Pastoral Care in the Small Membership Church

by James L. Killen Jr.

An introduction to pastoral care for pastors of small membership churches.“If you spend your whole life serving small membership churches and doing it well, yours will have been a life well spent.” Small membership churches have a real advantage when it comes to incorporating people into a fellowship where they are known and where their needs are met. These churches and their pastors have an opportunity for excellence in this area, and should make the most of it. Good pastoral care can be the key to effectiveness in all of the other ministries of the church.From getting acquainted with your congregation, weddings and funerals, picking up on subtle cues in a conversation to not-so-subtle conflicts, Killen shares insights from years of ministry in a small membership church setting.James L. Killen, Jr. is a retired elder of the Texas Conference, contributor to Circuit Rider, and author of Who Do You Say That I Am? A Personal Reader.

Genres: Nonfiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[John Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the United Methodist Church, this book is used as a resource for licensed local pastors. As a resource for licensed pastors, this book is a fantastic start. It's also a fantastic start for introduction to pastoral care classes; or as an extra resource in any pastoral care class. Or, if you are a layperson wanting to know more about pastoral care, this book is a quick little informative read. On the whole, it's a good little book, but it's certainly not a definitive book by any means. Just something to get you started.

[Doc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful for both pastors and lay ministers. The book is not that long however it offers an abundance of information and examples of different ministry scenarios one will be faced with. It covers some topic like visitation, grief, and ministry to the terminally ill. It provides the importance of caring and knowing how to care for those in your church. Ministering to people both in and out the church is very important and this book will give you a good foundation for understanding what ministry is.

[Will Dole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

I was pleasantly surprised by this little book. Lots of practical wisdom. The short chapters are very digestible, though they frequently leave you wishing for a bit more fleshing-out of the ideas. Would be an excellent resource to put in the hands of someone aspiring to ministry, or (as in my case) to serve as a refresher for someone “in the field.”

My biggest complaints lie in the theological squishiness which is at times evident.

[Terry Wildman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the basics of Pastoral care in most types of churches.

This is a good book for beginning pastoral students. It covers all the basics, and gives Reading recommendations for further education.

[Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick, easy-to-read book summarizes much of theory of pastoral care in a very practical, accessible way. Killen gives excellent advice that comes from years of real-world experience. I highly recommend this book to any pastor, small or large church.

[Rebecca L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third time reading this book. I have found it to be extremely helpful and I highly recommend it. I love how practical and down to earth it is.

[Will Waller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly I skimmed most of the book because it offers little that hasn't been gleaned from other sources. did learn I should stand at bedsides because it helps the person see. also learned to look for small miracles like death rather than pray for healing.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A veteran minister with 45 years in the churches reflects on pastoral care in the small membership church. I found this book to be very helpful - a nice reminder of things we all learn in seminary but need to be reminded of from time to time. I finished the book and felt refreshed.

[Terri Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful, practical book on this subject. One I know I will pull out when I need guidance in the future.

[Sam Hubbard]

Very informative

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I throughly disagree with some things in this book but the basic premise is helpful.