Starting with Spirit: Nurturing Your Call to Pastoral Leadership - Softcover

Epperly, Bruce G.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 156699408X ISBN 13: 9781566994088

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2010

Synopsis

Starting with Spirit is a spiritual and professional resource for new pastors, their family members, and congregations, as well as ministers in every season of ministry who seek to grow in vitality and skill in the ongoing adventure of ministry. For more than thirty years, Bruce Epperly has followed the call of the spirit, moving through his vocations as a congregational pastor, university chaplain, seminary and university professor, and seminary administrator. Drawing on these experiences, he addresses the new pastor's transition from seminary student to congregational leader; pastoral authority; the 'honeymoon;' boundaries; death; the pastor's spiritual life, health, and relationships; the role of the associate pastor; and continuing education.

About this title

About the Author:

Bruce G. Epperly is Director of Continuing Education and Professor of Practical Theology at Lancaster Theological Seminary and is ordained in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is the author or co-author of 18 books including Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living as well as Tending to the Holy: The Practice of the Presence of God in Ministry, which was selected as the 2009 Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy.

Review:

Drawing on the experiences of many working pastors, Bruce Epperly offers practical advice and sage counsel for those trying to navigate the sometimes tricky waters of the first years of ministry. New pastors--and the congregations they serve--will benefit enormously by keeping this book close at hand and by consulting it often. (Martin B. Copenhaver, president, Andover Newton Theological School)

We have a handbook now, a companion for every new pastor to carry into a first call. Starting with the Spirit echoes with voices of those who have made good transitions to the pastoral life. Bruce Epperly reports from the front lines, and his own voice offers 'creative wisdom' at every critical turn. (Rev. George A. Mason, Senior Pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church)

Starting with Spirit invites the new pastor to say 'yes' not only to the adventure of ministry but 'yes' to wholeness in ministry over a lifetime. It explores the habits and practices that enable pastors to nurture the sense of call that brought them into ministry in the first place—to nurture the call over years of excellent and effective ministry that gives glory to God and brings joy to self, family and friends. 'Healthy and effective ministry is the result of the interplay of intentionality and grace,' says Bruce Epperly. Here is an invitation to claim both. May the adventure begin! (Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada)

Starting with Spirit is a must-read for those new to pastoral leadership. Bruce Epperly combines best practices in church leadership with real life vignettes and theological reflection. This is the book many will find to be their bridge from seminary to full-time ministry. (Lovett H. Weems Jr., Wesley Theological Seminary; author of Focus)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 156699408X
• ISBN 13: 9781566994088
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224