid,
“favorite” quotes. Some that have been hidden away in my heart and mind for my future are:
1. “Unfortunately, ministry is messy.”4
a. This quote is simple and one of minimal wording, but it is powerful for me. So
many times, I get discouraged and frustrated when things are complicated or don’t
just fall into place. Reminding myself that ministry is messy and that is normal,
3 Ibid
4 Ibid
4
and what should be expected, is a huge comfort. I don’t have to be perfect.
Nothing has to be perfect. Glorifying God, growing the kingdom and preaching
the gospel is what matters.
2. “As Barbara and I searched the Scriptures, we found no place where it says that God’s
servants are called to be successful. Rather, we discovered our call is to be faithful.” 5
a. I have treasured this quote and have it on a post-it note on my bulletin board
above my desk along with the prayer reminder for success. It is a constant
reminder that it isn’t about numbers. It isn’t about the best music. It isn’t about
being the best. It is about being faithful to God. It is about being faithful to the
Gospel. It is about being faithful to the calling God has placed on my life. In that,
is success in God’s eyes.
3. “The truth is, godly believers sometimes get depressed? Those who have set their minds
on “the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God,” have not been
exempted from depression. Those who have gone for it all, who have scaled heights we
may never attain, sometimes were subject to depression and despair-the “damp of hell” as
John Donne called it. Depression has been called the common cold of the mind, for
sooner or later most people catch it. God’s servants are not immune.” 6
a. As someone who has struggled with depression and now works with and counsels
those with depression, this quote was balm to my soul. Depression is still a fairly
taboo subject in the church, and I feel ministry leaders can be overcome with
shame when they struggle with depression, feeling like there is something wrong
5 Ibid
6 Ibid
5
with them. When that happens, they just fall further and further into the hole. This
quote brings to the light just how common depression really is.
Personal Reflection
There is much application that can be found in this book. A huge one for me is applying
the nine chapters on success into my life. I thrive when I have a clear picture of what to focus on.
I have scripture index cards and quotes from favorite books and pastors all over my house and
office as a reminder of where to focus on, and these 9 attributes of success will be joining those.
As I mentioned earlier, having a measuring stick so to speak to keep myself in line with what I
need to be focused on in ministry is priceless to me. In addition, having these chapters on
encouragement is fuel to my soul and it has inspired me to be open and transparent with others
and more importantly, God about when I am feeling exhausted, worn out, or that I am falling into
a crisis of comparison or frustration.
Bibliography
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