The work of an evangelist is challenging. It involves dedication, study, perseverance, passion, interpersonal skills, discipline, and much love, compassion, humility, and prayer. There are many technical and personal aspects to the work that preachers do.

A new book edited by Warren Berkley, Behind the Preacher's Door, addresses many of the personal challenges that will inevitably confront the man who proclaims the Gospel for a living. It is designed to encourage preachers (and any Christian) to greater personal faithfulness and devotion in an attempt to reduce the staggering statistics regarding preachers who have fallen into sin, disrepute, and/or distress.

The book features submissions by preachers of all ages. Topics included feature concerns regarding sexual immorality, personal devotion to God, managing time, managing finances, working with difficult Christians, friends, working for unity, managing technology, and maintaining good relationships with wives and children.

All preachers can gain from the insights and experiences in the book. We will all feel convicted and challenged by many of them. Hopefully it will lead us to greater faithfulness and integrity in accomplishing the work of promoting the Gospel. If nothing else it should reinforce for us the dangers of ministerial improprieties and encourage us to take heed lest we, too, fall.

The book is highly recommended and provides valuable insights for preachers of the Gospel. ( )