Self-supporting ministers are wonderfully non-standard. They are deployed in a wide variety ofways and have a range of motivations, working patterns and training needs. Sometimes underused or overworked, they may feel unrecognized and under-supported. As the Church turns increasingly to its volunteer minsters, however, there are encouraging signs that SSMs are being given more creative opportunities than in the past. ‘This handbook is full of sound common sense. . . [it] is both an encouragement and a challenge in the task of re-imagining ministry today.’ Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter

This book provides essential guidance and practical information to enhance the ministry of both new and experienced lay workers. Will help you avoid pitfalls and gain insight into divine principals of a soul-saving ministry.

Nationally known for his work and teaching on clergy development, Oswald integrates research and experience into a liberating perspective on the pastoral calling. Discover how imbalances in your physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual lives can destroy the very ministry you seek to carry out. Learn what you can do to restore that balance. Packed with self-assessment tools, real-life experiences, and specific self-care strategies.

There are two main premises in Roy Oswald's book: First, be intentional - reach out to others. The myth is that support will find us, but why gamble? Roy has some good clues about how to select your support group. Second, be extradependent - name a leader. Self-selected and group guided support groups can work, but a support group with a designated leader is stronger and more satisfying. This book will help you identify and secure such a leader for your support group. The book is mandatory reading for ordained ministers and lay professionals. Dr. William C. Behrens, Director of Leadership Support, The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America This book tells why there is a morale problem among clergy. Roy Oswald offers clergy a step-by-step 'how to' guide for developing a workable peer support system. He tells how to begin a support group and outlines the role of facilitators. The author's insights on developing rituals, finding 'encouragers,' and enduring crises come from firsthand experience. Clergy and denominational leaders need the wisdom and experience shared in this book. Nancy T. Foltz, Leadership Consultant Roy Oswald begins his book on support systems for clergy with personal experience. We imagine that support systems come naturally. Through painful experiences we learn that isn't true. Roy's stories enrich and inform this valuable book. He adds to his personal research with support groups insights from the Oscillation Theory of the Grubb Institute and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. I found myself evaluating my own support system and making plans for changes. C. Leon Hopper, Senior Minister, East Shore Unitarian Church, Bellevue, Washington, President, Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association

What does it take to have fruitful ministry over the long haul? The stresses of pastoring are well known and can be a match for even the best-prepared, most experienced in ministry--multiple tasks, long hours, taxing responsibilities and, yes, some challenging personalities. Too often the results can be burnout, being run out or just feeling worn out. To find out how pastors can thrive as well as survive, the authors undertook a five-year in-depth research project among working pastors. Here in this ground-breaking book is the distilled wisdom of dozens of pastors who have been on the front lines of ministry. We hear from them what works, what doesn't and what distinctive issues people in ministry face. The authors uncover five key themes that promote healthy, sustainable ministry that lasts--spiritual formation, self-care, emotional and cultural intelligence, marriage and family, leadership and management. These themes are unpacked from the vantage point of ministry on the ground. Questions for personal evaluation and reflection are included throughout the book to bring home the significance of each section. This is the perfect companion for a peer cohort of pastors to read together. It can also be of value to church boards and others who want to better understand how to help sustain their pastors in ministry. In short, this is a book pastors can't live without.