COUNTED WORTHY
Released October 2021
As a pastor, Dr. Connor Bales has tackled tough questions about suffering for years--
But, it’s his own experience as a father and fellow-sufferer that has equipped him to pen this book. In Counted Worthy Connor Bales shares the unique calling he and wife, Mary, have been counted worthy to steward in raising two children with an exceptionally rare genetic disorder. From the initial confusion and questions of “why”—to the practical exhaustion resulting from endless tests, treatments and visits to the emergency room—to the emotional, physical and spiritual toll they’ve experienced as a family; Bales leaves nothing on the table.
But, standing tall above the brokenness, disappointment and hurt, Counted Worthy illuminates a practical theology promising hope, supernatural comfort and a closeness to God that Connor and Mary have experienced first-hand. Readers will be drawn to the Bales family, but more importantly drawn to their Savior through their life’s story.
As a pastor, Dr. Connor Bales has tackled tough questions about suffering for years--
- How should Christ-followers respond to suffering?
- What if we’re called to suffer?
- How do we respond when our loved ones suffer?
But, it’s his own experience as a father and fellow-sufferer that has equipped him to pen this book. In Counted Worthy Connor Bales shares the unique calling he and wife, Mary, have been counted worthy to steward in raising two children with an exceptionally rare genetic disorder. From the initial confusion and questions of “why”—to the practical exhaustion resulting from endless tests, treatments and visits to the emergency room—to the emotional, physical and spiritual toll they’ve experienced as a family; Bales leaves nothing on the table.
But, standing tall above the brokenness, disappointment and hurt, Counted Worthy illuminates a practical theology promising hope, supernatural comfort and a closeness to God that Connor and Mary have experienced first-hand. Readers will be drawn to the Bales family, but more importantly drawn to their Savior through their life’s story.
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“My friend, Connor Bales, has written a must-have book! “Counted Worthy” is honest, authentic, and will be helpful for every reader. We all go through seasons of suffering, so how do we navigate those seasons in a healthy way? This book will guide and encourage you, because it is written by someone who lives it daily. I highly recommend it.”
- Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director - North American Mission Board (NAMB) & Author of 9 Common Lies Christians Believe |
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“Connor Bales is uniquely qualified to write a poignant, passionate story of faith that rises in the midst of pain and brokenness. “Counted Worthy” tells the truth about the reality of suffering and yet the great hope that our God provides to all who trust Him, even through tears. It is a love story about a man and his family who have experienced God’s grace at a whole other level of faith and promise. This book will bless you and bring you face to face with the God who counts us worthy to suffer in His name.”
- Jack Graham, Pastor – Prestonwood Baptist Church (Plano, Texas) & Author of Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith |
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“I love Connor and Mary Bales. For over ten years now, I have had a front-row seat watching this family navigate what it means to have children with severe special needs. I’ve been present to see tears of sadness when they have received discouraging news from doctors and tears of joy after one of their daughters has pulled through a life-threatening illness or surgery. Through the ups and downs of their journey, the Bales family has persevered in their faith, responded in trust, and served an incredible example of what it means to follow Jesus in the midst of suffering. “Counted Worthy” is a message of hope written by someone that knows what they are talking about. Take this book, read it and be encouraged that no matter what you are facing or going through, God has a purpose he is working in your life and will be with you every step along the way.”
- Jarrett Stephens, Pastor – Champion Forest Baptist Church (Houston, TX) & Author of The Always God: He Hasn’t Changed and You Are Not Forgotten |
GOSPEL IN THE HOME
Released September 2016
God created the home in perfection—to be a place of peace, harmony, and unconditional love. But sin shattered God’s plan, and now strife, chaos, and stress frequently trouble the home. Relationships are broken, sex is distorted, finances divide parents, parenting seems impossible, and normal is actually abnormal. How do we navigate our homes through chaos? In "Gospel in the Home," we will examine how the gospel turns chaos back into order. The gospel isn’t just a message to be embraced, but a life to be lived—it heals broken people, empowers the weak, clarifies the uncertain, and speaks into every season of life. The only way to restore our families is to have the Gospel in the Home.
God created the home in perfection—to be a place of peace, harmony, and unconditional love. But sin shattered God’s plan, and now strife, chaos, and stress frequently trouble the home. Relationships are broken, sex is distorted, finances divide parents, parenting seems impossible, and normal is actually abnormal. How do we navigate our homes through chaos? In "Gospel in the Home," we will examine how the gospel turns chaos back into order. The gospel isn’t just a message to be embraced, but a life to be lived—it heals broken people, empowers the weak, clarifies the uncertain, and speaks into every season of life. The only way to restore our families is to have the Gospel in the Home.
