The Last Pastor
Faithfully Steering a Closing Church
- Church Leadership & Ministry
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Published: 2020
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Publisher's Description
Gail Cafferata was heartbroken when the church she pastored voted to close its doors. It may have been the right decision, but it led to a million questions in her mind about her call, leadership, and future. She began to think that other pastors who close churches perhaps go through this same experience. This led her to conduct a sociological study of over 130 pastors in five historically established denominations (Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ) who were called to serve churches that closed. This book tells the results of that study, which consisted of many interviews, and the hard-won lessons learned by these courageous pastors. The Last Pastor not only tells the story of the challenging situation of what happens when a church closes, but also offers readers the experience of grace and growth through their willingness to faithfully steer their own journey along with hers.
Endorsements (2)
“This is a useful read for any pastor whose church is teetering on the edge of viability…. Ministers in smaller churches, read this book. More importantly, get it in the hands of those with influence in your judicatory.”
“Cafferata details the diverse experiences of the pastors, noting both their faith and the faith of their congregations. She argues against the notion that closing a church means failure and encourages pastors who close churches to seek help and community.”
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