Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Congregations

by Kenneth L. Swetland

Book Overview

A collection of fifteen case studies that give church leaders practical and realistic preparation to handle tough issues like sexual harassment, pornography, divorce, and the effects of abortion. The book includes discussion questions, an appendix for facilitating discussions, and a bibliography of additional resources.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825436966
• ISBN13: 9780825436963
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Ever Wonder What Life is Like for Pastors?

Then read this book. Honestly, it's a little like watching those daytime talk shows (ala Dr. Phil, Oprah or Jerry Springer). Each chapter is a well-crafted presentation of some disturbing and (unfortunately) highly relevant case studies. For example, chapter four describes a church of 200 involved in a power struggle that had resulted in half the church leaving. In the midst of the struggle, one of the casualties in this war lost his wife to suicide. The sheer number of issues faced by the pastor and congregation in this scenario are mind-numbing. However, in classic case study form, the issues are left unresolved and the questions go frustratingly unanswered, which makes it a perfect training text for church leaders. In each case study, the pastor plays a "starring" role-for better or worse, and the book seems intended for pastors and pastors-to-be. But I was struck with a sense that this was part of the problem in each case: Why is it that one man is always expected to meet so many needs? Forget the pastors and pastor-wannabes...the average person in the pew needs to read this book and be challenged to action among the masses of suffering silent all around them.