Jan McCormack

Foundations of Chaplaincy

Church Leadership & Ministry

“Baker brings his beginnings as a USN Academy plebe through his retirement as the sixteenth Chaplain of the US Marine Corps to this insightful primer on chaplaincy. Foundations of Chaplaincy is both a discourse on the chaplaincy field and a ‘how-to’ course on the professional world of chaplains, who live in the tension between allegiance to their own faith tradition and assuring the free exercise of all persons in a secular, pluralistic environment. The four functional capabilities of chaplains to ‘provide, facilitate, advise, and care’ inform chaplains and management alike how this tension is lived out with integrity. Information and insight are peppered with practical stories and biblical examples. Prospective through experienced chaplains can all benefit from absorbing the wisdom of this text.”

Surviving the Unthinkable

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“Surviving the Unthinkable is a first person glimpse into a 'club membership' no one wants to join--being a survivor of a loved one's suicide. Readers travel with Payne on his journey of trying to make sense out of his brother's suicide. He names the raw pain of a survivor caught up in the whirlwind of those who are left behind. Yet there is also realistic hope as he leans on, and into, his Christian faith without sugarcoating the struggle. Survivors will recognize a fellow 'Club member' and find a companion for their journey; caregivers will find insights for joining survivors as they navigate the unthinkable.”