Product Review

Pastoral transitions can be fraught with pitfalls, yet there is advice that can help ministers and congregations avoid those dangers. Lawrence Farris, a veteran of three departures himself, gives ten wise, thoughtful commandments for shepherds leaving their sheep.

Far from outright, heavy-handed dictums, these commandments are more gospel than law, laying out helpful strategies in areas such as recognizing when to depart, patching broken relationships and enabling the next pastor to make a clean start. While many may dream of a comfortable, long-term pastorate, today's transient congregational realities make it clear that this wise book and its message is needed by pastors in churches big and small, liberal, moderate, and conservative.

Perfect for pastors soon to depart and for those happy to stay put for now, "Ten Commandments for Pastors Leaving a Congregation" provides guidance for pastors and parishioners facing this hopeful and challenging transition.