The Art of Stability: Book Launch
Gospel-Centered Discipleship is excited to announce the launch of our latest book: The Art of Stability: How Staying Present Changes Everything by Rusty McKie.
If God is my refuge, why does life feel so out of control?
Life’s difficulties can overwhelm our sense of God’s presence, but we can take comfort in the fact that he is near and full of compassion. The Art of Stability is not a how-to manual for floating above the pain of life but rather a path for weary hearts to find their way back to Love. By embarking on this journey, we can discover the safety, love, and resilience that has always been available to us through Jesus.
Endorsements
“You hold in your hands a supremely helpful book. Rusty is among a new generation of wise spiritual directors who are acutely aware that the spiritual and the somatic cannot be torn asunder—that real transformation happens when we experience the goodness of God’s compassionate presence and healing in the depths of our being, even where the wound of trauma overwhelms. This is the work of a faithful navigator of the storms of our soul, and one who can help you find your way home.”
Chuck DeGroat, Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and author of Healing What’s Within
“This book came at just the right time in my own life as the ever-present demands of life and ministry pull and tug at my heart. Rusty McKie has given us a gift in his latest work, The Art of Stability serving as a faithful, tender guide for the journey of reflection and restoration. Rusty brings decades of pastoral wisdom coupled with the skill of a spiritual director and coach. He’s the ideal friend for such a journey. Take up and read and experience the joy of beholding Jesus Christ in every area of life.”
Jonathan D. Holmes, Executive Director of Fieldstone Counseling and author
“Even if I didn’t know Rusty, I’d enthusiastically recommend his new book The Art of Stability. It’s so well written, a masterful reflection on a crisis need of our day, and personally, a well-timed balm for my own heart. But I do know Rusty, and had a ringside seat as Jesus worked the truths and beauty of this book into my friend’s weary soul. Rusty learned the art of stability in the ark of Jesus’ presence. Peace came before the storms abated, just as it should be. I’m proud of my brother and grateful for this book.”
Scotty Smith, teacher in residence at West End Community Church in Nashville, TN
“The Art of Stability by Rusty McKie is a powerful exploration of how growing your capacity to stay present in all of life’s circumstances can profoundly impact the quality of your life. McKie’s storytelling is engaging and relatable, weaving personal anecdotes with deep insights. His practical advice on embracing silence and attentiveness to God’s presence is inspiring and actionable. By guiding readers on a practical journey from instability to stability, he offers a roadmap for experiencing deeper communion with God. The Art of Stability is a compelling guide for anyone yearning for a more grounded and spiritually enriched life.”
Trisha Taylor & Jim Herrington, cofounders of The Leader’s Journey and coauthors of The Leader’s Journey: Accepting the Call to Personal and Congregational Transformation
“With a story-teller’s voice and a biblical scholar’s grounding, Rusty winsomely invites us to hear and respond to the Lord’s invitation to ever-deepening stability in the love of Jesus. Read, abide, and find yourself welcomed home!”
Susan Porterfield Currie, Director of Selah Spiritual Direction Program and Minister of Spiritual Formation with Leadership Transformations
“My friend Rusty has written some desperately needed words for our times by addressing this age-old question: where is God when the ground falls out from under our feet? By pointing us back to the love and trustworthiness of Christ, Rusty offers a beautiful and helpful path toward spiritual formation that journeys deep into our souls and mines the hope we need to recover.”
Ronnie Martin, Director of Leader Care & Renewal for Harbor Network, co-host of The Heart of Pastoring podcast with Jared C. Wilson, and author of The Unhurried Pastor with Brian Croft
“We need more books that highlight the glorious doctrine of our union with Christ and how critical it is to our spiritual formation. We also need more books that point us to the glory of the person of Christ! Rusty gives us just that in this book, and that is simultaneously comforting and challenging.”
Jason Kovacs, Founder and Executive Director of Gospel Care Collective
Table of Contents
Foreword by Jamaal Williams ix
Introduction: Looking for Home in All the Wrong Places 1
Part 1: Leaving Home
1 Chaos Without and Within 13
2 When Compassion Collides with Chaos 23
Part 2: Homebound
3 Are You Paying Attention? 37
4 Befriending Silence 53
5 Vows of Stability 67
Part 3: Homecoming
6 A Refuge for Weary Wanderers 83
7 Blue Light in the Night 101
Conclusion: Finally Home 129
Acknowledgments 129
About the Author 131
About Gospel-Centered Discipleship 133
Resources from Gospel-Centered Discipleship 135
About the Author
Rusty McKie is trained as both a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach. He is the founder of Steadfast Ministries where he helps leaders survive and thrive in ministry. He authored Sabbaticals, leads retreats, and hosts The Art of Stability podcast. Rusty is also the Director of Men’s Ministry for CrossPointe Church. He is passionate about resourcing others to grow in emotional, spiritual, and relational health. You can find more of his work at steadfastmin.com. He and his wife, Rachel, live with their three lovely and lively kids in Central Florida.