Before You Move: A Guide to Making Transitions in Ministry

by John R. Cionca

Based on interviews with hundreds of pastors, as well as ten years of counseling ministry leaders, Dr. Cionca provides practical if's, when's, and how's to consider before changing ministries.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2004

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title might lead you to think this is only for those considering moving to a new church, but in reality it is a great resource for any "move" one makes as a church leader. Most beneficial is that it has a few audits for assessing your current effectiveness in ministry.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful book. Written specifically with senior pastors in mind, the principles apply to any staff who lead volunteers. Deals with signs to move on or stay, questions for churches to ask candidates, candidates to ask church search committees, moving from associate to senior, senior to associate, full time ministry to the work force, retirement, and other helpful evaluation principles. It's the kind of book you own and don't lend to someone- you may not get it back.

[Pat Roseman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this from my mission because I thought it would have some insight into when and if to make a change in ministry, as a missionary (since there are a lot of parallels between being a missionary and being in the pastorate). But it really is written more for pastors who are considering changing churches. There are some good things mentioned in some of the chapters that apply to both ministries, but not many.