And I will give
you pastors according to mine heart,
which shall feed
you with knowledge and understanding.
(Jeremiah 3.15)
Life is a series of transitions. From
child, to teen, to adult. From newlywed, to parent, to grandparent. From
apprentice, to laborer, to retirement. In these scenarios, knowing the
inevitability of change we make preparation. The ministry should be no
different. Should the return of Christ tarry, every church will ultimately have
a different pastor than the one who now leads the flock. Some of those changes
will occur because of calling, some because of health, some because of death,
and others will change because of sin. Regardless of the cause behind the
change, every church and pastor should prepare for that day. Next: A
Manual for Pastoral Transitions is an invaluable resource for making those
preparations. Written by a man who has experienced such transitions as a child
in the home of a pastor, as well as being in the position of pastor himself,
this book is filled with practical and helpful insights for navigating the
troubling waters of change. With chapters for the departing pastor, the
pastoral candidate, the successor in waiting, and the pulpit committee, this
book helps provide a roadmap through every facet of transition. While you may
not agree with every opinion expressed by the author, there is more than enough
practical advice to make this book an essential part of every preacher’s
library and a valuable tool for every deacon board and pulpit committee.
Craig Burcham, Chairman of the Bible Department
Golden State Baptist College, Santa Clara, California
