There has always been a special weight to ministry. As pastors come to lead their churches, they recognize very quickly the task they have been called to comes with very special expectations. And with each passing year, it feels like we now live in a time when pastors and ministry leaders can no longer live up to those expectations. Burnout is rampant. Pastors are stepping down in order to protect the well-being of themselves and their families. Moral failings seem to bring down leaders we once viewed as giants. And amid all of this, upcoming pastors are entering the ministry with the difficult task of finding hope in trying times.
Mark Dance addresses this frustration in his book, Start to Finish. In this book, ministry leaders will find the guidance to finish the race well from start to finish. Whether you are ten years into your ministry or have not even taken the first steps, this book will discuss the important steps to take that will encourage the reader to serve well, lead well, and end well.
About the Author :
Mark Dance has served as a lead pastor/planter for 27 years before launching LifeWay Pastors, the Care4Pastors Network, and Oklahoma's Ministry Pipeline. He currently serves as the Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources. Dance speaks at conferences and seminaries, and regularly contributes to books, blogs, and magazines.
Mark earned degrees from Howard Payne University (BBA), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (D.Min).
Mark and Janet have two grown children and live in Dallas. They enjoy backpacking and leading ministry marriage conferences together across North America.
Review :
"Mark Dance has authored a modern-day prescription for leaders who want to both start - and finish - well."
Dr. David Ferguson, Founder, Executive Director, Great Commandment Network
"Start to Finish gives us tools to bring balance back into our lives. You must care for your own soul and your family."
Dr. Robby Gallaty, Senior Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN
"Anyone can start the race, but not everyone finishes the race. Plus, not only do leaders need finish their race well, but how they run the race also matters. That is why I strongly recommend, Start to Finish, by my friends Mark Dance and Philip Nation. This is a timely book that is an absolute must for every leader to read. I can't think of a more relevant topic for today than helping leaders have a healthy life and ministry."
Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director - North American Mission Board (NAMB), Author of Calling Out the Called and 9 Common Lies Christians Believe
