Description
Article: "Associate Pastors are not Second Chairs," Associated Baptist Press, 9/13/2012
Article: "Three Simple Ways to Appreciate Your Associate Pastor"
Read the Table of Contents and Introduction
Available on Kindle!
A new vocational volume in the best-selling "Work of the Church" series!
Having spent more than ten years as an associate in pastoral ministry, Alan R. Rudnick brings a wealth of research and experience to the often undervalued ministry of the associate pastor. Inviting readers to understand associate ministry as more than training ground for a senior pastorate, Rudnick explores the diverse roles and responsibilities that fall under the associate umbrella. From life-stage ministries with children and youth, singles and seniors, to specialized ministry areas such as music, education, pastoral care, and counseling, this volume acknowledges the challenges and opportunities offered to associate pastors in their distinctive ministries. The book's appendix offers practical resources for churches:
• How to plan for an associate
• Sample job descriptions
• Compensation guidelines
Associate ministers also will find a personal assessment, helpful in discerning when to stay and when to leave their associate position. Overall, this is an ideal resource for graduating seminarians seeking associate opportunities, as well as church leaders looking to establish an associate position.
Reviews
"The Work of the Associate Pastor is a significant contribution to the ministry of the church. It assists in filling a need for more guidance on how congregations can better support associate pastors. For the church leaders willing to heed its advice, I believe it will prove to be a helpful manual that allows them to address many preventable problems. Most importantly, it will give the body of Christ a clearer vision of how important the associate pastor role is to the future of the church. Rudnick succeeds in making a convincing argument that the vitality of the church is intertwined with how it supports the ministry of associate pastors." —from Ministry Matters blog
"The strongest part of The Work of the Associate Pastor is PART THREE where Alan discusses the challenges and opportunities of the associate pastor. He talks about what makes it risky and what makes it rewarding. In this section, he writes with great conviction and provides wisdom for those considering being an associate...or quit being one due to discouragement. The book isn't large and it's not trying to be something other than a helpful practical guide to those in associate roles, churches considering associates, and considering how to make the most of being an associate." —from In This Corner of the World
"I definitely think that Rudnick's book is a welcome resource for churches and associates in all kinds of denominations and am particularly glad to see such a useful, straightforward book that can serve as a guide and resource." —from Thomas Whitley Blog
"Rudnick helps both churches and clergy gain a better grasp of what the other should seek. Whether the handy questionnaires and charts, or the graphs of triangulation, this concise, though insightful, book helps all gain a better understanding of where we might find ourselves throughout discernment." —Crazy Liberals and Conservatives
Author Bio
Alan R. Rudnick, MDiv, is an American Baptist pastor, author, blogger, and social media practitioner. He is senior pastor of the DeWitt Community Church, Syracuse, New York, and previously served in pastoral staff ministry for more than 10 years. In 20102011, Rudnick was a Fellow with the Lewis Center for Church Leadership housed at Wesley Theological Seminary.
Visit Alan's website at http://alanrudnick.org.