The Runaway Pastor Chapter One:
http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dhdr3wvs_0d87ks7hp
And now Chapter Two:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhdr3wvs_1gm2qxcd9&hl=en
(You copy and paste the link into your browser window.)
I hope you will read with an editor's eye. I need your ideas and corrections.
Here are a few of the comments you have given me about the first chapter:
I found your first chapter grabbing my attention and identification. Well written and creative. I'm not sure how objective I can be, as being a pastor myself causes me to find more than a normal level of empathy. I am looking forward to chapter 2.
and
If you haven't read chapter 1, go and read it. Then send the link to all your pastor friends. After they read the first chapter, why not talk about it with your friends. Those who are honest will say their middle name is Trent.
and
I read the first chapter and was instantly hooked. Looking forward to the rest.
I guess as a rookie author, all of this is pretty exciting to me. So use this blog to record your thoughts on the second chapter.
9 comments:
Ladies and Gentlemen of Runaway Pastor...read the first two chapters. They prepare you for a speedy ride through a new life that is seeking not the right destination; but the right journey.
Great book. I can't wait to hold a signed copy in my hands.
I sent the first chapter to a layperson I respect. He sent a quick email back to me, "Are you going to any conferences soon?"
I assured him. He and I talked about the fact that Trent could be anyone, in any job. Natalie could be any wife.
Could it be that a resource like this book is meant for us to revisit our own covenants we have with our spouses. With an unsettling world around us...the timing could not have been more perfect.
All glory to God for giving us the pen in the all capable hands of David, who no doubt bleeds for those who are lost and running away without ever changing their latitude or longitude.
Thanks David for the heart to keep us all focused Loving Love.
I love your enthusiasm Duane. You asked, "Could it be that a resource like this book is meant for us to revisit our own covenants we have with our spouses. With an unsettling world around us?"
That, friends is a vital truth I wanted to plant as a seed in this book. Duane has the advantage of having the entire manuscript.
I am a newly married theological student wrestling with the question of belonging. I am studying theology and ministry and yet have no time to foster relationships. I long to be involved with people but have to work to help pay for rent. I am too tired to spend time with my wife at night and feel guilty about studying for what lay ahead. I could not help but notice that although I am not a pastor, I can already feel the themes of the 'Runaway Pastor' work into my thoughts. Where is the balance between study and life? Fortunately, I am not in danger of 'running away.' I love my wife and we are struggling with this together. But your words Pastor Dave reinforce our intentionality within our relationship.
The ambivalence Trent is feeling is realistic. I'm anxious to see where you take this, Dave.
I am wondering how much you plan to develop Natalie's character. So far it has been very limited. Without knowing where the plot is leading, it is hard for me to say yet how important or useful that might be. I do find her character interesting, though, and would enjoy getting to know her more.
the whole thing about not having to perform . . .not have to pray, be profound, be anything other than who you are is so good. Thanks david for opening this up to talk about.I am passing this on to a few important friends.
I can testify to the fact that Runaway Pastor is important not just to veteran pastors, but also to those who like me, have only been in full-time ministry for a couple of years, yet already are having doubts as to how long they can hang on. We need this! Thanks, David.
Friends -
When I was at Seminary, I wished that the professors would be forced to take a couple of years away from teaching and go back to full-time Pastoral ministry. This isn't to say they lacked knowledge or wisdom to help future pastors. However, when you step outside of a profession that you have experience in and teach about such experience...it would be all too easy to lean too far away from the realities of what they are teaching about. For example, I know preaching is the highlight of our week, however, will someone tell me they spend 20 hours per week on that communication? I mean 20 hours of desk time. Who will be the first to tell me this?
So, what if pastors took a few years away from full-time ministry, took a job outside of the arena of ministry and helped out with a church. What would that do for pastoral burnout? Would pastors return to ministry? Or would they stay away from full-time ministry and help as much as they could in a church?
I understand those reading just watched me move away from reality. But if it would protect churches from going through a pastoral burnout, or if it would help protect moral failure, or if it would do something positive...wouldn't it be beneficial? What we would say is we would tag that pastor as leaving the ministry and leaving his calling.
IN the next 20 years, ministry will continue to change. If we are able to adapt and flex with the change, the kingdom will benefit.
Yes Duane. This sounds like an extended sabbatical of sorts. I've always thought that about professors, but never thought about pastors trying the same thing.
Right, there is currently no model for such a two year step-away. But I love ideas. Could this work? Is bivocational work another way around this?
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