Following is a brief introduction to The Runaway Pastor, a new novel I'm seeking to publish.
The first seven chapters are available by clicking the hot button at the top right hand side of this page. I need feedback, so let me know what you think. And if you look in here now and then, why not add yourself as a follower. I'm gathering a list of those interested in the book.
Pastor Trent is The Runaway Pastor from the beginning. His job is hollow and empty—a CEO nightmare. He and his wife Natalie play the role of the perfect couple, yet their long drift away from friendship and intimacy leave them cold toward one another. So he plots his escape, and disappears. His plan is so thorough, neither his congregation at Baylor’s Bend, nor his wife has any idea where he has gone.
In his new life, various circumstances provide opportunities for Trent to emerge as a peacemaker, and a man of mercy and grace. Living life outside of “the ministry,” Trent finds the exercise of his ministry gifts to be exhilarating and natural. But trouble waits.
Trent’s betrayal drives Natalie to hire an investigator, and makes her vulnerable to the advances of a church staff member. Kim, a beautiful and single friend of Trent’s new boss, is a spiritual seeker. She and Trent spend long evenings on the beach wondering about the sacred, sharing their tragic stories, and soon they fall for one another.
Jump into the pain behind one pastor who took "career success" a bit too seriously. Is there any hope?
Remember! This story is NOT autobiographical. It is, however the fruit of many conversations with other pastors, and a three year period of burnout I experienced. For any old friends out there, Natalie is not my wife. My wife and I are very happy 29 years and 2 months into our marriage.
Read on!
2 comments:
is it an introduction like to put on the back of the book? if it is, i think there are too many details that you're giving away. you've described a plot instead of an introduction that would make the reader wanna find out what happens. maybe it's just me.
i love the last paragraph, it's perfect - "Jump into the pain behind one pastor who took "career success" a bit too seriously. Is there any hope?" - but the previous three i'd shorten to a one small paragraph that leaves the reader in a "fish-out-of-the-water-and-longing-to-dive-deep-into-the-ocean-of-letters" state so to speak :)
What an interesting note and confession in the disclaimer. I can
heartily identify, although I am not in a pastoral ministry role at the
present. It is difficult to sort through the necessary and the
important in pastoral ministry. Having been out of staff ministry for a
little over a year, I can see how the calendar, denominational
requirements, parishoner's expectations, and regular demands of family
life can be like the proverbial snowball going down hill. How does one
keep focused on the ministry that would lift up the Lord, in the midst
of all these pressures? Without a quiet time to seek the Lord's
guidance, and a support/accountability peer group it is difficult. I
still am being impressed with the concept of the Christian community as
found in the book of Acts. That community teaches, encourages,
disciples, and inspires fellow believers in their Christian walk.
Perhaps there would be less "burn-out" if we were able to focus on the
primary responsibilities of the Christian community. Maybe we should
explore what the "barest minimum" elements that the first Christians
practiced. Or maybe this is too impractical, too idealistic for our
sophisticated ecclesiastical structures to consider. Just a thought to
consider.
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