Overview

No one lives in a community that couldn't be better. But no one wakes up one day and magically knows exactly how to make the improvement happen. Congregational leaders have unique challenges and opportunities to strengthen and make more vibrant the places that they live. Engaging with the local context, rather than simply with one's congregation, enlarges pastoral imagination and can graft new life into the roots of moribund churches. This book is a guide for congregational leaders - including, (but not only) parish pastors -- who want to know how to learn about, engage, lead, and respond to their communities. There are countless ways to think up new programs for social engagement, or interventions to call attention to social problems. But this book helps leaders identify where their lever to move an obstacle is longest, where the most beauty and verdancy can be brought about to places that need it.

Full Product Details

9798385215508

Table of Contents

Reviews

""The authors describe this book--the fruit of a collaborative writing project among seasoned leaders--as a 'love letter to pastors, ' and so it is! Readers enter into a lively conversation between wise clergy colleagues and mentors, examining the significance and challenges of ministry that at its best is both pastoral and political. In these realistic accounts of pastoral leadership grounded in the church's call to care for the precious and complicated world that God so loves, new and experienced pastors and lay leaders will encounter surprising resonances, bracing practical wisdom, and a rekindled commitment to community well-being."" --Cynthia G. Lindner, Director of Ministry Studies, The Divinity School, The University of Chicago ""The truth that pastors need peers is often spoken and difficult to realize. This book is an inspiring how-to guide where seven practitioners-authors tell how they have formed pastor peer groups based on a common purpose--being 'political pastors' working for the good of their neighbors. Biblical reflection, practical tools, and stories are mixed in a way that provide something inspiring and challenging for anyone who cares for congregations and those who lead them."" --David L. Odom, Executive Director, Leadership Education, Duke Divinity ""Seek the Well-Being of the City is an excellent resource. I've never read anything just like it. Seven ecumenical pastors provide collaborative guidance for community building and pastoral care. Including practical and deeply insightful wisdom, the authors address dilemmas and shared congregational challenges. They draw from one another lessons of the past and offer to each other evidence-informed solutions. The authors synthesize their work into a tapestry of guidance, insight, and practice wisdom. Enjoy!"" --Helen Harris, Associate Professor Emeritus of Social Work, Baylor University ""Designed for clergy seeking to make a tangible difference, Seek the Well-Being of the City offers practical strategies for contextual analysis, ongoing learning, and helping leaders develop tactics for understanding their communities deeply. Through real-world examples and testimonial insights, ministers are encouraged to identify challenges, engage stakeholders, and implement faith-driven solutions for lasting transformation. Whether revitalizing congregations or addressing social issues, this book empowers clergy to navigate complexity with clarity, ensuring their ministry fosters meaningful, sustainable impact in their communities."" --Mycal Brickhouse, Director of Program and Grants, Leadership Education, Duke Divinity School

Author Information

Derek R. Nelson is professor of religion at Wabash College. Erica Knisely is parish associate at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. Jason R. McConnell is pastor of Franklin United Church and East Franklin Union Church in Vermont. Natalie Aho- Consultant and coach Strategic Leader Partnership Development Stakeholder Engagement Fundraising Advisor Leslie King is pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Waco, Texas. Amy Howard is executive director of Encounter Culture Mission Collaborative in Epping, New Hampshire. Wesley Spears-Newsome lives in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. By day, he works as a pastor and organizer. He writes science-fiction and fantasy, non-fiction related to ministry and organizing, and picture book fiction.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available