Sustaining Ministry
- Theology
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2017
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Publisher's Description
This book offers an account of the moral foundations of pastoral ethics and the underlying interpersonal dynamics that make the practice of ministry powerful--and also morally dangerous, even for those with the best of intentions. Sondra Wheeler examines the personal disciplines and spiritual practices that help sustain safe ministry, including the essential practices of prayer and spiritual accountability. She equips ministers to abide by ethical standards when they come under pressure and offers practical strategies for navigating challenges. The author also stresses personal vulnerability and "unselfish self-care."
Endorsements (4)
“Wheeler draws on her deep familiarity with what makes ministry distinct as a profession and a way of life. She writes beautifully and accessibly; often I felt I was as much listening to her wise counsel as reading it. She skillfully weaves insights from clergy self-care with pastoral ethics, and while she is unflinchingly realistic about the moral dangers of ministry, she is also sympathetic toward those who try to navigate th em. This book will be especially useful in seminary contexts and for those just entering the ministry profession.”
“Many contemporary analyses of clergy ethics take a backward-looking view of the power dynamics inherent in pastors’ relationships with their flock. These analyses then offer a rules-based model for the prevention of clergy ethics violations. In Sustaining Ministry, Wheeler points beyond a rules-based model to the necessity of practicing the deeply rooted Christian spiritual disciplines that form emotional and moral health. These practices, Wheeler argues, are the tools that will most fruitfully shield churches and their clergy from ethics abuse and will build abundant communities of faith. Sustaining Ministry, along with Wheeler’s earlier The Minister as Moral Theologian, is a must-read for everyone in ministry, from bishops to lay pastors.”
“Sondra Wheeler combines ethical, biblical, and theological expertise with thorough analytical skills to address dilemmas of clergy life. Drawing on the serving heritage of professions, she shows how clergy face special issues, particularly around power. She performs a careful diagnosis of perils and temptations clergy encounter while offering positive practices to sustain an ethical ministry.”
“This new book by Sondra Wheeler provides a wealth of practical wisdom for readers. While policies, procedures, and professional codes of ethics are important, Professor Wheeler reminds us they cannot do all the work of moral and ministerial formation. Through this book, we are called to develop deeper reservoirs for sustaining ministry through practices of prayer and accountability. These practices help ministers and Christian leaders live into the goodness of God so that they in turn are better able to help churches and communities grow in God’s goodness and to faithfully extend that goodness outward to the world. I will be using this book in my classes.”
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