How can we maintain an intimate relationship with God in a busy world? How do we read the Bible to feed our souls, rather than "professionally", looking for the next talk we have to deliver? How do we care for ourselves and avoid either burn-out or rust-out? Paul Mallard has written Staying Fresh for everyone involved in ministry, at whatever level that may be. While he acknowledges the importance of conviction and competence, his primary emphasis here is on character. He is passionate about the importance of integrity, of persevering in prayer and discipleship, of never giving up in our battle with sin and our service for Christ. "But even if you are not a leader and never aspire to be one,' he says, 'I hope that what you learn here will help you to maintain the freshness of young love."

Since being called to the pastoral ministry in 1982, Paul has served as pastor in three churches - in Chippenham, Worcester and Bath. For three years he was the President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches. He has been involved in a variety ministerial training schemes. He has also been engaged in pastoring pastors.