"At a time when concerns for misconduct, abuse scandals, and liability have brought pastoral ministers under greater scrutiny than ever before and have threatened to undermine their morale, Just Ministry offers a positive perspective on the vocation of pastoral ministry and wise ethical guidance to foster integrity in ministry. This is a helpful training and evaluative resource for those involved in pastoral ministry as ordained clergy, religious, or lay ministers. Key concepts are illustrated through case studies and practical strategies for acquiring and developing virtues, as well as preventative education for pastoral ministry in avoiding misconduct." --

There are the general purposes of God and the distinct purposes of God that He entrusts to specific individuals, groups of individuals, communities, and even to a Spiritual Movement. Both kinds of callings are documented in the Scriptures and all serve the economy of God’s purposes. To Zach Fomum and those that God called along with him, a distinct economy of the Gospel was entrusted that translated into a clear goal. The pursuance of that goal through obedience to God’s specific instructions has gradually clarified the will of God and the means of accomplishing His purposes. God’s will, God’s ways, our responsibility, who we must be, what we must do to please God, and accomplish our goal, are presented here as constituting our ministry. This is written for all who are part of our ministry, and for all who will be part of this ministry, so that we may serve in the same spirit for the same purpose and, by accomplishing the goal, bring glory to our Lord Jesus. God bless you.

In today’s church, there seems to be two well-intentioned groups. “Deed” people feed the hungry and help the poor, while “Word” people proclaim the gospel and engage in apologetics. The two often seem to compete with one another, but God always intended them to be partners. Sacrificial love can grab the attention of those we serve, opening their ears and minds to the words we share. In Tangible, author and Pastor Chris Sicks explains how God’s people can effectively introduce hurting people to God through intentional acts of kindness. This book does more than discuss these good ideas. It’s full of ways to make God known to the needy in your community today. Extra features include: A thorough resource section Ministry examples Discussion questions for personal study or group discussion By sharing both words of truth and deeds of mercy, God’s people will reflect Christ’s love—the most tangible proof of God’s existence.

Offers a measure of hopefulness about the prospects for professional ministry in the Church.

Education policymaking is traditionally seen as a domestic political process. The job of deciding where students will be educated, what they will be taught, who will teach them, and how it will be paid for clearly rests with some mix of district, state, and national policymakers. This book seeks to show how global trends have produced similar changes to very different educational systems in the United States and Japan. Despite different historical development, social norms, and institutional structures, the U.S. and Japanese education systems have been restructured over the past dozen years, not just incrementally but in ways that have transformed traditional power arrangements. Based on 124 interviews, this book examines two restructuring episodes in U.S. education and two restructuring episodes in Japanese education. The four episodes reveal a similar politics of structural education reform that is driven by symbolic action and bureaucratic turf wars, which has ultimately hindered educational improvement in both countries.

Transition is the word we use to describe the time following significant change. In congregations, that change might be the departure of the pastor, a catastrophe such as Hurricane Katrina or 9/11, or simply the changes caused by growth. Transition calls for clergy with special training to respond to the needs generated by the special time. “Task, training, and time limit” are the hallmarks of transitional ministry. Trained intentional interim clergy must have the skill and experience to lead congregations during transition. However, transitional or interim ministry has a bad reputation in some places. As one diocesan leader said, “We have never had a church in this diocese that was so bad off that an interim was needed.” Indeed, there are some “sick” churches, but most congregations have some good things happening and some things that need attention. Intentional interim ministry can be medicine for the sick, but in most cases it is better compared to vitamins that are taken to promote health. This book seeks to clear up misconceptions about transitional ministry and present an accurate and up-to-date picture of transitional ministry and to describe the various settings in which this specialized ministry can be helpful. Chapter authors, all expert in transitional ministry in mainline Protestant denominations, include: Robert Friedrich, John Keydel, George Martin, Loren Mead, Barry Miller, Nancy Miller, Ineke Mitchell, Ken Ornell, Molly Dale Smith, and Rob Voyle.

A user-friendly handbook for all embarking on a course of training for Christian ministry, lay or ordained. It is designed to reduce the fear factor and help students make the most of their study and training.

Just as important, these voices provide insight for bishops, diocesan staff, and seminary educators as they strive to meet the special needs of these ministers and the people they serve."--BOOK JACKET.

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.