Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation

A practical guide for starting a new ministry. The opening months of a new pastorate are decisive for how that ministry will unfold, so great care should be taken to begin wisely and well. This book for pastors starting out at a new church offers specific, down-to-earth principles and guidance on how to lay a solid foundation for years of fruitful ministry. Drawing on twenty-five years of parish ministry during which he has mentored many new and transitioning pastors, Lawrence Farris here provides ten guidelines illustrated with relevant examples that make clear potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. Such areas as preaching, pastoral care, self-care, community and denominational commitments, and role clarity are addressed with an emphasis on practical approaches to ministry in a new setting. Readers will also get clear advice on how to learn the new congregation and its setting, how to set appropriate personal and professional boundaries, and how to stay focused on what matters most in a new ministry. Lively, practical, and concise, this book is must-reading both for pastors on the move and individuals preparing for first-time ministry.