Rowman & Littlefield Publishers / Alban Books
Pages: 262
•
Trim: 6⅜ x 9¼
978-1-56699-761-4 • Hardback • July 2014 • $67.00 • (£52.00)
978-1-56699-442-2 • Paperback • July 2014 • $32.00 • (£25.00)
978-1-56699-752-2 • eBook • July 2014 • $30.00 • (£25.00)
Kevin E. Lawson served as an church associate staff member for eleven years before moving to seminary teaching. He has a passion for strengthening the teaching and discipleship ministries of the church, and the preparation and support of church staff members. He currently serves as director of the PhD and EdD programs in educational studies at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
Mick Boersma is professor of Christian Ministry & Leadership and Chaplain of Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, California. He served as an associate in worship and youth ministries before leading a congregation as senior pastor for several years. As part of his service at Talbot, Mick and his wife Rolane provide encouragement to seminary alumni throughout the world.
Foreword by Lovett Weems
Acknowledgments
Introduction to the Second Edition: A Model for Thriving in Associate Staff Ministry
Part 1: Thriving Personally
Introduction
Chapter 1: Finding Satisfaction in Following God’s Call
Chapter 2: Sustaining Spiritual Vitality in Ministry
Chapter 3: Weathering the Stresses of Ministry over Time
Part 2: Thriving Relationally
Introduction
Chapter 4: Strengthening the Home Front
Chapter 5: Working Well with Your Supervisor and Fellow Associates
Chapter 6: Building Supportive Relationships
Part 3: Thriving Professionally
Introduction
Chapter 7: Attitudes and Commitments That Support Thriving
Chapter 8: Ministry Settings That Support Thriving
Chapter 9: When You’re Not Thriving
Part 4: Support from Church Leadership
Introduction
Chapter 10: The Valued Ministry Supervisor
Chapter 11: The Supportive Church Board
Appendix A: The “Thriving in Associate Staff Ministry” Studies
Appendix B: Professional Organizations and Further Reading for Associate Staff
Notes
Distinguishing Features:
• Research based – drawing on two dozen focus groups and over 600 survey responses from veteran associate staff members in all kinds of ministerial roles in more than a dozen denominations.
• Illustrated with stories and quotes from many of those interviewed who are thriving in their ministries.
• Addresses all kinds of associate staff ministry roles in the church (e.g., children, youth, worship, adult, small groups, associate pastors).
• Holistic focus on the personal, relational, and professional life of the associate staff member.
• Provides reflection and discussion questions so readers can process what they have read and determine what steps they might take to improve their own experience in their work.
• Provides chapters for supervising pastors and church boards so they can understand their roles in helping associate staff members thrive in their ministries.
• Attention given to issues of concern for women associate staff members.