{"product_id":"9781426746185","title":"Ready, Set, Lead!: The New Pastor's Guide to Starting Ministry","description":"\u003cp\u003eChurch Leadership\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePacked with practical tips, reproducible pages, checklists, and suggested resources, this ready-to-use resource will help first-time pastors or those new to an established church get started the first day and the first Sunday. \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis book leads the new pastor through creative ideas and concrete suggestions for getting started in church ministry by providing worksheets for planning and organizing worship, weddings, and funerals; questions to ask during pastoral visits to help both the pastor and parishioner feel at ease; suggestions for managing conflict; and ways to create opportunities for fellowship, study, outreach, and mission in the church--and much more.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Ward and Brey address the questions a new pastor may not even have thought to ask: 'How do I plan a wedding?' 'How hard can I push for change?' or simply, 'Should I phone first or just stop by to talk?' Their guidance is simple and useful, allowing for a diversity of ministerial styles. The book will be a gift to anyone anxious about starting a pastorate.\"\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe Reverend Glenn  Schwerdtfeger, Pastor, Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"I wish I’d had this resource when I began pastoral ministry over twenty-five years ago. It would have shortened the learning curve considerably. This book cuts across denominational lines as well as different faith perspectives. Like a good constitution it provides a strong framework; in this case, a framework for caring and enduring ministries in the name of Jesus Christ.\" \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrank Ramirez, Pastor of the Everett (PA) Church of the Brethren, Everett, Pennsylvania \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Emphasizing self-awareness and purposeful action, Ward and Brey have compiled a helpful set of advice, direction, checklists, and resources. Refreshingly practical, this beginners' book offers detailed insight to successfully working in partnership with a congregation.\"\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMary L Hubbard, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Portage, Indiana\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\"Ready, Set, Lead is packed with practical advice on how to get a good start in ministry with a congregation. It raises the right questions for a new pastor to consider. I commend this book as a primer for ministers of every denomination.\"\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRichard L. Hamm, Church Consultant\/Coach and former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSteven P. Brey is pastor of Spring Lake United Methodist Church in Spring Lake, North Carolina.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLynda C. Ward is a freelance writer, and holds an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and a certification in Spiritual Direction from Neumann College.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Abingdon Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47141532827888,"sku":"9781426746185","price":13.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781426746185_p0.jpg?v=1763744212","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781426746185","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}