Straining at the oars
Subtitle: case studies in pastoral leadership
By: H. Dana Fearon III, with Gordon S. Mikoski
Contributors: Mikoski, Gordon S.
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Grand Rapids
Language: eng
Number of pages: 118
ISBN-13: 9780802868664
Subjects: Pastoral theology
Description: A common complaint of recent seminary graduates is their lack of preparation in practical theology, especially in the tasks of leadership. New pastors encounter a host of challenges that can seem overwhelming. Biblically oriented, wise, and reassuring, Dana Fearon presents twenty-one difficult situations that young ministers are likely to face on the job, including prayer in the hospital room, a request to baptize a dead infant, handling conflict and criticism, entering dangerous areas to reconcile hostile groups, and others. As part of his discussion, Fearon presents and reviews his own response to such situations, using his theological education and long experience in church ministry to instruct others. -- Publisher.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 117-118).
Table of contents: title: Baptizing a baby who has died; title: Hard questions about prayer; title: Teach us how to pray; title: Making waves; title: Moving power to the proper place; title: The congregation teaches preaching; title: The pastor's day (and evening); title: Having friends, not cronies; title: Needing help and accepting it; title: Wearing the collar; title: Placing the flag; title: Criticisms and conflict; title: Baptisms and marriages; title: An unexpected renewal of faith; title: The least of these; title: Two guests in the house of the Lord; title: Meddling in community affairs; title: Helping laity find their gifts; title: Developing spirituality in the governing board; title: Staff dynamics; title: Setting a new course; title: The surprising presence.