Surviving Small Church Ministry

Surviving Small Church Ministry Book List
I have served in small churches my entire pastoral career. I spent 5+ years as a full-time, solo pastor of a small church and have served as an interim as well as a bi-vocational pastor of small churches. It takes great patience and trust in God’s working to thrive in small church ministry.

Admittedly, I have not always had the appreciation for small churches that I should have had. In college and seminary, everyone wants to be the next mega-church pastor. Yet, there are so many solid, faithful pastors in small churches that should be honored. Their impact may be on fewer numbers, but it is nonetheless real and personal.

Care of Souls by David G. Benner

Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel

David G. Benner

Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1998

252 pages

SHORT REVUE:

Rating: 8 out of 10

Quick Summary: Dr. David G. Benner, a Christian clinical psychologist, has researched and written on many topics relating to the Christian faith and psychology (more revues of his books will follow).  In reading Care of Souls, it is obvious that this work is a culmination of his many years of scholarship, teaching, and clinical work.  The primary audiences for this book are pastors and Christian mental health workers.

What is Anglicanism? by Urban T. Holmes

What is Anglicanism?

Urban T. Holmes III

Wilton, Connecticut: Morehouse-Barlow Co., Inc., 1982

95 pages

SHORT REVUE:

Rating: 6 out of 10

Quick Summary: Urban Holmes, an Episcopal priest and seminary professor, wrote this interesting and accessible introduction to the Anglican Church generally, and the Episcopal Church specifically.  He succinctly covers the major principles of Anglican theology and practice.  His ability to present complex ideas with great simplicity makes this book well worth reading.  Unfortunately, it was written in 1981 and does not directly address current issues in the Episcopal Church, but for someone desiring a general introduction to Anglican thought, theology, and practice, it is a well-written, concise introduction.

Influential Books in My Life

Here are some books that have been influential and formational in my life.  These works cover over a decade of personal spiritual growth, education, and ministry.  These are not representative of my reviews.  If you are interested in more information and/or possibly purchasing a book, please click on the link below it.  If I listed multiple books by the same author, then I included a link to the author instead of the book.