Sabbath in the City: Sustaining Urban Pastoral Excellence

by Bryan P. Stone, Claire E. Wolfteich

Drawing on their research involving urban pastors from across the United States, Bryan Stone and Claire Wolfteich identify and examine spiritual practices that foster excellence in urban ministry. After discussing the specific challenges facing urban pastors and presenting the kinds of excellence required of them, Stone and Wolfteich explore several practices that help sustain ministers working in urban contexts, such as cultivating holy friendships, practicing Sabbath, maintaining lives of prayer and study, and setting appropriate boundaries. Throughout, the authors weave together stories from urban pastors from a variety of denominations with insights from the history of Christian spirituality and theology to chart a theological course for the formation and renewal of pastors in diverse contemporary contexts.

Genres: Theology, Leadership

136 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

About the author

The Rev. Dr. Bryan Stone was born in San Diego, California and is currently the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Boston University School of Theology. His background is in urban social ministry and faith-based non-profit development. He received his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Southern Methodist University.

Reviews

[Heidi]

Read for class so no rating or review.

[Drick]

96 urban pastors participated in a program of sabbatical and sharing over a 6 month period and the book is a summary and reflection on what they learned. the study found that developing significant friendships, practicing spiritual disciplines and going on a 4 week sabbatical helped these urban pastors regain their passion and sustain their work. As a former urban pastor and currently a Christian working for justice in the city, as well as teaching in an urban studies program, I found many points of contact with the book. My one criticism of the book is that it reinforces the myth that clergy are the only ones doing "ministry" in the city, when in fact I think the insights of this book could be applied to many people clergy and laity, who care about the city and its people from a Christian conviction