December 1986 my family presented me with this book. I enjoy readings of William Barclay, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Carlo Carretto, Richard Foster, Carl Jung, C. S. Lewis, Henri J. Nouwen, Mother Teresa, Elton Trueblood, John Wesley, to name a few. But to have writings by these great authors compiled in one book is unimaginable. On top of that there are the lyrics of some of the most well known and loved hymns included in this book. There are monthly retreat models that can be done individually or with a group. The story "A Doll of Salt" by Anthony Bloom is a wonderful simile of our developing relationship with God. I have highlighted, written in the margins, and dogeared so many pages that I had to get a second copy because the first one is falling apart (and it was the leather bound copy). The readings are so inspiring and uplifting as well as thought provoking for the layperson as well as the ordained minister. If you are going to get this book I encourage you to get the leather bound for you will discover you will use it on a daily basis along with your Bible.
Book Description
The funeral is a genuine means of pastoral care practiced by the church. Many times the funeral is the most momentous means of caring for the bereaved, and often it is the only time when the church has the opportunity to care for family and friends.
While many resources on funerals are available to pastors, Gene Fowler offers a perspective of pastoral ministry, a guidebook for ministering and caring throughout the funeral-from pre-funeral to the funeral to post-funeral. He explores what pastors go through at each stage of the funeral process, from when the pastor first learns of the death, to the weeks following the funeral
Book Description
Every church deals with personality conflicts and intermittent discord. But in some churches, what should be normal clashes has become a devastating form of abuse-pastoral abuse. A growing phenomenon that cuts across denominational lines and impacts every level of ministry, pastoral abuse leaves in its wake thousands of wounded clergymen with ruined ministries, broken relationships, damaged health, even shattered faith. The Wounded Minister: Healing for Abused Clergy, written by a clinically trained pastoral counselor, examines the reality of evil in churches and the ways in which ''pathological antagonists'' emotionally and spiritually batter pastors. A deft mix of personal experience and in-depth research, this resource will help wounded men and women of all ministerial positions learn how to recover their broken hearts while rebuilding their lives. And as preventative medicine, it also provides guidelines on how spiritually sensitive Christians can develop a church structure that protects their pastors from this tragedy. Both compassionate and proactive, this book is an excellent resource for hurting pastors as well as lay leadership pursuing healthy church life.
Book Description
From experienced minister Dr. Ronnie Floyd comes this practical guide to ministry for pastors. Dr. Floyd has over 19 years experience as the senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Springdale and pastor of The Church at Pinnacle Hill in Rogers, AR-- churches with a combined membership of 16,000. His insigthful advice comes from years of practical ministry experience and is essential for anyone going into ministry. Dr. Floyd goes beyond the realm of faith into the realistic day-to-day challenges and conflicts of church leadership. From pitfalls to avoid to habits to cultivate, Dr. Floyd's guidance is appropriate and timely. With the moral and ethical conflicts that continue to cause those in the ministry to stumble, this book has never been needed more. Any young minister or the mentor for a young minister interested in guidance for success should pick this book up immediately.
