The Chaplain S Heart An Embodied Guide To Ministry Of Presence

The Chaplain's Heart is a short book that uses stories and inspirational quotes as ministry of presence guide for both lay and ordained chaplains and chaplains in training. Written by Pastor Megan Rohrer, this book also includes diverse prayers for diverse people and recommended resources for additional reading. With an eye towards justice, this book seeks to inspire chaplains to love everyone they encounter at work, in ministry and in their personal lives.

At the heart of the role of chaplaincy is PRESENCE. This manual, designed for new chaplains, explores four dimensions of presence: (1) As the chaplain is present to him/herself with compassion and awareness, and (2) is present to The Presence with sensitivity and authenticity, he/she then (3) moves outward to others with simple, skillful means to help lighten their loads in life, and (4) helps others to connect more deeply to The Presence in ways that serve their highest good. This is part training manual, part memoir, part prayer book, and part self-care handbook. The author provides practical suggestions for pastoral support, and prayer with others, offers bits of wisdom to apply in one's ministry, and uses stories from his pastoral work in detention and hospital ministries to provide concrete examples of ways to apply these ideas. Additionally, this book is meant to help the chaplain nurture his/her own soul through self-care and prayer.

MINISTRY OF PRESENCE speaks to the heart of chaplaincy. It deals with the history and definition of chaplaincy as well as the chaplain's call to ministry and relationship to his church. Specific challenges within the framework of chaplain ministry such as pluralism, prayer, and proselytizing are also addressed. MINISTRY OF PRESENCE would easily fit in the library of those already in the chaplaincy, chaplain candidates who are preparing for ministry, or anyone who is interested in learning about chaplaincy.The principles presented are not simply theory but have been born out of the context of Whit's experience and practicing what he preaches. His insights will encourage and challenge anyone seeking to minister from a biblical perspective in any venue of chaplaincy."

An approachable overview of the nature, purpose, and functional roles of chaplaincy Chaplaincy is unlike any other kind of ministry. It involves working outside a church, without a congregation, usually in a secular organization. It requires ministering to those with starkly different religious convictions, many of whom may never enter a house of worship. It is, as Alan Baker writes, “ministry in motion.” Those who are embarking upon this unique and specialized call deserve equally unique and specialized guidance, and Foundations of Chaplaincy offers exactly that. Baker surveys the biblical and theological foundations of chaplaincy before enumerating four specific responsibilities and skills that define chaplaincy’s “ministry of presence”: providing, facilitating, caring, and advising. Baker’s thorough guidance on these matters is supplemented in sidebars with practical advice and anecdotes from over thirty chaplains currently serving in a variety of settings and organizations. Chaplains who serve in healthcare, the military, correctional institutions, police and fire departments, sports teams, college campuses, and corporations have essential roles to play in their respective organizations, but theirs is rarely an easy calling. With Foundations of Chaplaincy as an introduction and an ongoing reference, those called to this important vocation may be assured of having the tools they need to cultivate a strong, mission-driven pastoral identity rooted in their own theological tradition while simultaneously participating in a multi-faith team.

Offers "new possibilities of interpretation for religious pluralism." Covers topics like God's global reach in salvation, a Christology of Grace, and how Scripture views other religions.

When pastor David Beck went to Haiti with a ministry team he found himself deeply experiencing the power of being Christ's own hands and feet. Luminous explores what it means to live out the reality of the incarnation, emphasizing the purpose, presence, power and peace Christ offers us and we in turn extend to the world.

What does it take to have fruitful ministry over the long haul? The stresses of pastoring are well known and can be a match for even the best-prepared, most experienced in ministry--multiple tasks, long hours, taxing responsibilities and, yes, some challenging personalities. Too often the results can be burnout, being run out or just feeling worn out. To find out how pastors can thrive as well as survive, the authors undertook a five-year in-depth research project among working pastors. Here in this ground-breaking book is the distilled wisdom of dozens of pastors who have been on the front lines of ministry. We hear from them what works, what doesn't and what distinctive issues people in ministry face. The authors uncover five key themes that promote healthy, sustainable ministry that lasts--spiritual formation, self-care, emotional and cultural intelligence, marriage and family, leadership and management. These themes are unpacked from the vantage point of ministry on the ground. Questions for personal evaluation and reflection are included throughout the book to bring home the significance of each section. This is the perfect companion for a peer cohort of pastors to read together. It can also be of value to church boards and others who want to better understand how to help sustain their pastors in ministry. In short, this is a book pastors can't live without.

Brings new light and life to our understanding of one of the most beloved and central images of the Christian faith. The Lord is my shepherd. Thus begins the most beloved of all Psalms - and thus begins a thousand-year journey through the Bible. Prophets, apostles and Jesus himself took up this image from David, reshaping it, developing it and applying it to their own situations and needs. Kenneth Bailey uses his celebrated insights into Middle Eastern culture and especially his familiarity with Middle Eastern shepherding customs to bring new light and life to our understanding of this central image of the Christian faith. With each of nine major Old and New Testament passages, Bailey reveals the literary artistry of the biblical writers and summarizes their key theological features. His work is also enriched by his unique access to very early Middle Eastern commentaries on these passages, bringing fresh understanding from within the mindset of these ancient worlds. The Good Shepherd invites us to experience a rich, biblical feast of ethical, theological and artistic delights.