Fruitful Boughs Broken: Pastors in Faithfulness, Failure and Forgiveness

By Glenn C. Taylor

Word Alive Press, 2019. $22 (e-book $10). Preview at Amazon.ca and Books.Google.ca

THERE ARE two common reactions to pastoral failure – a rush to judgment and removal from ministry, or a hasty confession followed by a forgive and forget mentality. Neither approach works as Glenn Taylor demonstrates in this balanced and biblically-rich book.

Taylor draws from 60 years of ministry as a pastor, correctional chaplain, educator, mission CEO and counsellor/consultant to individuals and 30-plus mission agencies in more than 20 countries.

Case studies, from both Scripture and Taylor’s extensive counselling experience, form the foundation of this study of leadership faithfulness, failure, forgiveness and restoration to ministry.

Key areas contributing to a pastor’s fall are stress, success, sensitivity and Satan. Adequately helping failed leaders requires a thorough exploration of the relational, emotional, spiritual, physical and family experiences that have shaped them.

Taylor says, “The journey toward failure is unchosen, undesired and unplanned.” Failure occurs in a flash, but was preceded by many decisions, influences and life responses. Ways of prevention, intervention and healing are extensively explored in the book.

Taylor’s pastoral heart shines as he encourages fellow pastors, board members and congregations to participate in helping pastors avoid falling, and if they have fallen, to recover. Taylor believes it is best to view failure as “a problem to be solved rather than a judgment to be handed down from a place of authority.” While there is a time for professional help, Taylor believes ordinary Christians have a key role in helping pastors maintain spiritual equilibrium.

Skillfully integrating biblical, theological truths with psychological insights, this is a valuable book for pastors, board members and serious Christians.