Author and Pastor Connor Bales Counts It Worthy to Suffer in Raising 2 Children with Rare Genetic Disorder

By Blessing Harper Nov 30, 2021 02:52 PM EST

Dr. Connor Bales, pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church, has recently his brand new book Counted Worthy: A Father's Perspective On The Theology of Suffering. In the book, Connor Bales shares the unique calling he and his wife, Mary, have been counted worthy of stewarding in raising two children with a 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 off 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 grow close to the Bales family, but more importantly, they will draw closer to their Savior through their life's story.

In the book, Bales tackles questions such as:

How should Christ-followers respond to suffering?
What if our calling is to suffer?
How do we respond when our loved ones suffer?

A graduate of Texas Tech University with a degree in landscape architecture, Connor started his own landscaping business in 2005. While serving as a teacher and student ministry leader at First Baptist Church, Coppell, he felt the call to ministry. He was ordained at First Baptist Church, Coppell and started attending Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then joined Prestonwood, where he served as Minister to Young Marrieds and then Minister to Young Families. Connor received a Master of Arts and Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminar in 2011 and is currently working toward a Doctorate of Education Ministry degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.