by George SinclairÂ
Cascade Books, Eugene Ore. 107 pagesÂ
George Sinclair is a pastor who wants wonder to be at the center of ministry. Actually he wants wonder to be at the center of all human life and in this book he describes what that might look like in practice. It would mean less exhaustion and fewer burnt out ministers. It would mean more awe-stricken people and pastors whose eyes are open in fresh ways to the possibility of God in every moment. What seems obvious might even take on a shimmering glory as though witnessing creation as it was intended to be experienced. In multiple stories and simple language, Sinclair draws upon philosophers and theologians to make a case for a resilient ministry with wonder at the center. In doing so, he describes the common barriers to such a life, naming acedia (sloth) and hubris (pride) as the chief obstacles. These are countered by humility and grace that put pride in the proper context. There is nothing naïve about this book. The author has been a pastor-in-the-trenches; he understands ministry. That experience makes the stories real and the argument for wonder-at-the-center of life credible rather than fanciful. Ministry is not easy. But it can be wonderful, especially if ministers have resilience. This is a good guide for both.
