Kirk Byron Jones, Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers. Judson Press, 2001.
Referenced in: Ministry Burnout, Preventing and Overcoming
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
One reviewer describes Jones’ volume as “refreshing breeze of support” for over-extended ministers. The concepts are expounded perhaps more fully in other volumes, but certainly no more creatively and hopefully than here. This book reads like an inspiring series of sermons. Given the level of discouragement felt by most burned out ministers, Rest in the Storm has an important place in the literature on this subject. It is full of helpful observations and encouraging counsel. One may also be interested in Jones’ other works, Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down (Judson Press, 2003) and Holy Play: The Joyful Strategy of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose (Jossey-Bass, 2007).
From the Publisher
Are You Overdosing on Overcommitment? Even the most committed and competent ministers suffer enormous physical, mental, and spiritual strain. Too many remain in denial about the severity of pastoral stress, even as they are deteriorating emotionally and physically.
Drawing from biblical, theological, and sociological sources as well as personal experience, author Kirk Jones discusses the fundamental importance of self-care for clergy and other professionals engaged in helping people. Filled with creative and practical strategies for integrating self-care into vocational life, this compelling resource identifies the factors that influence overload and outlines plausible strategies for escaping such bondage. Rest in the Storm is a lifeline for caregivers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of their calling or profession.
About the Author
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Kirk Byron Jones is the son of Ora Mae Jones and the late Frederick Jesse Jones. He is married to Mary Brown-Jones of Boston, and they are the parents of Jasmine, Jared, Joya, and Jovonna Jones.
Rev. Jones is a graduate of Loyola University, Andover Newton Theological School, and holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Drew University.
A pastor for twenty years, Rev. Jones was the founding minister of Beacon Light Baptist Church in New Orleans, and Senior Minister at Calvary Baptist Church, Chester, PA; Ebenezer Baptist Church, Boston, MA; and First Baptist Church, Randolph, MA.
Currently a professor of ethics and preaching at Andover Newton Theological School, Dr. Jones serves as guest preacher and teacher at churches, schools and conferences throughout the United States. His writings have been published in various journals, including The Christian Century, Leadership, Gospel Today, Pulpit Digest, and The African American Pulpit, a quarterly preaching journal he co-founded in 1997.
Dr. Jones is the author of several best-selling books including: Rest in the Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other Caregivers, Addicted to Hurry: Spiritual Strategies for Slowing Down, The Jazz of Preaching: How to Preach With Great Freedom and Joy, Morning B.R.E.W.: A Divine Power Drink For Your Soul, The Morning B.R.E.W. Journal, and Holy Play: The Joyful Adventure of Unleashing Your Divine Purpose.
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