Description
From the best-selling author of Sister to Sister! Previously published as The Sister’s Rules for Ministry, this newly revised and expanded book offers 10 practical guidelines for women called to ministry. From the pragmatic to the devotional, these rules provide female pastors and women called to other ministries with practical wisdom for succeeding in a male-dominated vocation, with grace, integrity, and style. Compact, conversational, and compelling, this little volume is indispensable for any woman who wants to serve God faithfully—and with flair!
Reviews
“Women who serve in ministry settings have unique experiences and therefore unique needs for support and encouragement. Do you need some new tools in order to survive and fully thrive in ministry? You’ve come to the right place.” —Rev. Joan C. Friesen, Executive Minister--Regional Missionary, American Baptist Churches of Greater Indianapolis
“Dr. Johnson Cook’s book is for those who may need guidance and mentorship in learning about the happenings and hurdles that come with being a woman in church leadership. I recommend this book for women who are beginning their ministry journeys. This book could be most helpful for those who may never undergo formal training in the form of seminary, but who need teaching and wisdom that would greatly benefit how they care for themselves and lead others. If you are a woman in ministry looking to have enriching discussions and receive ideas about surviving and thriving in ministry, this book may be for you. Readers walk away from The Sister’s Guide to Survive & Thrive in Ministry with Johnson Cook’s many years of experience and proven wisdom that encourage and empower women on their ministry journeys.” — Rev. Alexis Carter Thomas, alexiscarterhomas.com, Writer and Researcher
“In exquisite exposition and soulful story, Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook presents practical and profound tools, tips, and tactics that give us all ‘the courage to say yes,’ allowing us to use fully our God-given gifts and follow the divine call, not just surviving but thriving in ministry. Dr. Johnson Cook shares as a sister in ministry, who has walked this way and shares the journey with us. A ‘must read’ for every woman in ministry”— Rev. Dr. Patricia Hernandez, Associate General Secretary, American Baptist Women in Ministry and Transition Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA
“With candor and clarity, drawing from her own triumphs and challenges, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook shares ten rules to help guide women in ministry. After 35 years of the uniqueness and sheer breadth of her ministry, Dr. Cook is well equipped to advise women about the God-ordained doors that will propel them to higher levels in ministry and forewarn them about the trapdoors that can distract them from staying focused and faithful to the call on their lives. Rule 10, "Select Your Village Mothers," encompasses the message and challenge of this still timely devotional. The message: ministry does not take place in a vacuum, so be intentional about building community. The challenge: women in ministry must seek to mentor and be mentored. For those who are blessed to find that mentoring relationship, the reflection questions at the conclusion of each chapter will serve as poignant conversation starters. For any woman reading this book, Dr. Cook’s voice will speak to your spirit like the village griot.” — Rev. Marsha Scipio, Associate General Secretary for Missional Initiatives & Partnerships, ABCUSA Office of the General Secretary
“The Sister’s Guide is filled with valuable insights from a veteran woman in ministry. Dr. Sujay provides needed encouragement for clergywomen on creating their support systems, reminding us that we all need to find—and to be—'village mothers' during our ministry journey. I loved her advice on 'getting your spiritual groove back' by surrounding ourselves with 'whatever makes your soul sing.' The book would be a great gift for a sister-pastor of any age.” —Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller, Executive Minister, American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts
“There are many books written for pastors to help guide them in their call. Suzan Johnson Cook’s The Sister’s Guide to Survive and Thrive in Ministry does something the others do not. In this wonderfully written guide we are invited to listen to the wisdom of a tenured pastor’s experience. Sujay has been on the front lines of ministry, often the only female within sight. But, there is more than wisdom and experience here. There is delightful encouragement, great stories, and practical tips on surviving in ministry. With chapter titles such as ‹Stay Responsible for Your Own Spiritual Groove' and 'Be Arrested by the Holy Spirit,' you know you are in for some real talk and clear direction. Written for women in ministry, it works for everyone in ministry, and it does so with a spirit of fun and challenge.” —Rev. Dr. Robin D. Stoops, Executive Minister/Region Missionary, American Baptist Churches of Nebraska
Author Bio
Reverend Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook was the first female president in the history of the 10,000 member Hampton University Ministers' Conference which represents all the historically African-American denominations.
Dr. Johnson Cook is a senior pastor at the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church, also known as Believers' Christian Fellowship, which she founded in 1996. A powerful preacher, Dr. Johnson Cook was recently described in The New York Times as "Billy Graham and Oprah rolled into one." She is known as the "Wall Street Pastor" and regularly conducts and facilitates corporate ministry.
Other highlights:
• In 1983, she was elected the first black woman to be a senior pastor in the 200-year history of American Baptist Churches of the USA.
• In 1996, pastor Cook was the only faith leader appointed to President Clinton's Initiative on Race.
• She was the first woman appointed chaplain of the New York City Police Department.
• Sujay was featured by Ebony Magazine in 1997 as one of the nation's top 15 women in ministry and by Time Out Magazine as one of New York's top 5 preachers
Dr. Sujay is the author of nine successful books which include: her latest release Moving Up (Doubleday: 2008), Too Blessed to Be Stressed, (Nelson: 1998), A New Dating Attitude : Getting Ready For The Mate God Has For You (Zondervan: 2000) and The Sister's Rules for Ministry (Word: 2003). Her book, Live Like You're (Doubleday: 2006), was featured on "Good Morning America," and the "Tavis Smiley Show."
A faculty member and graduate of Harvard University she also received a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH '91); a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary ('83) and a Master of Arts from Columbia University ('76).
Dr. Cook is married to Ronald Cook and they reside in New York City with their two sons.
Visit her website: www.DRSUJAY.com