Preventing Ministry Failure

Brad and Michael Todd have recently completed a workbook for ministers which is the basis for all of the Practicing ShepherdCare three-day conferences. Preventing Ministry Failure is a very practical “field manual” that takes ministers step-by-step toward creating their own tailor-made plan for self-care and helping them ensure long-term effectiveness in ministry.

The Preventing Ministry Failure workbook is the first resource of its kind in many regards:

• Created by men who work with force-terminated ministers: Each of the seven Foundation Stones were observed by the authors as a critical point of failure in men with whom they directly worked in pastoral restoration ministry. These are real solutions which, if those still in ministry will apply them, will significantly improve the quality and long-term effectiveness of their ministries.
  
  
• Addresses all the major problems in ministry in a single volume: Many books are available for ministers dealing with one of the seven topics addressed in our workbook; however, there is no other text on the market which addresses all of them in one centralized text.
  
  
• Will be readily applicable to ministers in the field: Our ultimate goal is to have ministers apply the seven Foundation Stones to themselves and their respective ministries. In addition, our workbook format does not as easily allow ministers to "intellectualize" what they are reading (which, unfortunately, they frequently do with other books). Instead, our workbook prioritizes the application of what is being taught through the use of artful questions and space for personal reflection. We desire ministers to care for themselves first, then to care for their people. This is the only way ministers can have all they need to effectively shepherd their people as God intended.

The workbook has one introductory chapter, followed by seven chapters called "Foundation Stones". These represent the seven key areas of focus to build upon for long-term effectiveness in ministry. They are the need for: (1) INTIMACY in relationships; (2) CALLING (understanding of); (3) STRESS MANAGEMENT; (4) healthy and godly BOUNDARIES; (5) RE-CREATION; (6) PEOPLE SKILLS; and (7) LEADERSHIP SKILLS.

Each of the workbook’s eight chapters/Foundation Stones is divided into five sections, creating 40 self-contained studies and engaging the minister in a systematic journey through the workbook. This makes our material suitable for individual study, group accountability or seminary classroom work.

Order Preventing Ministry Failure

We are pleased to announce that ShepherdCare's workbook, Preventing Ministry Failure, has just been released by InterVarstiy Press (September 2007). You can purchase it at your local Christian bookstore or online by clicking here.

Workbook Summary

Here is a summary of what you will find within the pages of the Preventing Ministry Failure workbook:

INTRODUCTION: WHY PREVENTING MINISTRY FAILURE IS SO IMPORTANT
This introductory chapter will discuss the problem of forced termination in pastoral ministry today. It will remind the minister that his ministry is really God's – not his – and will provide a path to reconnect with this reality. The chapter will conclude with an overview of all seven of the Foundation Stones.

FOUNDATION STONE #1 - INTIMACY: CONNECTING TO THE HEART OF SUCCESSFUL PASTORING
This Foundation Stone provides understanding of what healthy intimacy is and why ministers need it by sharing the three basic areas of needed intimacy: intimacy with God, other godly men (or women, for women ministers) and his (or her) spouse. It will further address why so many tend to sabotage their intimacy needs and what effect this has on his life and ministry. The chapter concludes by providing practical ways ministers may begin to seek healthy intimate friendships.

FOUNDATION STONE #2 - CALLING: HAVING THE POWER FOR EFFECTIVENESS IN MINISTRY
This Foundation Stone assists the minister to understand his calling into the ministry and provides help to ensure he was not falsely called. It also shares the negative effects of working outside one's calling. It closes with helpful information related to discerning God's will in staying in a current ministry position versus leaving for an opportunity more consistent with one's unique calling.

FOUNDATION STONE #3 - STRESS MANAGEMENT: AVOIDING INEFFECTIVENESS AND BURNOUT
This Foundation Stone provides very practical information related to stress and the difference between stress and distress. Evaluation tools are provided for self-diagnosis. The chapter ends with practical helps to alleviate stress, including spiritual, relational, emotional and physical techniques.

FOUNDATION STONE #4 - BOUNDARIES: PROTECTING WHAT MATTERS MOST
This Foundation Stone teaches ministers the basics of setting boundaries that are both healthy and godly. After an initial discussion about the nature of boundaries and dispelling common rumors, the workbook helps the minister tailor-make boundaries that will work at his church or ministry, with his family and friends, with God and with himself.

FOUNDATION STONE #5 - RE-CREATION: TAKING TIME TO REFUEL
This Foundation Stone helps ministers understand the importance of recreation as a purposeful tool for re-creating energy to carry out their ministry objectives more effectively and efficiently. After creating a practical theology for recreation, the workbook assists the minister in dealing with his common excuses for not recreating. It closes with practical methods for accomplishing the three basic goals for recreation: rest, recess and renewal.

FOUNDATION STONE #6 - PEOPLE SKILLS: MANAGING YOUR MINISTRY’S MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE
This Foundation Stone offers the basic people skills necessary for successful pastoring. It begins by providing a general understanding of personality types and how each is provided by God to the local church or ministry for a reason. Ministers are taught the skills of active and reflective listening as a basic building block for ministering to their people. The chapter closes with a discussion about a few assertiveness skills critical for every minister.

FOUNDATION STONE #7 - LEADERSHIP SKILLS: SETTING YOU APART FROM THE REST OF THE SHEEP
This final Foundation Stone focuses on leadership skills necessary for successful ministry. The chapter begins with an understanding of the nature of leadership and examples of those who have failed in this area. Leadership is discussed as it applies to the minister's unique setting. The chapter concludes with a discussion about the importance of becoming a "transformative" leader and leads the minister through the development of his own personal growth plan.