David N. Mosser, Editor, Transitions: Leading Churches Through Change. Westminster/John Knox, 2011.
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LifeandLeadership.com Summary
This is a rich anthology of seasoned wisdom on how preachers may help their congregations during times of confusing change, conflict, and life crises. It also addresses how congregational issues often trigger or coincide with transitions in the minister’s personal life, and how to navigate the resulting complexity. One story describes how even if a change is anticipated and planned, it may unfold in ways that are totally unexpected. Another story offers a theologically sound spirituality of change. Other chapters discuss preaching strategies, responding to resistance, preaching as a new minister in times of crisis, and pastoral care during crisis.
From the Publisher
Preacher and teacher David Mosser offers practical and spiritual guidance for pastors struggling to manage and respond to changes in the economy, changes in their neighborhoods, changes in their denominations, changes in the congregation, changes in culture, and the life changes present in every parishioner’s life. Wise words from authors such as Alyce McKenzie, David Buttrick, Joanna Adams, and Thomas Long all contribute to this most timely and helpful book.
Editorial Reviews
“This collection of rich essays has about it a contagion concerning the bewilderment, burden, and wondrous mystery of ordained ministry. It plunges into the ‘mind-numbing changes’ that the church now faces. It offers, in response to that change, reflection by experienced veterans of preaching who offer their self-critical honesty, their deep wisdom, and their humor that prevents taking themselves too seriously. The reader will be engaged by alert colleagues who exhibit joyous readiness for the challenge of ministry in hard times.” – Walter Brueggemann, Emeritus, Columbia Theological Seminary
“This book is a treasure trove of wise, practical advice for pastors who want to be transformative leaders and for congregations who want a future. We can’t follow a living God without being willing to move into the future, this book teaches us how to do that more faithfully.” – William H. Willimon, Bishop, North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church
“This volume is filled with theologically smart and practically wise counsel—a welcome conversation partner, a thoughtful companion, and thus an essential guide to every preacher who pastors in settings that request change and create high anxiety. Thank you, David Mosser, for amassing the best theorists and practitioners to create a volume that will be gratefully and eagerly consumed by pastoring preachers!” – David Fleer, Professor of Homiletics, Lipscomb University
About the Author
David N. Mosser is Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Arlington, Texas. He also teaches preaching at Perkins School of Theology and is the author or editor of eleven books on preaching, including The Stewardship Companion.
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