Running on Empty: The Gospel for Women in Ministry by Barbara Bancroft and published by New Growth Press.
As women, ministry pushes us to moments of insufficiency, exposes our weaknesses, and tests our patience. Some days it feels like a little more sleep, a lot more coffee, and a pat on the back might sustain us. But down deep, we know these things can never fuel our ministries. Positive without being cliché, Running on Empty presents the realities of vocational ministry with humour and hope.
Author Barbara Bancroft draws from her experience as a missionary woman and pastor’s wife to demonstrate how the gospel must be our message to ourselves as well as others. Along the way, she confronts the “mythic ministry model of Proverbs 31” and other stereotypes and expectations that hinder women from enjoying and displaying the gospel each day.
Running on Empty’s down-to-earth, humorous writing style reaches out to weary women reluctant to read another book on ministry. Offering more than crisis management tips or how-tos, Running on Empty reorients women’s hearts and minds to the joy of belonging to Christ and being a part of his kingdom work. Ideal for small group discussion or personal reflection, Running on Empty stretches beyond burnout prevention strategies all the way to joy and purpose in ministry.
• Moves women beyond burnout prevention strategies to joy and purpose in ministry
• Down-to-earth, humorous writing style disarms women reluctant to read another book about ministry
• Realistic portrayal of ministry is positive without being fake, ringing true—yet offering hope—to those who struggle
• Confronts expectations, stereotypes, and even the “mythic ministry model” of Proverbs 31
• Addresses disillusionment, isolation, and loneliness with compassion and hope
• Gospel-centered with a kingdom focus, showing how the gospel works in us in order to accomplish God’s purposes
• Questions and devotional material at the end of each chapter make it ideal for small group or individual use
