The First 100 Days: A Pastor's Guide

by T. Scott Daniels

Every time a pastor goes to a new church, they form hopes, dreams, and expectations - without necessarily realizing it - for the progress and growth of their new ministry. Not only do these pastors have to transition into a new congregation and community, but they also have to think about building strong relationships with other influential people in the area. Almost every day, pastors of new churches face unexpected hardships and challenges. Some of the issues are financial mismanagement from their predecessor, moral or ethical misbehavior, or unresolved conflict that has just been suppressed long enough to find a new pastor. The fact is, pastors of new churches need guidance. The First 100 Days is for these pastors who need some guidance and insight to help them lead with godly wisdom and purpose during the first few months.

Genres: Leadership, Christianity, Theology, Church

176 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great little book! Daniels makes this point in his afterword, but while I completely understand that our jobs as pastors and leaders in the church is primarily spiritual, it was refreshing to have such a practical and pragmatic guide to help with the first 100 days in a ministry setting.
As I am about to begin my first tenure as a senior pastor of a church, this work helped me to realize not only how to best start out, but also in what direction to focus my non-preaching/teaching attention time. My forte is in teaching, it will be in leadership and how to approach the non-teaching function of my office and vocation that I will need help with. This work does that.
I would highly recommend this to anyone either starting in their first ministry position or about to transition into a new one.

[Kirsten Kroeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is like having a mentor with pragmatic wisdom and advice for a new pastorate. From when to hold back and when to push ahead, how to gain social capital and what to spend it on, sermon series ideas and how to care for your congregation, your family and yourself in times of transition, this is a goldmine for getting your footing in a new place.

It's also one of the few books written for pastors that addresses both male and female clergy, and it continues to surprise me how meaningful that inclusion is. Thank you.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as an assignment in a Ministerial Administration class in undergrad. I thought that some of the advice was fairly helpful, although my differing theological positions do not mix well with other parts. I wish there was more having to do with discipleship, counseling, and the ministry of the Word, but the book was too short to go into much else.

[Demetris Pressley · Rating 5 out of 5]

God sent timing of this Book

This book definitely was a perfect timing for a perfect greeting in my life. I was able to share in the experience and the practical nature of what the writer is sharing. If you have time make it your business to read through this book. Blessings.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide to preparing and walking through transitions and change.

This is a good resource for new and seasoned faith community leaders desiring increasing skills and ways to encourage transformation.

[Harold E McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent help for new pastors and for those wanting a new start.

[C.S. Areson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it before starting my last church and again this time. Worth the time even as I remembered some of the material. A very practical guide.

[Keith Lenard Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My go to book when beginning at a new church. Very practical and thoughtful.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in pastoral ministry. Unfortunately, this book also affirmed my previous notion that I am not suited for pastoral ministry. Daniels is very aware of the political struggles in transitioning between pastors. He spends a lot of time talking about the reactions of the people and how to ease people into such a transition. I was very bothered by his language of building social capital and securing early "wins" in the congregation. Although this is probably a very real part of moving into a new ministry, the political and business language used by Daniels seems very trite. I felt like the book lacked the inspirational message required of a book that desired to help pastors transition between ministries. I supposed Daniels' approach is clearly more practical and straight-forward. He seeks to lay out all the right trajectory and speed of the new ministry. Daniels has significant experience and I believe what he says is probably quite true. However, I feel like it was too practical and political to excite a pastor about arriving at a new ministry.

[Mike McVey · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who have read practical ministry books before, there is not a lot of new information in here. However, Dr. Daniels puts the information together with some personal stories in a way that makes it easier to read, comprehend, and move forward in ministry. I will not only be recommending this to pastors moving between churches, but also students preparing for the ministry.

Honestly, I do not know how much this book would have helped before my first pastorate or associate pastorate, but it is definitely helpful for me now as I transition to a new church.

[Margaret Cappello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read that would be helpful for a new person starting out in ministry. It covers issues not always covered in full in seminary. The stories illustrate the author's points. Definitely recommend.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical info for the beginner pastor.

[Dave Pettengill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be an extremely valuable book for those new to ministry, those in a new ministry position, or those serving a new church.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for school.