Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation

by Lawrence W. Farris

The opening months of a new pastorate are decisive for how that ministry will unfold, so great care should be taken to begin wisely and well. Simply transplanting programs and habits that worked elsewhere, ignoring the specific dynamics of the new congregation and its people, making too few significant changes, or making too many insignificant changes will create problems for the new pastor that may never be overcome. Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation offers specific, down-to-earth principles and guidance on how to make a good beginning, one that will lay the foundation for years of fruitful ministry.

Drawing on twenty-five years of parish ministry, during which he has mentored many new and transitioning pastors, Lawrence Farris here provides ten guidelines, illustrated with relevant examples, that identify potential pitfalls and show how to avoid them. Such areas as preaching, pastoral care, self-care, community and denominational commitments, and role clarity are addressed with an emphasis on practical approaches to ministry in a new setting. Farris also gives clear advice on how to learn the new congregation and its setting, how to set appropriate personal and professional boundaries, and how to stay focused on what matters most in a new ministry.

Lively, practical, and brief enough for the new pastor to have time to actually read it, Ten Commandments for Pastors New to a Congregation is a must-read both for pastors on the move and for individuals preparing for first-time ministry.

Genres: Christian, Leadership

106 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2003

Reviews

[Kathy Nealand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthwhile reading

This book was recommended by the Presbytrry. It was a good read. It offered some things worth remembering. I did not agree on a couple of points but it did give me another perspective to consider. A good mix of stories and advicr. I would highly recommend it to all new pastors.

[Nigel Fortescue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for the second time as I sit on the cusp of a new ministry. Every page is worth reading and while it is written for a broad theological audience, there are nuggets of gold everywhere. My favourite is the encouragement to attend to your preaching and not allow the urgent to overpower the critically important.

Worth your time.

[Jeff Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple, readable, short. Practical and wise. I anticipate going back to this one even to refresh my approach to my ministry in years to come.

Some may find it *too* simple or reductive, that’s understandable. I found it just right.

[Andrew Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book! I especially appreciated the commandments concerning “chronics” and limiting responsibilities taken on outside of the local congregation.

[Emily Holladay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for starting a new pastorate. Even if it’s not your first new pastorate, the advice in this book provides a good reminder of how to keep the first things first.

[Sarah Weisiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, unsurprising advice to pastors preparing to start a new call. Appreciated much of what he had to say for the concrete reminder that it was, and specifically some of his advice on how to connect to church culture and affirm your purpose from the get-go. I completely disagree with his section on stewardship--his arguments that pastors should never know the giving of the church and stay far away from the financials completely contradicts the best stewardship literature out there, but otherwise a solid text.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read. Davis puts this obvious and non so obvious tips. Found it helpful as I prepare to start a new call.

[Jo Mahnke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read. Some good advice that I am sure will be helpful. Completely disagreed with his view on knowing members giving.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the authors book on leaving a parish was more insightful but still has some good tips

[Alexander Steward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of this is common sense, but nonetheless it is areas in which pastors can get easily trapped. Some great reminders as you step into a new congregation.