God's Potters: Pastoral Leadership And The Shaping Of Congregations (pulpit Pew) [Paperback]

Pastoral ministry is an occupation in flux. In this comprehensive study Jackson Carroll considers the many factors  changing roles among clergy and laypeople, the opening of ordination to women, an increasing shortage of clergy, and more  that are shaping congregations and ministers today. Building on Pauls image of Christians as clay jars, Carroll paints a portrait of Gods potters  pastors whose calling is to form their congregational jars so that they reveal rather than hide Gods treasure.

A veteran clergy watcher, Carroll uses data from what is likely the most representative survey of Protestant and Catholic clergy ever undertaken, as well as focus group interviews and congregational responses, to take a hard look at who is doing ministry today, what it involves, and how pastors are faring in leading their congregations. Significantly, his study covers clergy from a broad range of traditions  Catholic, mainline Protestant, conservative Protestant, and historic black churches.

Replete with pertinent tables and figures, Gods Potters culminates with specific strategies for strengthening pastoral leadership and nurturing excellence in ministry.