ISBN 0-664-22584-5
Presented in five sections, the book covers most aspects of ministry from “Coming to Town” to “Commitment to Stewardship and Mission.” Some may thumb immediately to “Conflict Happens,” but that would be premature. There’s a sequential nature to the book from day one through long-term leadership. Each section is divided into four chapters with wry observations on patience, parking, priorities — and more.
In the first year, the author advises, “Do Nothing”; the year is for forbearance, to learn the family reunion-like ways of the members, to garner trust. Of this laissez-faire approach the author explains, “Obviously this first year of doing nothing takes a lot of work. It is productive work, because it focuses our energy” (p. 17).
Galloway is not timid about tackling such topics as whether the pastor ought to know what the members are giving.
The author’s former parishioners may recognize themselves, depicted anonymously, which adds to the pithy wisdom; these are not ivory tower observations, but nuggets of truth pried from the rich mines of long experience. Consistently witty and often profound, Galloway observes, “Regardless of what our theology would have us believe, the experience of church crisis makes us realize that we are on the front lines of spiritual warfare” (p. 116).
In “Spiritual Renewal for the Sake of Mission,” Galloway’s nine tests for the validity of a person’s renewal experience is worth the price of the book. There is also a compelling foreword by John Buchanan of Fourth church, Chicago, on the challenges of theological education and preparation for the ministry.
Committees on ministry and committees on preparation for ministry will find this book worthwhile when counseling those on the cusp of ministry. The pastor of the Wayne, Pa., church, Galloway has also served congregations in Greenwich, Conn.; Spencerport, N.Y.; York, Pa.; and Pittsburgh. A graduate of Princeton Seminary (1966), he previously wrote The Gospel According to Superman (1973) and How to Stay Christian (1983).
