Gary D. Kinnaman and Alfred H. Ells, Leaders That Last: How Covenant Friendships Can Help Pastors Thrive. Baker Books, 2003.
Referenced in: Ministry Support Systems
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Ministers usually have scores if not hundreds of acquaintances, but often lack even one real friend. Members of their churches often regard themselves as the minister’s friend, but it is rare that those who depend on one’s ministry can absorb the level of “warts and all” sharing ministers really need. Those best equipped to provide this level of understanding are ministry colleagues who are not directly associated with one’s ministry. These colleagues understand. Yet, not just any ministry colleague will do, but only those who have the maturity to be trusted as covenant partners. In Leaders that Last, Kinnaman and Ells describe the practice of Pastors in Covenant support groups. It is a complete conceptual and practical guide to setting up, initiating, maintaining, and trouble-shooting such groups.
From the Publisher
Thousands of ministers burn out every year; others fall prey to sexual temptation. With piercing honesty, Leaders that Last dismantles stale stereotypes about pastors and offers hope for handling their recurring, daily struggles. Co-authored by a minister who admits to struggling with periodic bouts of depression, this practical resource offers a hopeful message for pastors of every denomination. Serving a church is a lonely business no matter how big the congregation. A pastor is expected to be nearly perfect, modeling holiness, generosity, and kindness. In need of moral and emotional support, pastors often try to go it alone, satisfied with a collection of acquaintances but no true friends. Starting a Pastors in Covenant support group changes all that. Struggling leaders can throw each other a lifeline when they agree to communicate with caring and candor. Geared primarily for those in ministry, Leaders that Last is an important message from two authors who understand the difficulties that come with ministering 24-7 … with no Sundays off.
About the Author
Gary Kinnaman is the senior pastor of Word of Grace Church in Mesa, Arizona, which has more than 7000 active members. He has written seven books, including How to Overcome the Darkness. Kinnaman credits co-author Alfred Ells with saving his life and ministry through his honest, caring support during a time of serious personal depression. Ells, the author of seven books, including One-Way Relationships, is founder and director of ClergyCare, a non-profit counseling organization for ministry leaders.
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