Moving On: Surviving the Grief of Forced Termination

by Deanna Harrison

THE SILENT EPIDEMIC OF FORCED TERMINATION AMONG CLERGY HAS FINALLY FOUND ITS VOICE IN MOVING ON. "Moving On should be required reading for any layperson who serves in church leadership." - Pastor James Shupp, Author, Who Killed My Church? "Deanna Harrison skillfully weaves biblical principles, psychological findings, and staggering statistics to provide hope that God can bring healing and recovery to individuals and families who face the trauma of forced termination. If you've experienced this heartache, or know someone who has, this book is a valuable resource." - Pastor David O. Dykes, Green Acres Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas "...very well done, spiritually and psychologically." - Dan McGee, Ph.D., Author, teacher, counselor President, Dan McGee Associates, Inc. "...chock full of solid theological and practical counsel..." - Susie Hawkins, Author, speaker, minister's wife, Dallas, Texas "...an essential read for all church folk...a lifesaving guide for those dealing with recovery from forced termination." - Debbie Tudor, MS, LPCS, Rockwall Counseling, PA NEARLY 1/3 OF MINISTERS ACROSS DENOMINATIONAL LINES EITHER HAVE OR WILL EXPERIENCE FORCED TERMINATION.

126 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Lou Florio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readable, helpful text. It’s scripture based but not preachy. It is based on real world experiences of the author and research but relatable. The book outlines common struggles responding to an all too common problem - forced pastoral termination. Studies indicate that as much as one in three pastors face this event with impacts on their future and entire family. These impacts are concrete (such as finances and career) but also relational (often involving mobbing, betrayal, and rumors). For someone who’s identity is so closely connected to their vocation, it can shatter a person’s life. Methodologies and resources for recovery are shared. A list for further reading is provided. I was very pleased to find a chapter on how to help children at varied developmental stages. The author is a founder of Pastors’ Hope, an ecumenical nonprofit assisting pastors forced out of their positions. At a time when Barna reports a high incidence of pastor suicide and suicidal ideation, I wonder and have concerns about those who have lost so much through such incidents. I’ve also read that heart attacks are more likely within the first year for anyone who loses work - “Studies indicate an average 35% higher risk, with the danger intensifying with multiple job losses, rising to a 63% higher risk for those with four or more losses. Older workers, particularly those over 50, are especially more vulnerable” (Google AI).