VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 6/3/11)—Persons in professional ministry who are faced with a new job or career move deal with particularly unique challenges. To aid and ease the process for ministry leaders, denominational executives Riley Walker (ABC of the Dakotas) and Marcia Patton (Evergreen Association) have coauthored When the Spirit Moves: A Guide for Ministers in Transition, a new book now available from Judson Press.
Walker and Patton begin this practical and spiritual resource with the conviction that it is God’s Spirit who guides ministry transition. The book does not offer a specific course but a plan for the journey. The authors identify common areas of concern, frequent pitfalls and missteps, and oft-traveled routes to a successful transition. Featuring a chapter for those forced out of their ministry setting, When the Spirit Moves also includes practical resources such as personal skill assessments, an overview of the typical church’s search and call process, sample interview questions, and best practices for ending one’s service with integrity and grace.
Written for the experienced minister, the graduating seminarian, and those who provide guidance to church leaders, When the Spirit Moves is an invaluable resource during challenging and uncertain times of transition.
About the Authors: Riley Walker, DMin, MDiv, is executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of the Dakotas. Previously, he served as area minister for the American Baptist Churches of Indiana and Kentucky and as pastor of churches in those two states since 1974. He is an expert in the areas of conflict mediation and prevention, spiritual formation and development, and effective leadership.
Marcia Patton, PhD, MDiv, MAR, is the first executive minister of the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches. Prior to this appointment in 2004, she spent thirteen years as Associate Executive Minister with the American Baptist Churches of the Northwest, and served as associate minister for churches in Pennsylvania, Utah, and New Jersey.
When the Spirit Moves retails for $15.99 and is available from Judson Press by calling 800-458-3766 or visiting www.judsonpress.com.
Founded in 1824, Judson Press—a publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA—produces Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of persons, congregations, communities and cultures.
American Baptist Churches is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with 5,500 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.