Ministry in Motion (MIM) Ezine, February 9, 2007

-- Book Review: "Pastor, The Theology and Practice of Ordained Ministry" by Will Willimon, reviewed by Tom Hanover.

Shop at DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion’s Bookstore for Christian Books, CD, DVDs, Jewelry, Apparel & Gifts and Save! Order Books & Resources

“No man or woman is an island. To exist just for yourself is meaningless. You can achieve the most satisfaction when you feel related to some greater purpose in life, something greater than yourself.” Dennis Waitley

If you want to see a reflected love, look at the women in your church community. They are often the first to offer meals when someone is sick or has lost a loved one. And they instinctively band together to support and nurture each other and their families. Women serve in every imaginable capacity in church, but are we using this resource to its fullest?

Since women are more likely than men to hunger for greater spirituality, they should be the focus of special support and ministry development. In so doing, their unique gifts and spiritual power can be utilized to expand the involvement of women in your church.

What it is not. Women’s ministry is not a Bible study or small group. Though such groups may minister to women, they are a different animal; women’s ministry has a larger scope. It may touch and overlap your small groups, but discipling and Bible study are not the only focus.

Ministry with a purpose. What should be the purpose of your women’s ministry? That depends largely on identifying who you are trying to minister to. You are obviously trying to reach women, but in order for your ministry to be effective, you will need to be more specific. Are you concerned only with ministering to Christian women in your church, or are you also trying to reach those who are not Christ followers. Or is it a combination of both? <To continue reading...>

My wife and I have been thinking about getting a dog and discussing what type we might get. For me, there is really only one possibility and that, of course, is a real dog.

1] Real dogs. These are dogs as God originally made them — monstrous, made-for-outdoors, hunting machines that are perfect for intimidating neighbors and attracting lawsuits.

The ownership rule for guys and dogs is simple…the bigger the dog, the cooler you look. Walk down the street with a Pekingese and you might as well be wearing a tutu.

When you observe a man walking down the street with a massive real-dog beast, his message to you is clear. “Yes, I’m overcompensating for my insecurities and lack of masculinity BUT I’ve got a really big dog.”

2] Mutant rat-dogs, otherwise known as Chihuahuas. These poor creatures are the unintentional result of secret experiments conducted by the Mexican army in a failed attempt to create the ultimate weapon by cross-breeding bats and Great Danes. The only surviving result of these experiments was a group of nervous, angry little rat-dogs that decided to take their revenge on humanity by being annoying on just about every level known to mankind.

If you are approached by one of these aberrations of nature, know that it despises you with a hatred rarely seen outside the Middle East, and that it won’t hesitate to tear your ankles to shreds. These dogs are the piranhas of the canine world and would nuke mankind tomorrow if they thought they could get away with it. Under no circumstance should one of these animals be allowed to run for public office.

When ministry leaders gather, they often talk about changes in paradigms as if no one had ever thought seriously about ministry before. Willimon places many of today’s hallway conversations in the historical and Biblical context that others have overlooked. His work deepens one’s sense of the meaning of ordination, and he adds texture to understanding the role of pastoral leadership, even for the 21^st century.

Willimon was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University Divinity School at the time of this writing. In 2004, he was elected to the episcopacy in the United Methodist Church and serves as the resident Bishop of the North Alabama area. He has also authored many books including two that are to be published in 2007.

In chapter two Willimon examines seven contemporary images for pastoral leadership in the 21^st century. He notes the context of each image as well as its limitations. It is intriguing to see the journey of ministry reflected in many of these stages. Some of which reflect the gifts and graces of well-known ministry leaders. And some reflect the search for effective models in paradigm transitions.

Willimon reveals insight and study in his chapter entitled “The Pastor as Leader,” which he begins with Ananias and Sapphira and ends with C. S. Lewis. The chapter includes conversations with Mark Twain, Stanley Hauerwas, Loren Mead, Anthony Robinson, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Peter Drucker, and more. He weaves together a tapestry of voices and spirits to portray a compelling image of effective pastoral leadership appropriate for this day.

Willimon’s research into scriptures and theology can be tedious for the academically disinterested. However, he often spices up the reading with personal experiences in churches and in school, and these examples are both enlightening and helpful.

This book is an excellent tool for anyone committed to pastoral leadership in the 21^st century and wants to be effective for a lifetime.

Attention: Churches, Small Groups & Non-profits. Are You Paying Too Much for Books & Resources?

If you or your organization normally orders multiple copies of books and Christian resources you can save money by applying for a special discount coupon via DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion's online bookstore. The coupon is absolutely free with no strings attached. Email Teena Stewart at smartwords@sbcglobal to apply for this discount coupon.

Site Build It -- There are many different hosting plans for those wanting Christian websites but few work with you to drive traffic to your site. SBI differs from these because it is an all-in-one do-it-yourself website program that doesn’t require html knowledge. Includes domain registration, hosting, keyword research tools, search engine optimization, ezine mailing, and non-interactive blog option. The system guarantees success in getting good ranking with search engines thereby assuring you of more traffic. This website system is used by DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion. Site Build It Quick Tour

Shop at DreamBuilders Ministry in Motion’s Bookstore for Christian Books, CD, DVDs, Jewelry, Apparel & Gifts and Save! Order Books & Resources

Spread the Word/30 Fold provides books and resources for your church or ministry clientele while allowing you to earn residual income well above what other online book affiliate programs offer. Save up to 25% or more on Christian books, music, gifts, jewelry, and apparel. Build a highly profitable, sustainable business from home with excellent earning potential. Churches and ministries with websites can even link to their bookstore right from their web pages. Fund a ministry or church or run it as a business. Learn About STW Earning Potential

Be sure to visit Ministry in Motion's Bookshop. Every resource is developed from hands-on church experience. Help members discover their spiritual gifts, how to connect them in ministry and more. Visit MIM's Bookshop.

Just $10 per classified listing. For more information on advertising visit our advertising page

Ministry in Motion is looking for columnists & writers in the following areas: women's ministry, men's ministry, single's ministry, youth ministry, worship ministry, small group/bible study ministry, and general ministry. We are also open to general church ministry related freelance articles. If you have an idea for a column or would like to share ministry insight or even short ministry tips, we'd love to hear from you. Present payment is promotion only -- no pay but great exposure for you, your ministry, book, or website. Please read our writer's guidelines here.

One of the needs we have perceived at Ministry in Motion is a service to help connect qualified ministers and church workers to ministry related and church staff positions. If you are presently in job search mode, or if you have a ministry position you are looking to fill, be sure to check out this site by clicking here.

Magazines to help Christians grow spiritual and succeed in ministry. Discipleship Journal, Leadership Magazine, SpiritLed Woman, Christianity Today & Lots More! Click HERE for Magazines

MIM Ezine February 9, 2007