Walk with Me to Another Land: A Narrative Approach to Transitional Ministry - Softcover

Zimmerman, Richard P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 153261554X ISBN 13: 9781532615542

Publisher: Wipf and Stock, 2017

Synopsis

The loss of a pastor throws a congregation into emotional turmoil. Sometimes bad circumstances force a pastor to leave. Sometimes an effective pastor moves to a new congregation or retires. Either way, the congregation is thrust into a unique journey through change and loss. People often fail to identify or understand the emotions of loss churning under the surface. Whether a congregation embraces a good future or gets stuck in the dynamics of the past depends in part on skillful and wise leadership. When faced with confusing signs, transitional leaders seek wisdom about the unique dynamics of a congregational system in flux. How can one leader adapt to the sudden and surprising needs inherent in transitional leadership? Firmly rooted in the biblical narratives of leading through journeys of transition, this book matches those narratives with case studies and other stories to connect the present practice of transitional leadership with the deep wisdom in the biblical accounts. The perseverance and hope inherent in the Bible's story of redemption deeply engages the dynamics of transition, suggesting ways to lead congregations to embrace a renewed mission. This combination of narratives points to a new level of understanding what is happening within communities in transition.

About this title

About the Author

Richard P. Zimmerman is Stated Clerk of ECO's Presbytery of the Northwest. Following 18 years of pastoral service to congregations in Alaska and Oregon, he began leading churches through transition. His degrees include a BA from the University of Washington, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary, a ThM from Regent College, and a DMin from Columbia Theological Seminary. He writes from 25 years of pastoral experience and his journey of leading two churches through pastoral transitions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 153261554X
• ISBN 13: 9781532615542
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 152