Download The Runaway Pastor A Novel David Hayes 9781449775421 Books
Download As PDF : The Runaway Pastor A Novel David Hayes 9781449775421 Books
We live. We love. We doubt. We believe. We suffer. The ride can be confusing, even frightening. And sometimes, we run. While it may be true that no two journeys of faith are alike, Pastor David Hayes hits on essential, common conflicts within each of us, between ourselves, our families and God. Pastor Hayes has never been afraid to let his heart speak, whether from the pulpit, at his blog site, or alongside a friend in pain, which I have been. The Runaway Pastor is a fictional vessel for this gifted communicator to surface a message of truth that resides deep within our hearts and resonates with those of us who wish to somehow find and know grace. -Jeff Stoffer, author, screenwriter, editor, American Legion Magazine The truth was he had sold-out. It was the coward's way. But it was, at least, a way out. His head was spinning as he boarded the red line, just down the street from the hospital. He was headed toward the city center. Trent needed to get lost and he had a plan. Besides, the way he saw it-he was already lost. Long lost. Trent Atkinson and his wife Natalie played the role of the perfect couple, yet their long drift away from friendship and intimacy had left them cold toward one another. Trent's passion for authentic faith, loving people and changing the world had been shoved to the side by his real job to be a CEO and manager of church business. It's what all the church leadership books taught him and it was all there in black and white on the job description handed to him. So Trent plots his escape. His plan is so thorough and careful that neither the members of Baylor's Bend Community Church nor his wife has any idea it is coming-or where he's gone.
Download The Runaway Pastor A Novel David Hayes 9781449775421 Books
"This book will make you look at your pastor differently -- with a much deeper understanding of the routine pressures they all face on a regular basis. It's amazing that more don't run away from their ministry! The story is compelling and very fast-paced. It might seem odd to say for a book about a minister, but this is a real page turner and you will want to read all the way to the end to see how it turns out. The story centers on a very successful young minister who becomes more and more disillusioned about his transformation into a CEO, rather than someone who ministers to the needs of his flock. I'm sure pastors will see a lot of themselves in the story -- but hopefully will find a better way to deal with those pressures than the protagonist. Maybe reading this book will help some pastors, and their parishioners, to take steps to alleviate the stress before it overwhelms them. The book would make a really good study and discussion starter for church-based reading groups."
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The Runaway Pastor A Novel David Hayes 9781449775421 Books Reviews :
The Runaway Pastor A Novel David Hayes 9781449775421 Books Reviews
- The Runaway Pastor is a novel that provides a catalyst for discussion of what it means to be a pastor. The book led me to wonder what inspires--or calls--an individual to become a minister. As a person who has been many years removed from any participation in a church community, I have often wondered what keeps a person devoted to such a calling day after day. I admire the author, David Hayes, for writing a story that honestly portrays characters with serious flaws in their lives. So often, we look at people who have chosen lives of service as being infallible or nearly superhuman. For me, that applies equally to those who dedicate themselves to serve others in many other professions other than in the church.
Finally, I would say that the characters in this novel are believable and they keep you reading to see what becomes of them. With that said, I feel that there is more to this story that needs to be told. There were so many characters whose lives were intertwined with the story's central character, Trent Atkins. Although I admire the integrity and selflessness of Trent, I feel that his zealous quest for redemption affected so many people around him. As Trent continued his journey to 'find himself', I kept wondering what happened to all those people whose lives he influenced. Did he run away from them as well? Perhaps this is my own wishful thinking, but I would really like a sequel to this novel. - As a runaway pastor in my own right, this book finally tells the story I believe many people like myself have wanted to share - but couldn't. I believe most Church leaders will catch momentary, if not complete, glimpses of themselves in this book. While some leaders will rejoice about the truth being told in such a real way, I can see others being afraid of what honest conversation this book could bring forth from other friends and followers.
This book fills a void in Christian fiction novels that I didn't even realize existed until after I read it. There are countless other books about issues that plague todays church, but I have come across none that convey them in such a compelling way.
For a first book, the author shows to have the ability to strip the external sypmptoms of problems and get at the real internal issue of the heart. He does not waste time on contrite ideologies, but instead shows the pain and freedom that accompany real life change. I found myself unable to do anything other than read this book in one sitting.
Don't let the title fool you either, this book is about so much more than a runaway pastor. It is about the runaway in all of us, and the commitment we so often lack to the things that truly matter the most. - This book addresses many pertinent issues not just for pastors, but for the whole church world. It is amazing how many men and women serving in pastoral ministry are close to burn-out, and need some relief. However, this is one of very few books that even addresses the issues that may contribute to burnout. I would recommend it for the pastors who are feeling like submitting a resignation is the only way out. I also highly recommend it for the church boards and administrators who, I think, would greatly benefit from the insight offered in this book about ministerial burn-out and some of the issues that cause pastors to go into other occupations. This book does not give answers to all the questions and stresses that pastor's face, but it provides a good place to begin the discussion about what pastors are feeling and why they are experiencing high levels of stress.
- Runaway Pastor strips away all. It's not just a story that's told, but truth telling. Trent reveals the raw emotions of trying to live a life of authenticity. It's real. It's life. It's not just a story. It's the truth that we don't want to tell anyone but need to tell someone. It's a story that we have all lived, and we want to see how Trent handles life, love, responsibility, and his relationship with God. I didn't want Trent's story to end and hope it continues so I can see what life throws at him and what he does. After all, we all want to see how someone else handles living life for real.
- David Hayes has written a story which held my attention from beginning to end. I could not see what was going to happen until I got to that page.
The book does a good job of exploring the frustrations of pastors, but these conflicts could apply to almost anyone in today's world, not only does it deal with the frustrations of life and leading a church, but also deals with how to live an authentic life.
My only complaint is that I want to know what happens next . . . right now. - This book will make you look at your pastor differently -- with a much deeper understanding of the routine pressures they all face on a regular basis. It's amazing that more don't run away from their ministry! The story is compelling and very fast-paced. It might seem odd to say for a book about a minister, but this is a real page turner and you will want to read all the way to the end to see how it turns out. The story centers on a very successful young minister who becomes more and more disillusioned about his transformation into a CEO, rather than someone who ministers to the needs of his flock. I'm sure pastors will see a lot of themselves in the story -- but hopefully will find a better way to deal with those pressures than the protagonist. Maybe reading this book will help some pastors, and their parishioners, to take steps to alleviate the stress before it overwhelms them. The book would make a really good study and discussion starter for church-based reading groups.
- I had the fortunate pleasure of being drawn to this book by the author himself. Having now read this book, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a page-turning story for 2009/2010. This is a great read full of thought provoking scenarios, offering the statement that no one is above the temptation of today's society. Through the main character, the author allows you to experience all the emotions on the spectrum. You will cheer for Trent, you will question Trent.
