The Radical Pursuit of Rest: Escaping the Productivity Trap - Paperback

by John Koessler (Author), Mark Galli (Foreword by)

Evangelical Christian Publishers Association Top Shelf Book Cover Award

We live in a culture that values activity, achievement and accomplishment. Whether in our careers, churches, schools or families, busyness is the norm in our lives, and anything less makes us feel unproductive and anxious. We have to work all the harder, then, to pursue true rest in a 24-7 world that is constantly in motion.

John Koessler understands that rest is not automatic or easy to attain. He names the modern-day barriers to becoming people of rest and presents a unique perspective on how pursuing rest leads us to the heart of God. With honest, biblical reflections on trends in our culture and churches, he exposes our misconceptions regarding the concept of rest, as well as offering correction and practices to align our ideas with God's ideal.

The book includes reflection and discussion questions designed for both individual and group use. You will discover the true meaningbehind Jesus' idea of the yoke of rest and restoration for your mind, body and soul.

Author Biography

John Koessler (DMin, Trinity International University) is chair and professor of pastoral studies at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois, where he has served for over twenty years. He is the author of several books, including The Surprising Grace of Disappointment, True Discipleship, God Our Father and A Stranger in the House of God. He is the general editor of The Moody Handbook of Preaching and Foundational Faith, and has written for publications like Christianity Today, Discipleship Journal, Leadership and Decision. Previously, John served as a pastor at Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, and served as consulting editor for Moody Magazine. He has made numerous radio and broadcast appearances, and is a frequent speaker at pastors' conferences. He and his wife Jane live in northwest Indiana and have two sons.

Galli is the managing editor of Christianity Today magazine. He previously edited Christian History. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and for 10 years served as a Presbyterian pastor in parishes in Mexico City and California. He has written books on preaching, prayer and the challenges of pastoral ministry, and is a contributing writer to The Christian Millennial History Project. He is married with three children.