Flourishing in Ministry


Book Description

Pastoral work can be stressful, tough, demanding, sometimes misunderstood, and often underappreciated and underpaid. Ministers devote themselves to caring for their congregations, often at the expense of caring for themselves. Studies consistently show that physical health among clergy is significantly worse than among adults who are not in ministry. Flourishing in Ministry offers clergy and those who support them practical advice for not just surviving this grueling profession, but thriving in it. Matt Bloom, director of the Flourishing in Ministry project, shares groundbreaking research from more than a decade of study. Flourishing in Ministry project draws on more than five thousand surveys and three hundred in-depth interviews with clergy across denominations, ages, races, genders, and years of practice in ministry. It distills this deep research into easily understandable stages of flourishing that can be practiced at any stage in ministry or ministry formation.




Together in Ministry


Book Description

Is it possible for churches and organizations to foster healthy mixed-gender ministry collaboration? Longtime ministry leader Rob Dixon casts a compelling—and encouraging—vision for flourishing partnerships between women and men. With research findings, biblical examples, real-life stories, and practical next steps, this roadmap equips teams and individuals with next steps for making that vision a reality.




The Flourishing Pastor


Book Description

With the risk of burnout at an all-time high, pastors need a new framework for ministry that will help them move from survival to flourishing. Drawing on the image of the shepherd leader, Tom Nelson offers pastors wisdom and timely vision for leadership that integrates in-depth biblical teaching and whole-life discipleship, providing a roadmap for ministry resilience and longevity.




Flourishing in the Ministry


Book Description

Too many Christian leaders begin their ministry with great aspirations but stumble when faced with the challenges inherent in full-time ministry. Flourishing In The Ministry cites the challenges encountered by ministers who are approximately age 20-30 and in their first years of ministry. Drawing on Biblical examples, personal experiences, and interviews with many young leaders, Benjamin Kaufman provides descriptions of the challenges and offers suggestions for dealing with them effectively. In the last ten years, Dr. Kaufman has coached many young ministers. He has encouraged them to question their ministry assumptions, practice healthy thought patterns, and develop behavioral habits that lead to strong work relationships and balanced marriages. Flourishing In The Ministry topics include: - Solidifying Your Call to Full-Time Ministry - Knowing Yourself - Lack of Credibility - Dealing with Expectations - Working with the Opportunities Available - Working with People - Challenges Related to Mentors - Dealing with Criticism - Balancing Ministry and Marriage - Understanding Your Boss - Staff Relationships If you are a young minister, reading this book will give you insight into potential obstacles that lie along your ministry pathway. If you work with young ministers, this book will give you tools that you can use to teach and encourage the young ministers you coach, mentor, or work alongside. Website: www.FlourishingInTheMinistry.com.




Attend to Stories


Book Description

Enhance your ministry, reconnect with your call, and serve more effectively.




Resilient Ministry


Book Description

Why does one well-equipped, well-meaning person in ministry succeed while another fails? Bob Burns, Tasha Chapman and Donald Guthrie undertook a five-year intensive research project on the frontlines of pastoral ministry to answer that question. What they found was nothing less than the DNA of thriving ministry today.




The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing


Book Description

The Sermon on the Mount, one of the most influential portions of the Bible, is the most studied and commented upon portion of the Christian Scriptures. Every Christian generation turns to it for insight and guidance. In this volume, a recognized expert on the Gospels shows that the Sermon on the Mount offers a clear window into understanding God's work in Christ. Jonathan Pennington provides a historical, theological, and literary commentary on the Sermon and explains how this text offers insight into God's plan for human flourishing. As Pennington explores the literary dimensions and theological themes of this famous passage, he situates the Sermon in dialogue with the Jewish and Greek virtue traditions and the philosophical-theological question of human flourishing. He also relates the Sermon's theological themes to contemporary issues such as ethics, philosophy, and economics.




The Fight to Flourish


Book Description

What if your struggles aren’t a barrier to thriving but an invitation into your most vibrant days? Discover how to live a life of joy and fullness, even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams. How can you find a way forward when life throws you sucker punches, when you face obstacles that seem to snuff out your faith, when you lose someone precious to you? It is in the sacred space of pain and promise that we can begin to flourish. Even in the midst of disappointment and broken dreams it is possible to grow, be strong, and draw near to God. In The Fight to Flourish, Jennie Lusko draws on her experiences after the loss of her five-year-old daughter, Lenya, to show you that the ingredients for a fresh and thriving life are right in front of you. Jennie's story will help remind you of how much God loves you, even when life feels unbearable. With grit and grace, Jennie will help you: Discover that flourishing is not an impossible destination but a divine revelation of where you are right now Find relief from the weight of overwhelming circumstances by resting in the realization that God is fighting for you Trust that God is growing you in the gap between your expectations and your experience The word flourish is written all over you and your future. Discover the ongoing strength that Jennie has found and learn to reengage in life with renewed strength and confidence.




Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Churches


Book Description

A small youth ministry has the flexibility and qualities to be nimble and relational, two qualities that will serve teenagers better than a big budget. This resource demonstrates how to create a ministry teens will love to be a part of. (Ministry & Pastoral Resources)




Agents of Flourishing


Book Description

God calls Christians of every vocation to participate in his redemptive mission so that every corner and square inch of society can flourish as God intends. Amy Sherman offers a multifaceted, biblically grounded roadmap for enacting God's call to seek the shalom of our communities, showcasing historical and contemporary models of faithful and transformational cultural engagement.