Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Congregations

by Kenneth L. Swetland

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2005

Overview

Ministry is messy business. As a pastor or church leader, you interact regularly with people struggling with depression, sexual harassment, pornography, divorce, the effects of abortion, and other serious issues. You are called upon to work through these crises, but may feel very unequipped to do so.

In this collection of fifteen case studies, Kenneth Swetland prepares church leaders to deal with the messy stuff head on, rather than merely doing damage control after the problems have erupted. Each chapter presents a real-life crisis and leads the reader to work through careful biblical responses to it. Included are discussion questions for each case study, an appendix for discussion facilitators, and a bibliography of additional resources on the particular issues raised.

Key Features

• Prepares church leaders to deal with the messy stuff head on.
• Presents a real-life crisis and leads the reader to work through careful biblical responses.
• Includes discussion questions for each case study.

Product Details

• Title: Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Congregations
• Author: Kenneth L. Swetland
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2005
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 224
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Pastoral theology; Pastoral counseling
• Resource ID: LLS:FCNGMSSCNGRGTNS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-02-09T00:51:45Z

About Kenneth L. Swetland

Kenneth L. Swetland has filled many roles since joining the seminary in 1972. Most recently, he was Professor of Ministry as well as Academic Dean (1992-2002) and Campus Pastoral Counselor (2002-2008). Since switching to part-time work in the fall of 2008, he has taught in the Pastoral D.Min. track and worked in the Ockenga’s Oasis program for pastors. Dr. Swetland is ordained in the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and has served as a pastor and chaplain in a variety of New England churches and nursing homes. He still provides pulpit supply for area churches. He also worked as a psychotherapist for 12 years at Gordon-Conwell Counseling Center, Health Integration Services in Peabody, MA, and Willowdale Center for Psychological Services in Hamilton, MA.