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The Presbyterian Handbook for Pastors
Presbyterian Handbook has informed and amused thousands of Presbyterians and other Christians with a distinctive blend of historical and theological information, fun-filled facts, and practical tips on being a churchgoing follower of Jesus Christ. Now comes The Presbyterian Handbook for Pastors , which captures all the essential information any pastor needs to serve and lead in any situation in one volume. Complete with illustrations and bits of humor, this handy resource is ideal for Presbyterian pastors, lay pastors, seminary students, candidates for ministry, and all those seeking the perfect gift for their pastors.
244 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 28, 2011
We are a narrow audience, but for Presbyterian pastors with a sense of levity-—the levity is important—-this is a fun book to thumb through, useful in spite of, or perhaps because of its silliness. It is not as sharp as the regular Presbyterian Handbook or the best Stuff Christians Like, but includes far more that will be familiar to our particular experience and calling.
The attitude of the Handbook is especially helpful for those of us who may need help remembering that no ministry is perfect. For instance, it opens with the story of how Presbyterianism began with Calvin’s own tumultuous tenure, having been banished from Geneva’s pulpit in only two years, then recalling it as “a place of torture” (19). A few awkward church members and a reduced budget don’t seem so bad now! Much of the advice seems directed toward helping pastors cope with our special occupational hazards, from bad gifts from congregation members, to strained family dynamics. Or, for more serious advice, even in a blithe tone, consider this simple professional guidance, keen for anyone who has weathered a serious church conflict: “for every complaint, there are probably two or three more who feel the same—-and fifty who don’t.” (71) Or, for any pastor whose time stretches thin (namely, all of us): “Say no to requests for your time if they only add extra stress to your life without moving you or your ministry forward.” (102)
Elsewhere, the Handbook aims higher, perhaps toward pastoral renew, whether with practical recommendations about the call process (“Consider the renewing nature of your current call.” (32)) or more theological insights about our role of “re-presenting” Christ to the world (30-31). For example, I intend to use this ‘prayer’ on Sunday mornings this year: “This is not about you. You are spreading good news that has been around for two thousand years.” (173) Even further, in plenty of places the Handbook directs us to what it might require for our own ministries to truly thrive. That practical advice will be different for every pastor; for me, some of the management information is useful, but you might appreciate the help with personal spirituality or preaching. Whatever we need to thrive, renew and cope will change as our situations change, so it can’t hurt to flip through this book every once in a while.
The attitude of the Handbook is especially helpful for those of us who may need help remembering that no ministry is perfect. For instance, it opens with the story of how Presbyterianism began with Calvin’s own tumultuous tenure, having been banished from Geneva’s pulpit in only two years, then recalling it as “a place of torture” (19). A few awkward church members and a reduced budget don’t seem so bad now! Much of the advice seems directed toward helping pastors cope with our special occupational hazards, from bad gifts from congregation members, to strained family dynamics. Or, for more serious advice, even in a blithe tone, consider this simple professional guidance, keen for anyone who has weathered a serious church conflict: “for every complaint, there are probably two or three more who feel the same—-and fifty who don’t.” (71) Or, for any pastor whose time stretches thin (namely, all of us): “Say no to requests for your time if they only add extra stress to your life without moving you or your ministry forward.” (102)
Elsewhere, the Handbook aims higher, perhaps toward pastoral renew, whether with practical recommendations about the call process (“Consider the renewing nature of your current call.” (32)) or more theological insights about our role of “re-presenting” Christ to the world (30-31). For example, I intend to use this ‘prayer’ on Sunday mornings this year: “This is not about you. You are spreading good news that has been around for two thousand years.” (173) Even further, in plenty of places the Handbook directs us to what it might require for our own ministries to truly thrive. That practical advice will be different for every pastor; for me, some of the management information is useful, but you might appreciate the help with personal spirituality or preaching. Whatever we need to thrive, renew and cope will change as our situations change, so it can’t hurt to flip through this book every once in a while.
January 3, 2015
Fun. Informative and funny
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews