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By: H.B. London, Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman (1996)

ISBN 1-56476-585-7

Book Price: $8.36

Pastoral ministry development

H.B. London, Jr. is Vice President of Ministry Outreach/Pastoral Ministries at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs. He has also pastored churches for thirty one years. Neil B. Wiseman is Professor of Pastoral Development at Nazarene Bible College. He has pastored for over twenty years and another twenty years in pastoral support!

About your Pastor

London and Wiseman inject ideas in nine chapters. They express the following, pastors under fire (Ch. 1), what pastors wish congregations knew about ministry (Ch. 3), seven habits of highly effective church pillars (Ch. 7), creating a healthy congregation self-image (Ch. 8), a pastor's bill of rights (Ch. 9).

Addressing issues facing pastors

H.B. London, Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman connect with their audience through an informative style, using research data, quotes, and a variety of proofs to support their claims. They say, "Today's pastors face crises unknown to any other occupational groups... Credibility is down. Suspicions are up... dysfunctional people... leaders have less time... "

H.B. and Neil focus on current trends to support their case, indicating that "The consumer mentality seeping into the church is driving some pastors crazy with fear. It is estimated that as many as 80 percent of all church membership gains in a recent year were a result of people leaving one church and joining another."

Authors pose questions to focus readers on subjects such as, "Why does the church need pastors... To build up the body... expand our knowledge of the Son... facilitate our maturity... encourage our growth... church... built up... "

London and Wiseman give solutions to problems cited in early chapters, exhorting, "Try to protect your pastor from criticism... Try doubling your affirmation of your pastor... commit yourself to fix that which can be fixed... Positive second-hand affirmation will be reported on a church gossip line nearly as quickly as a negative report... "

With keen insight H.B. and Neil address the #1 issue facing pastors. They explain, "Church rumors usually focus on the pastor and those close to him... In grapevine discussions, accuracy is usually compromised... "

Pressures facing pastors today

H.B. London, Jr. & Neil B. Wiseman reveal with precision and supporting facts, the pressures facing pastors today.