Experiencing Grief by H. Norman Wright (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2004)
Th
is terrific little book does “double duty”. It’s first of all a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one who is experiencing grief because of a significant loss. And it is also a helpful introduction/reminder for those who want to practically care and understand the impact of grief on others.
When a church loses the senior pastor abruptly due to death, suicide, or even a resignation because of a moral implosion, “Experiencing Grief” will be of tremendous help to the leadership team in shepherding hurting people as they can know what to expect, and normalize what the body is experiencing.
His short chapters make digesting this significant topic easier to manage. And the author has personally experienced the grief he writes about, so his approach is sensitive and caring! Reading this book can bring hope and comfort, yet as H. Norman Wright says, “…grief is work -and sometimes very hard work.”
Click here for more information about purchasing “Experiencing Grief”.
The Wounded Healer by Henri J.M. Nouwen (New York City: Doubleday, 1979)
Though Henri Nouwen approaches ministry from a Catholic perspective, his understanding of the limitations of professional ministry is on target. This is a great work for appreciating that authentic ministry to others begins at the point of admitting our own weaknesses and brokenness. Then we can enter into another’s life with compassion and understanding because we too, struggle.
Leading with a Limp by Dan Allender (Colorado Springs: Waterbrook, 2008)
Not a “how to” book on leading, but how a leader can effectively lead others out of their own weaknesses. It has direct application to church leaders seeking to shepherd their churches through pastoral transition, especially when the senior pastor had an affair. Dan gives hope and help for leaders who are grieving, to be able to turn around and help others who grieve.
When the Word Leads Your Pastoral Search by Chris Brauns (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2011)
Chris does a fantastic job of helping search teams keep in mind what they are really doing. They are looking for a man who has been deeply shaped by God’s Word: his character, his vision and his preaching. Especially helpful are the forms so that search team members all critique candidate’s sermons from the same perspective.
Click the title above to purchase through Amazon.
Search: The Pastoral Search Committee Handbook by William Vanderbloemen (Nashville, TN: BH Publishing Group, 2016)
This recently published book is a great guide for churches in pastoral transition. The search process for a senior or lead pastor is an exciting adventure, but the journey has significant pot-holes to avoid. Vanderbloemen’s book shows the way and even has a rich Appendix of sample forms.
Click the title above to order from Amazon.
