BOOK REVIEW: "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield

BREAKING THROUGH RESISTANCE IN CHURCH WORK

If you’ve ever felt stuck - staring at a blinking cursor on an empty page, dragging your feet on a sermon, avoiding a tough conversation, or delaying that new ministry idea - you have met Resistance. Capital R. Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art names it, confronts it, and offers a no-nonsense path forward.

For those in ministry, this book isn’t just about creative output. It’s a wake-up call to spiritual discipline, vocational faithfulness, and the inner battle that rages when you commit to doing something meaningful.

Whether you’re a pastor, school leader, or lay worker, this read is a powerful way to stop waiting and start doing the work God has called you to.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR MINISTRY

  • “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure, fabricate; it will seduce you.
    Resistance is insidious.” (p. 9)

    Ministry workers know this voice well. It can sound like, “I’m not qualified,” or “I’ll work on that tomorrow.” Naming it is the first step toward overcoming it. While Pressfield calls it ‘Resistance’, we know that it is the enemy trying to interfere with the work God is doing through us.

  • “The amateur believes he must first overcome his fear; then he can do his work. The professional knows that fear can never

    be overcome.” (p. 61)

    This is gold for those avoiding hard conversations or launching new initiatives. The fear doesn’t go away. You show up anyway.

  • “The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more Resistance we will feel.” (p. 12)

    If it’s God-honoring work that has eternal implications - expect a fight. And don’t confuse Resistance with a ‘closed door’.

HOW I’M APPLYING IT IN MINISTRY

Reading this made me rethink how I approach even the most routine of my daily To Dos. Instead of waiting for the perfect conditions or the ‘right headspace’, I’m committing to start. Even if I only get a rough outline or an awkward first draft. Planning meetings and projects become sacred ground where Resistance doesn’t get a vote.

DOESN’T QUITE TRANSLATE

Some concepts need adjusting in ministry settings:

  • The idea of being “self-made”

    • Pressfield emphasizes individual willpower. In ministry, we know that our power comes from the Spirit, not just from our own grit. The book’s “ go it alone” tone benefits from a theological reframe: we show up, but God brings the growth.

  • Aggressive language around ‘killing Resistance’

    • The book is certainly motivational, but it can feel harsh. Ministry is often nuanced and requires discernment. Adapt by viewing Resistance as something to surrender to Christ, not just conquer.

WHO SHOULD READ THIS BOOK

This book is ideal for:

  • Ministry leaders who struggle with procrastination or perfectionism

  • Anyone who senses God is calling them to act - but feels paralyzed by fear, doubt, or distraction

FINAL THOUGHTS

The War of Art is not a typical leadership or ministry book. It’s raw, unfiltered, and surprisingly spiritual (even if that wasn’t Pressfield’s original intent). It names the invisible enemy that keeps us from stepping fully intou our calling and challenges us to step forward anyways.

Start today.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 
 
 

Purchase your copy of The War of Art and let us know how you apply what you learn in your ministry context!

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LEARNJessica AlbersProfessional Development, Book ReviewComment