Overview

Changing pastors is a critical time in the life of a church, with opportunities for misunderstanding between the congregation and the incoming and outgoing pastors. In this short volume, Dr. Tuck draws on his experience in all phases of this transition to help pastors and congregations understand the process and learn to work together to make such change successful. He addresses the role of the interim pastor, of the church leaders, and the departing and incoming pastors. While this time of change can be a challenge, and in some churches has had negative results, this book provides a guide to the attitudes and actions that will make this an opportunity for growth, new ministry, and continuing spiritual transformation. As a volume in the Conversations in Ministry Series, edited by a committee from the Academy of Parish Clergy, it is selected by parish pastors for parish pastors, and designed for your busy schedule. If you are a pastor and are facing a change of this nature or are a leader in a congregation that is experiencing or about to experience such a transition, Beginning and Ending a Pastorate will provide you with clear, practical, scripturally based, and theologically sound advice for every step of the way. It is, as one reviewer noted, a worthy guide.

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9781631995569

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Reviews

With caring words and practical recommendations, experienced pastor and professor Bill Tuck offers keen insights for congregations and church leaders seeking to navigate the defining entries and exits of a pastor's journey with a community of faith. A worthy guide. Daniel G. Bagby, PhD. Emeritus Professor of Pastoral Care Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond Just like sermons, pastorates need good beginnings and good endings. Building upon his own experiences in the pastorate, William Powell Tuck offers keen insight into the factors involved in making these good transitions happen. This book opens windows about what really goes on and what needs to go on during these transitions. This book shows sensitivity to all parties involved in these transitions and offers wise counsel to those serving interim pastorates. A superb read for all: young ministers ready to assume their first ministry assignments; those making mid-career changes; and those seeking to conclude their ministries in a wholesome way. Michael G. Cogdill, DMin. Campbell Divinity School Buies Creek, N.C. Tuck once again shares decades of insight and wisdom in the engaging and accessible Beginning and Ending a Pastorate. While this book provides sage counsel for times of pastoral transition, it actually is of great value for all pastors and congregations to read, study, and discuss - regardless of whether a pastorate is at its beginning, middle, or end. Eminently practical and deeply theological, Tuck's writing paints the picture of what it means to be a faithful pastor, and a faithful congregation. Rev. Dr. Lolly Dominski, PhD. Co-Pastor, Morton Grove Community Church Adjunct Professor of Reformed Worship, McCormick Theological Seminary Everything changes, nothing remains. says Heraclitus, my favorite philosopher. If this saying was true in Heraclitus' time, how much more true it is for us in our time! We live in a culture of constant change, and this is no less true for our congregations. The average pastorate last 5-7 years, meaning that for a pastor's 40-year career, they will say Hello and Good-by six to eight times each. A predecessor's healthy good-by can make the successor's Hello much more effective. A good word, said in season, may even endure beyond the pastoral transition. In this volume, Bill Tuck draws upon his wealth of experience as pastor, professor, consultant and interim, learning to say Hello's and Good-by's that are healthy and effective. Written in Bill's conversational style, it is a pleasure to read and a joy to learn. Rev. Dr. David Moffett-Moore, PhD, D Min. Pastor, Teacher, Author, Counselor, United Church of Christ minister Bill Tuck has given us another very practical and helpful tool for ministry. We are increasingly aware of the value of a healthy beginning and ending for pastoral ministry. Much of our work is focused upon these areas, and we are grateful for this new resource for ministers and churches entering those uncharted waters. Anyone about to enter or exit a congregation would be advised to read and learn from the wise voice of experience. Bill Wilson, DMin. Director, The Center for Healthy Churches

Author Information

William Powell Tuck, a native of Virginia, has served as a pastor in Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Louisiana, and as a seminary professor, adjunct college professor and an intentional interim pastor. He is the author of 30 books. He was given an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of Richmond and in 1997 he received the Pastor of the Year award from the Academy of Parish Clergy. He and his wife, Emily Campbell, are the parents of 2 children and 5 grandchildren and live in Midlothian Virginia.

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