True competence in ministry can only come from God
Casey Coston’s “Made Competent: A Story about Life in Ministry” is a raw, heartfelt story that invites readers into the journey of a campus minister.
Its narrative is not merely a recounting of events. Rather, it’s a deep look into Coston’s personal growth and faith. It highlights the challenges that many face in ministry.
Casey Coston. “Made Competent: A Story about Life in Ministry.” Kharis Publishing. 2024. 252 pages. $19.99.
The book begins with Coston’s unexpected transition from the “comfort and certainty” of a chemical engineering career to theological studies at Abilene Christian University in Texas. The writer’s shift to a life in campus ministry shows how our human plans can be so different from God’s plan.
The realities Coston soon faced quenched his initial excitement: Challenges in his family life, especially concerning his wife’s health, trying unsuccessfully to please everyone and working harder but seeing fewer results.
Coston expresses his feelings of inadequacy in a way that is both refreshing and relatable. He reflects often on his personal struggles.
“At the peak of my perceived competence,” he notes, “I was hit with another season of suffering that would end in a death of sorts, but God brought new life out of it in a way I never could have imagined.”
“At the peak of my perceived competence, I was hit with another season of suffering that would end in a death of sorts, but God brought new life out of it in a way I never could have imagined.”
Such passages highlight the book’s central theme: True competence in ministry arises not from personal strength but from our willingness to embrace our weaknesses and rely on God’s guidance and grace.
Throughout the book, Coston intertwines his personal thoughts with reflections on ministry, offering readers both insights and truths that all ministers encounter.
His style of storytelling draws readers into the highs and lows of his life. One particular moment that really resonated was an opportunity to transition from a campus minister to a pulpit minister, which tested his faith.
Hear Casey Coston talk about some of the biggest ministry challenges and shortcomings he’s faced and how evangelism is changing and must change to connect with younger generations on The Christian Chronicle Podcast.
“Sometimes we go through seasons of struggle or ineffectiveness that cause us to wonder whether we are called to endure or if God is giving us a way out,” Coston writes. “Perhaps either option is ok under the right circumstances.”
This dilemma symbolizes the unpredictable paths that ministry can take and the perseverance required to navigate them “through prayer, wisdom and discernment with trusted mentors to know what God might be up to.”
Coston’s book also explores the challenges of balancing family and ministry.
He does not shy away from discussing the toll that ministry can take on personal relationships and health.
These honest, raw admissions provide a realistic portrayal of the sacrifices and struggles inherent in a life devoted to ministry of any kind but especially campus work.
The author encourages readers to examine their own walk and consider how God is working in their lives.
Coston’s honesty, combined with his storytelling ability, makes “Made Competent” a valuable read for anyone looking for balance in their faith, career and personal life.
RANDY LATNER is a firefighter and the Tide 4 Christ college minister for the Central Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
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