Michiana communicator teams to write new pastor's how-to guide

Former Michiana District Communicator Lynda Ward teamed with Steve Brey, pastor of Spring Lake UMC in Spring Lake, N.C. to write a book for new pastors.

Abingdon Press recently announced the publication of Ready, Set, Lead!: The New Pastor's Guide to Starting Ministry, designed to help younger pastors organize their first few days, weeks and months as the new pastor in church of a local church. This practical book also contains 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.

What some might find most striking about it, however, is the cover, which contains a suited man riding a kid's bike with blazing wheels with a howl of glee on his face.

The Rev. Glenn Schwerdtfeger, pastor of the Maynard Ave. UMC in Columbus, Ohio, had this to say about Ready, Set, Lead! "I wish I'd had this resource when I began pastoral ministry over 25 years ago. It would have shortened the learning curve considerably. This book cuts across denominational lines as well as different faith perspectives."

Ward is a freelance writer, and holds an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and a certification in Spiritual Direction from Neumann College.

Ready, Set, Lead!: The New Pastor's Guide to Starting Ministry is available through Cokesbury. To order online, log on to www.cokesbury.com or call 800-672-1789.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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