This is an essential read. The title tells you that this is really two books in one. One "book" talks about surviving and thriving in ministry. The second "book" talks about building six key relationships into your life so that you can survive and thrive. Jimmy Dodd is the president of PastorServe, a great pastoral coaching ministry. He knows what he is writing about.

A hard-hitting but quality book for those involved in ministry.

The author speaks to the condition in which many in ministry find themselves: they seem to be one person on the outside, or on stage, and another person on the inside or in the rest of life, or offstage. The greater the difference, the more likely the coping mechanisms are unhealthy, and the greater the likely fall for the minister in question.

The author provides many explanations and tools for assessment to see how healthy the minister's life is. He speaks to the different relationships - coach, mentor, friend, etc.- which a minister needs to maintain good spiritual health. His organization is designed to provide assistance in such areas.

A difficult read for the preacher but most likely necessary. Worth considering. ( )