Ministry Proverbs: Lessons Learned for Leading Congregations

by N. Graham Standish

Biblical and cultural proverbs have been cherished throughout the ages. One reason for their enduring influence is that they reveal deeper wisdom through easy-to-grasp phrases. They form our lives by offering wisdom we can hold onto and use in life's most complex situations. In the increasingly complex world of modern ministry, it has become harder for pastors and church leaders to act wisely when the models for ministry keep changing.

Ministry Proverbs is a collection of 60 proverbs that the Rev. Dr. Graham Standish has developed over the years to guide his own ministry. These are proverbs such as "We are only responsible for our efforts. God is responsible for the results. So be responsible for your part, and let God be responsible for God's part. Wisdom comes in learning to tell the difference." Each proverb is followed by 4-6 paragraphs of reflection that take the reader deeper into the ramifications and applications of the proverb. The reflections are intended to help readers to apply the proverbs in their own ministries, and to remember them so that when they face a difficult or uncertain situation, they can tap into the wisdom.

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2016

About the author

The Rev. N. Graham Standish, Ph.D. (Formative Spirituality, Duquesne University; M.S.W., University of Pittsburgh; M.Div., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary), is Executive Director of Samaritan Counseling•Guidance•Consulting in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Previously he served as senior pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, PA; and was adjunct professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Doctor of Ministry program, as well as at Tyndale Theological Seminary in Toronto, Ontario.