One Incredible Journey
a clergy person's calling
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
This is the story of a person who has found “his” place in life! The ministry gives a person the opportunity to sample so many disciplines. To be an effective leader in the church, one must be a good speaker, a talented administrator and organizer, a capable teacher, a promoter and salesman, and an effective fundraiser. A pastor needs to be able to laugh at himself, pray with the hurting, be a good student of history and the changing needs in society, visit the jails, the hospitals, and in the homes of both the rich and the poor. He/she doesn’t count their hours or they will need a good calculator (one just counts their blessings) and you will be rich! A pastor enjoys a wide collection of friends, a good education, an abundance of travel, the respect of the community, and if the clergy has the bonus of a supportive family, he/she has the best job on earth. There are times when a pastor is surrounded by joy and celebration when baptizing a tiny life, or seeing a sick person experience healing, or leading 1500 people on Easter morning sing “Christ the Lord has Risen Today”. That’s indescribable joy and celebration. There are also times when a pastor is surrounded by tension and fears, and that’s just the time when one finds out how courageous they are and if they are led by their beliefs or just drifting with the wind. The three most contentious issues in my ministry were “big” issues: the power struggle that takes place when you build a new church; the struggle over human rights in a time of social change; and learning to understand the needs of a gay person. “I have never been in the military but I have certainly been in combat”. These kinds of experiences require a cool head, a listening ear, a loving and caring spirit and a strong spiritual commitment. There is plenty of variety in a pastor’s life! The road to and through pastoral ministry will include an abundance of mistakes, an assortment of frustrations and at times you will wish that you were somewhere else, but, as one realizes that you will have a part in transfiguring lives and families; you will have helped society move through tremendous social changes, and you will be changed yourself! Then you know you have been blessed!
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The autobiographical material in this book is intended to describe how the development of a clergy comes to pass! This journey through a clergy person’s life is intended to:
--help us be aware of all the people who have a vital part in the development of a pastor
--recognize the level of commitment necessary to be an effective pastor
--a life-long refinement of skills and learning through formal education, life experiences and continuing education
--the need to care for our personhood and our family, as well as the parish
--the necessity of making the Bible a life-long study project
--the courage to act in time of crisis
--a good sense of humor
--the flexibility to grow and change as society and the church reach out for leadership
About the Author
The author was born and reared on the mid-western prairies, a farm boy who at age 17, left the security of a caring family, climbed aboard a Greyhound bus, headed for the big city of Chicago. There he met his life partner and began his pursuit of the Christian Ministry. Through numerous levels of education and cultural refinement he continued his incredible journey experiencing hardships and growing pains, but always with a heartfelt conviction that he was where he belonged. He has been first a husband and a father and then a pastor and friend to thousands. His “listening” has always been just as important as his “preaching” in proclaiming the Christian faith. His life experience covers many areas of expertise, but none brings out his best like preaching and pastoral care. The author holds two bachelor degrees in Biblical history and social science from Vennard College and Alma College; his Master of Divinity Degree in theology was awarded by Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry in human resources from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He was honored by a post graduate Merrill Fellowship to Harvard University.