|
Dealing With the Dark Side
Nothing is more exciting than ministry when it is going well. Nothing is more debilitating than ministry when it is not. We rarely need help dealing with the good times, but resources for the tough times can be lifesavers.
Ministers and church leaders often live with the illusion that church work will be a constant joy. Personal experience and a look at the New Testament reminds us there is a darker side to ministry, and we have to do our work in its embrace. The suggestions in this column draw from classic and newer works.
Well-Intentioned Dragons
By Marshall Shelley (Bethany House)
One area of discouragement stems from criticism and conflict, and this is a classic book on this subject. Shelley’s name may be familiar to you from his years of writing for Christianity Today and its related magazines. This book reads like a novel. Some readers have been frightened by it, but others have found great comfort that all ministers face criticism and conflict. Shelley’s writing combines anecdotes, case studies, and practical suggestions.
Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Churches
By Ken Swetland (Kregel)
This book offers a more general discussion of church problems. Swetland writes from his experience in located ministry and seminary education. He is currently dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Sem-inary. This book provides 14 case studies on various church difficulties, including discussions on how local churches and ministers have dealt with adultery, pornography, depression, sexual harassment, alcohol abuse, and abortion. The author provides discussion questions so the book can be used for personal or group study.
Pastors in Pain: How to Grow in Times of Conflict
By Gary Preston (Baker)
This newer book deals more directly with the minister’s inner life as he faces troubled times in church leadership. Preston is now in secular work, but served for 25 years in located ministry. He has contributed to Leadership and Discipleship magazines. This book is filled with Scripture and Preston’s personal experiences. His discussions of getting fired and "playing hurt" are particularly helpful.
The Leader’s Toolbox series concludes with this column, so I would like to take this final paragraph to say thanks. Thank you to CHRISTIAN STANDARD for allowing me to explore and share the various resources that have appeared. Thanks to those of you who have communicated to me in various ways. I enjoyed receiving the many suggestions, even though I was not able to report on them all.
If I may give a closing suggestion, it is to remember that while resources like books, tapes, conferences, Web sites, and the like are helpful to the church, the best resource is a human being sold out to God. You are a tool in his toolbox.
PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
January 4, 2006 - Libraries Without Walls
December 21, 2005 - Communication Concepts from Secular Circles
December 7, 2005 - Words of Wisdom for Women's Ministry
November 23, 2005 - Magnificent Help from the Magazine Rack
November 9, 2005 - Invigorating Volunteers; Developing Disciples
October 26, 2005 - Overcoming Overwhelm
October 12, 2005 - Big Ideas for Smaller Churches
September 28, 2005 - For You and Youth
September 14, 2005 - A Potpourri of Books
August 31, 2005 - A Potpourri of Web Sites
August 17, 2005 - Hart-to-Heart Talks
August 3, 2005 - Ken Can Help
July 20, 2005 - Easum Has Some Advice
July 6, 2005 - Finding Illustration Gold Mines
June 22, 2005 - Get Real with Bobb Biehl
June 9, 2005 - Let Len Lend a Hand
May 29, 2005 - A New Angle on Church Growth
May 15, 2005 - It's Your Turn
|
