Starting with Spirit is a spiritual and professional resource for new pastors, their family members, and congregations, as well as ministers in every season of ministry who seek to grow in vitality and skill in the ongoing adventure of ministry.
For more than thirty years, Bruce Epperly has followed the call of the spirit, moving through his vocations as a congregational pastor, university chaplain, seminary and university professor, and seminary administrator. Drawing on these experiences, he addresses the new pastor's transition from seminary student to congregational leader; pastoral authority; the "honeymoon"; boundaries; death; the pastor's spiritual life, health, and relationships; the role of the associate pastor; and continuing education.
Epperly calls pastors to pause long enough to experience the movements of the spirit in their lives and to develop habits and practices that keep them in touch with God in the mundane as well as the dramatic moments of ministry. Starting with Spirit, through its creative and life-sustaining guidance, invites new pastors, and pastors in every season of ministry, to nurture the call they received once upon a time in ways that deepen their spiritual lives, nurture faithful excellence and effectiveness in ministry, bring joy to their families and friends, and give glory to the one who inspires their pastoral journeys.
Industry Reviews
Drawing on the experiences of many working pastors, Bruce Epperly offers practical advice and sage counsel for those trying to navigate the sometimes tricky waters of the first years of ministry. New pastors--and the congregations they serve--will benefit enormously by keeping this book close at hand and by consulting it often. -- Martin B. Copenhaver, president, Andover Newton Theological School We have a handbook now, a companion for every new pastor to carry into a first call. Starting with the Spirit echoes with voices of those who have made good transitions to the pastoral life. Bruce Epperly reports from the front lines, and his own voice offers 'creative wisdom' at every critical turn. -- Rev. George A. Mason, Senior Pastor, Wilshire Baptist Church Starting with Spirit invites the new pastor to say 'yes' not only to the adventure of ministry but 'yes' to wholeness in ministry over a lifetime. It explores the habits and practices that enable pastors to nurture the sense of call that brought them into ministry in the first place-to nurture the call over years of excellent and effective ministry that gives glory to God and brings joy to self, family and friends. 'Healthy and effective ministry is the result of the interplay of intentionality and grace,' says Bruce Epperly. Here is an invitation to claim both. May the adventure begin! -- Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada Starting with Spirit is a must-read for those new to pastoral leadership. Bruce Epperly combines best practices in church leadership with real life vignettes and theological reflection. This is the book many will find to be their bridge from seminary to full-time ministry. -- Lovett H. Weems Jr., Wesley Theological Seminary; author of Focus
