Ministry

Erma Bombeck once wrote, "When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that not one single bit of talent is left, and I could say, 'I have used everything You gave me.'" To use as effectively as possible the time, talents and energy we have been given by God is what this book is all about. Time is short, our obligations are many, the needs of those we serve are often serious and urgent. How we juggle these disparate elements of our lives in such a way that we don't burn out in the process but are rather enriched ourselves in the ministry we perform is very important. The author calls upon his many years of involvement in management and ministry to provide the helpful advice found in these pages. May all those involved in ministry of any kind find herein the enlightenment and encouragement they seek...

The first-ever systematic academic text for the first years of formation of deacons. This collection of essays on history, pastoral theology, and sociology covers the entire scope of diaconal life...

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The Wounded Healer is a hope-filled and profoundly simple book that speaks directly to those men and women who want to be of service in their church or community, but have found the traditional ways often threatening and ineffective. In this book, Henri Nouwen combines creative case studies of ministry with stories from diverse cultures and religious traditions in preparing a new model for ministry. Weaving keen cultural analysis with his psychological and religious insights, Nouwen has come up with a balanced and creative theology of service that begins with the realization of fundamental woundedness in human nature. Emphasizing that which is in humanity common to both minister and believer, this woundedness can serve as a source of strength and healing when counselling others. Nouwen proceeds to develop his approach to ministry with an analysis of sufferings -- a suffering world, a suffering generation, a suffering person, and a suffering minister. It is his contention that ministers..

A Priest’s Guide to Hospital Ministry A helpful guide on how to be an effective hospital chaplain, and parish priest to the sick. It offers advice on how to prepare for a hospital visit, why it is important to care for the sick in the parish and hospital; and how best to help the family of those who are ill. It contains the rite of Anointing the Sick, the rite of an Emergency Baptism, and prayers to help patients, including prayers for those with dementia, those near to death, and those in mental torment...