Monty Brown

Monty Brown is a licensed attorney and ordained elder in the WV Annual Conference. He and wife Jane are parents of two children and grandparents of two granddaughters. Monty attended WVU and NYU Law Schools, and, after practicing law for 15 years, Methodist Theological School in 1992. He is senior pastor of Saint Marks UMC in Charleston; chair Conference Order of Elders for 12 years; director General Board Of Discipleship; Judicial Council alternate (2008-2012, COB nominee); chair Local Hospitality for the 2012 NEJ Conference in West Virginia. He has led 14 Volunteer In Mission trips. Monty was elected the 2012 WV Conference Episcopal Nominee.

Reviews of Free Us For Joyful Obedience:

William Boyd Grove, Bishop, The United Methodist Church:

"Every pastor should run, not walk, to the nearest book store to buy Free Us For Joyful Obedience. I was a pastor of congregations for twenty six years and I would have been a better pastor if this book had been available to me. I recommend it for the following reasons:

* Monty Brown is a great pastor and he practices what he is preaching in this book.

* He has his theology right. Pastoral care is a response to, and a sharing of, God's grace.

* His writing style is interesting and compelling. The nuggets are priceless.

This book is a must for every pastor."

S. Clifton Ives, Bishop, The United Methodist Church:

"With captivating clarity, Free Us For Joyful Obedience conveys the heart of a skilled practitioner of pastoral ministry. Written from within the context of a local church, for seasoned colleagues and new converts to pastoral caregiving, this book captures the essence of pastoral care in clear and concise language through personal stories and images which convey essentials for excellence in pastoral ministry."

Rev'd Dr. Heather Murray Elkins, Professor of Worship, Preaching and the Arts, Drew University Theological School:

"If you've reached a place in your ministry that the words 'joyful' and 'obedience' feel like a contradiction in terms, then you need to do two things immediately:

First, get a good cup of coffee or tea and sit down in a comfortable chair.

Second, read this book. It will cure even a bad case of contradiction.

Dr. Paul Leeland, Assistant to the Bishop (The United Methodist Church) Raleigh, North Carolina:

"Monty Brown points us toward the joy which comes from our desire to serve God out of obedience; not out of duty, obligation, or reluctance, but out of loving obedience. This is the true source of our Joyful Obedience.

Rev'd Paul G. Rebelo, Senior Pastor, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Chattanooga, TN:

"In simple, straightforward language, a working pastor introduces the reader to the lost art of pastoral care. In my case, Free Us For Joyful Obedience, reminded me of the centrality of pastoral care in my calling as a pastor.

In an age where the mega-church pastor has been lifted up as the model for pastoral success, Monty Brown calls us back to one-on-one care of the souls entrusted to us."

John P. Waldeck, Director of Clinical Services, Rappahannock Rapidan

[Virginia] Community Services Board:

"Monty Brown has a clear understanding of how to establish 'real' relationships that are therapeutic and compassionate. He is able to relate sound therapeutic principles through humorous and heartfelt stories that both teach and inspire. The chapter 'Because .... Therefore' lays out the basis for a life that is filled with peace and fulfillment.

The model he presents can be used to work therapeutically with an individual or as a primary theme in guiding a congregation. I recommend Free Us For Joyful Obedience to all who seek to have relationships that free us for participating more fully in the journey of the spirit."