Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold: Encouragement for the Church (ebook Edition)

Hope springs eternal within the Body of Christ, even if your congregation wrestles with uncertainty—discover encouragement rooted in Scripture, real stories of rural ministry, and practical guidance for bold witness in today’s world.

In an era of cultural upheaval, shrinking pews, and institutional doubt, pastor and Missouri district president R. Lee Hagan delivers a timely and theologically rich call to arms for church leaders everywhere.

Drawing from the letters of Paul, the book of Revelation, and the living promises of Scripture, Hagan dismantles the myth that smaller means weaker — reminding you that a small church still has a big Savior. With captivating storytelling, honest pastoral wisdom, and a hope rooted not in optimism but in the unshakeable character of God, this book transforms discouragement into bold, Spirit-driven action.

Leaning on the enduring promise that “Christ in you is the hope of glory,” Hagan paints vivid, relatable scenes: the off-key voices in rural pews, the heartache over shrinking confirmation classes, and the joy found in unexpected partnerships. Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold will reorient your vision, reignite your mission, and remind you of the one truth that changes everything: Christ in you — the hope of glory.

“Hope is a precious gift of God for all of us who are part of Christ’s church. We live each day in the hope that was given to us in our Baptism and that continually fills us as the Gospel is preached and as we receive Christ’s body and blood. The Gospel is God’s antidote to despair, and it fills us with hope that is sure and certain.” —page 9

Praise For Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold:

“Collecting wisdom gathered in the parish, insights and teaching from a host of theologians spanning centuries, and above all the enduring truth of the Bible, Hagan encourages the church to be what God created her to be: a community of believers who faithfully, confidently, and joyfully live their lives together as followers of Jesus witnessing God’s grace to a broken world."

— Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology, Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

“[Hagan’s] guidance is biblically based, administratively aware, and—above all—pastorally sound. If you are a pastor searching for resources to guide a congregation that seems to have lost its way—or if you’re a lay leader grieving over your church’s glory days, this is the book for you.”

— Harold L. Senkbeil, Author of The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart (Lexham Press, 2019) and Dying to Live: The Foundation, Focus, and Shape of the Christian Life (Concordia Publishing House, 2025)

"Is your congregation looking for help and hope? Are you looking for guidance, ideas and examples of what the Lord has done and is doing on the front lines of Christian Ministry? President (and Pastor) Lee Hagan lifts up the reader with rich Gospel application to these challenging and sometimes discouraging times so we do not stop or give up! . .  Hagan is very aware of what is going on in the church and in our communities, and he offers theological insights, captivating illustrations and very practical ideas every reader and congregation can apply. It’s a wonderful read, a generous source of congregational discussion and vision and a worthy resource for you to share with others."

— Rev. Dr. Allan R. Buss, President, LCMS Northern Illinois District

"Faithful, Hopeful, and Bold—this trinity of adjectives for the Church flows from their object—the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our faith in the Trinity gives birth to a certain and unfading hope that lives boldly no matter what we see in the world around us. Drawing from decades of pastoral service and leadership within the Church, Lee Hagan delivers practical insight for living as the saints who have gone before us."

— Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

"An honest reminder about the faith we hold, this book speaks to churches and their leaders working to rekindle hope that moves to action. Rooted in the timeless truths of Christ and his word, Hagan draws upon a wide array of sages to offer pastoral reflections that provide gentle but clear guidance for modern challenges. It’s a thoughtful resource that brings leaders together for edifying study, robust encouragement, abundant hope, and when finished, equips readers for bold witness and confident ministry." 

— Lucas Woodford, President, MN South District, LCMS