Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Congregations
"Swetland, who teaches pastoral counseling at Gordon-Cromwell Seminary, has compiled real case studiesññchanging only people's and churches' namesññto offer a candid look at thorny pastoral problems. His profiles don't offer solutions, but examine sin's skein-like messiness to show what church leadership faces and how pastors can take action. The problems are often more complicated than they appear. Issues range from the repeatedly repentant alcoholic to the mild-mannered sexual deviant who is an expert liar to the upstanding citizen and model church member who is an adulterer. . . . Recommend this book to pastors and Christian counselors who aren't looking for easy answers." (Gerry WiszCBA Marketplace2005-01-02)"Combining accessibility with scholarly depth, Jesus Under Fire examines the authenticity of the words, actions, miracles, and resurrection of Jesus and presents compelling evidence for the traditional biblical teachings." (Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox2005-04-01)"Facing Messy Stuff lends itself to group studies. It would be well for local pastors' organizations to do this among themselves using Swetland's book as a text. In addition, this is a reference book that should always be near the pastor's fingertips. A noted chaplain who works in the San Francisco Bay area, Rev. Carson Curcini, after looking over the notes for this review, stated: ""This is a very important book for pastors...especially for this day and age that we live in."" To that this minister can give a hearty ""Amen!"" Facing Messy Stuff in the Church should be in every pastor's and chaplain's library." (Rev. Austin Mileswww.Churchquest.com2005-06-01)"Reading this book by Kenneth L. Swetland seemed a little like watching those daytime talk shows [`a la Dr. Phil, Oprah or The Jerry Springer Show]. Each chapter is a well-crafted presentation of some disturbing and [unfortunately] highly relevant case studies." (Ministries Today2005-07-01)"These are the problems that are coming up with increased regularity in churches today in a world of chaos and confusion. And pastors and chaplains must be equipped to handle them spiritually, professionally, and most importantly of all--effectively. This book teaches how to deal with these problems -- as the author states [and teaches] -- head-on." (Austin MilesAgapePress2005-06-01)Every pastor and chaplain who deals with the complex problems of this 'anything-goes' 21st Century, will benefit from this book. It is also invaluable for every seminary student and new pastor who hasn't lived long enough to deal with many of life's messes on behalf of the God of mercy and grace. Even so, the messy stuff profiled in this book is enough to sober even the most seasoned of pastors. It is frank, raw, and instructive. At times, overwhelming. And these are all real cases in various denominational settings in various parts of the country. The challenging (as well as sensitive) messes dealt with in this excellent Kregel Publications release are dealt with forthrightly. (Rev. Austin MilesBishop-Accountability.org2006-05-01)