American Society for Church Growth - Book Review
Thriving in Ministry
Robert H. Ramey, Jr.'s Thriving in Ministry is an anthology of wisdom that comes from years of pastoral ministry and teaching. Ramey's goal is not merely to help ministers survive ministry, but to help them truly thrive.
Thriving in Ministry is an overview of the pressures pastors face. Ramey structures his text into two parts: coping with the internal pressures, and the external pressures of ministry. Each chapter is relatively short and filled with practical insights, which have the ring of wisdom. Anecdotes are common when appropriate.
Especially helpful is chapter seven. Here Ramey focuses on numerous "little sins" that have a tendency to damage pastoral credibility and integrity. Ranging from laziness to indiscretion, these "little sins" can have a large effect on the pastor's ministry.
Also helpful is chapter eight, which addresses the issue of sexuality and clergy. This chapter is honest. Ramey reminds readers that we are human beings first, and clergy second. A tendency to forget our humanity can lead to misconduct. He challenges readers with probing questions and appeals for accountability.
In part two, especially helpful were the chapters on expectations (chapter twelve) and relating to parishioners who drive you crazy (chapter thirteen). In dealing with people who drive the reader crazy, Ramey recommends an attitude of "wise love." He reminds us, "Beneath their frustrating and sometimes outrageous behavior may lie new persons, waiting to be born through persistent and wise caring."
Ramey concludes his book by calling pastors to renew their commitment to Christ and to His church. Only a life of continual consecration and commitment can lead to a minister who does more than merely survives.
Reviewed by Tim Peck, Pastor of Teaching at Life Bible Fellowship Church, Upland, California, and adjunct instructor at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
This review was originally published in Strategies for Today's Leader.