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When Better Isn't Enough
Many sociologists and a growing number of church scholars have noted that we live in a time of transition—from the modern era to the postmodern. Whenever a shift of this magnitude occurs, it leaves all of life, including the church, in flux. We instinctively strive to stabilize the situation by re-establishing what has worked in the past. Increasingly, however, congregations are finding that the same old things done harder or better don't seem to make a difference. Author Jill Hudson argues, "We must identify new criteria for success, and perhaps even for faithfulness, and hold ourselves accountable to them." Approaching the postmodern era as a tremendous opportunity, Hudson identifies 12 ...
Transitions
Preacher and teacher David Mosser offers practical and spiritual guidance for pastors struggling to manage and respond to changes in the economy, changes in their neighborhoods, changes in their denominations, changes in the congregation, changes in culture, and the life changes present in every parishioner's life. Wise words from authors such as Alyce McKenzie, David Buttrick, Joanna Adams, and Thomas Long all contribute to this most timely and helpful book.
Pastors in Transition
Whether they leave out of preference for another ministry or due to serious conflict, pastors who relinquish parish ministry face misunderstanding and even hostility. Pastors in Transition brings clarity to this little-examined aspect of the pastorate by examining the main reasons why pastors in five Protestant denominations have left parish ministry. The fruit of careful sociological research, Pastors in Transition presents the findings of the largest-ever study of recently ended ministries. More than 900 ex-ministers, representing the Assemblies of God, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Methodist Church, were surveyed or interviewed. Besides gathering facts and figures, the book contains personal stories, forthright opinions, and concrete recommendations from former pastors for strengthening parish ministry in the future.
Governance and Ministry
In Governance and Ministry, Alban Institute senior consultant Dan Hotchkiss offers congregational leaders a roadmap and tools for changing the way boards and clergy work together to lead congregations. Hotchkiss demonstrates that the right governance model is the one that best enables a congregation to fulfill its mission--to achieve both the outward results and the inward quality of life to which it is called. Resources on governance for the nonprofit sector have burgeoned over the past decade, and this book translates some of what is most helpful from that world for clergy and lay leaders. it also recognizes that in some ways congregations are unique and need governance structures and proc...
Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel
Reflecting a wealth of ministerial experience, this accessible and instructive book is designed to equip lay leaders and pastors of Protestant churches to better envision and practice gospel-driven ministry amid the challenges of our twenty-first-century context. Especially addressing Baby Boomer and Gen X leaders, seasoned pastor and practical theologian John Stewart presents and explains five biblically mandated, foundational practices for being and nurturing the church: belonging, discipling, witnessing, serving, and worshiping. Stewart believes that these five practices are "essential markers" for congregations that seek to remain faithful to their risen Lord, and he offers memorable examples of how specific churches are carrying them out well. Church leaders of every generation will find in these pages much practical wisdom on how to enhance their congregational life and mission. For any congregations wanting to remain faithful to their biblical heritage and mandate, Stewart's Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel provides an excellent roadmap for doing what God calls the church to do.
Evaluating Ministry
Grounding evaluation in the theological and organizational context of mission (everyone a minister), Hudson describes case studies of four successful evaluation models that include the whole church. She suggests how "whole church" reviews might result in stronger pastoral ministry and new directions for mission. An important resource that will help clergy and laity explore mutual ministry, judicatory executives strengthen congregations, and new pastors get through their first congregational evaluation.
Refuge from Abuse
ABUSE IS UGLY. IT IS ALWAYS WRONG. IT IS NEVER PART OF GOD'S DESIGN FOR HEALTHY FAMILY LIVING. IT DISTORTS RELATIONSHIPS AND SHATTERS DREAMS. IT CREATES PAIN AND DESPAIR. IT NEVER PRODUCES HOPE. YOU KNOW THIS ALL TOO WELL - THAT'S WHY YOU'VE PICKED UP THIS BOOK. Nancy Nason-Clark and Catherine Clark Kroeger know the pain of women who have been abused, especially the unique pain of Christian women who thought it couldn't happen to them. In this straightforward, practical book they supply the answer to the questions you face: How do I know I need help? How much of my story should I tell? Where do I find spiritual support as a victim of abuse? What help can I find in the community? How do I get started on the healing journey? What key steps will I need to take to get on with my life? How can I understand what help my abuser needs? How do I learn to trust God again? Their advice is solid, backed up by Nason-Clark's professional expertise as a sociologist and Kroeger's as a biblical scholar. Together they supply both here-and-now, step-by-step advice you need to start the healing journey and biblical insights to nourish your soul and sustain you on the path to wholeness.
A Sustainable Presbyterian Future
A timely exploration of the present state and possible future of the Presbyterian church.
Violent Trauma, Culture, and Power
This book is an interdisciplinary exploration of the intertwining impact of violent trauma, culture, and power through case studies of two ministries serving in different demographic contexts within the United States. Mass shootings continue to rise in the United States, including in religious and school contexts, and the U.S. also is ground zero for the now international Black Lives Matter movement. The author shows how all forms of violent trauma impact more than individuals –devastating communal relationships and practices of religious or spiritual meaning-making in the aftermath, and assesses how these impacts differ according to lived experiences with culture and power. Looking at the...
