“Time to reflect. Time. This is what clergy renewal is about. To continue in ‘the heat of work’ our whole career is to rob ourselves and our congregations of the time we and they need to reflect on our lives and our call. Here is where change begins.” - Melisa Bane Sevier “Melissa Bane Sevier – fresh from (and refreshed by) a much-needed sabbatical – offers personal testimony, practical advice, and an array of helpful resources that will inspire and empower pastors to seek and then to drink deeply of a time apart. This is a moving statement from and on behalf of our hard-working clergy, written for them but also for those who care about their well-being and that of the congregations they serve.” - Dorothy C. Bass - Author, Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift of Time “Vital congregational ministry depends on the leadership of pastors, priests, and rabbis whose hearts sing with vision, creativity, faith, competence, and passion. In Journeying toward Renewal Melissa Sevier uses her pastoral sensitivity to tell her own renewal story and the stories of those who have been lead in the planning and practice of renewal leave by the question “What will make my heart sing – again?” Whether you’re planning an extended time of renewal leave, or just trying to bring regular sabbath time back into your days and weeks, this book will be a trustworthy guide.” - Richard Bruesehoff - Director for Leadership Support, ELCA - Co-author of Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Pastoral Sabbaticals

"Time to reflect. Time. This is what clergy renewal is about. To continue in 'the heat of work' our whole career is to rob ourselves and our congregations of the time we and they need to reflect on our lives and our call. Here is where change begins." - Melisa Bane Sevier "Melissa Bane Sevier - fresh from (and refreshed by) a much-needed sabbatical - offers personal testimony, practical advice, and an array of helpful resources that will inspire and empower pastors to seek and then to drink deeply of a time apart. This is a moving statement from and on behalf of our hard-working clergy, written for them but also for those who care about their well-being and that of the congregations they serve." - Dorothy C. Bass - Author, Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift of Time "Vital congregational ministry depends on the leadership of pastors, priests, and rabbis whose hearts sing with vision, creativity, faith, competence, and passion. In Journeying toward Renewal Melissa Sevier uses her pastoral sensitivity to tell her own renewal story and the stories of those who have been lead in the planning and practice of renewal leave by the question "What will make my heart sing - again?" Whether you're planning an extended time of renewal leave, or just trying to bring regular sabbath time back into your days and weeks, this book will be a trustworthy guide." - Richard Bruesehoff - Director for Leadership Support, ELCA - Co-author of Clergy Renewal: The Alban Guide to Pastoral Sabbaticals

Take a journey together with others from your local church--a road trip that will help you rediscover your true mission. This newly revised and updated edition of Roadmap to Renewal will serve as a vital resource enabling you to reconnect to your mission area. Use the step-by-step process in a small group to come up with a Ministry Action Plan for your community of faith. Know your community. Know your mission. Know your strengths and challenges. Know where you are going. Reach people with the good news of Jesus Christ!

When pastors and congregations come together in ministry, they generally do so with the hope that the relationship will be long-lasting and dynamic. The reality, however, is that long-term pastorates are an increasingly rare phenomenon in congregations. White there are many reasons that most pastors can only sustain their ministries in a parish for a relatively limited number of years, Glenn Ludwig argues that this does not have to be the case if both pastors and congregations take deliberate steps toward an enduring friendship.

Providing clinicians with advice consistent with the current emphasis on working from strengths to promote renewal, this guide presents a holistic approach to psychological wellness. Time-tested advice is featured from experts such as Craig Cashwell, Jeffrey Barnett, and Kenneth Pargament. With strategies to renew the mind, body, spirit, and community, this book equips clinicians with guidance and inspiration for the renewal of body, mind, community, and spirit in their clients and themselves.

20th ANNIVERSARY EDITION The Courage to Teach Guide for Reflection & Renewal is a helpful companion to Parker J. Palmer's classic work on restoring identity and integrity to professional life. A superb resource for those who wish to extend their exploration of the ideas in The Courage to Teach, as individuals or part of a study group, the Guide provides practical ways to create "safe space" for honest reflection and probing conversations and offers chapter-by-chapter questions and exercises to further explore the many insights in The Courage to Teach. The bonus online content includes a 70-minute interview with Parker Palmer, in which Palmer reflects on a wide range of subjects including the heart of the teacher, the crisis in education, diverse ways of knowing, relationships in teaching and learning, approaches to institutional transformation, and teachers as "culture heroes." Discussion questions related to the topics explored in the interview have been integrated into the Guide, giving individuals and study groups a chance to have "a conversation with the author" as well as an engagement with the text.

In Healing Wounds, Renewing Faith: Confronting & Recovering From Church Trauma, Rev. Father Jason Carson Wilson, M.Div., offers a comprehensive guide for those who have experienced trauma within religious communities. This book provides a compassionate exploration of church trauma's emotional, spiritual, and psychological impact and presents a path toward healing and restoration of faith. Overview: The book opens with an in-depth analysis of the lasting effects of church trauma on individuals, exploring how such experiences can profoundly shake one’s spirituality, self-perception, and overall well-being. Rev. Wilson emphasizes acknowledging these wounds to begin the healing process. Structure: Divided into ten chapters, the book covers various aspects of church trauma and the healing journey: 1. The Impact of Church Trauma - This chapter examines the emotional and psychological toll that church trauma can take, discussing the loss of trust and self-esteem and the effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 2. Understanding Faith and Spirituality - The author delves into the role of faith and spirituality in our lives and their connection to healing, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding one’s spiritual foundation after trauma. 3. Recognizing the Signs of Church Trauma - This chapter highlights the common symptoms and behaviors associated with church trauma, including emotional distress, social withdrawal, and loss of trust, offering insight into how these manifest in affected individuals. 4. Unpacking the Causes of Church Trauma - Rev. Wilson explores the various causes of church trauma, including spiritual abuse, toxic leadership, and doctrinal conflicts, and how these contribute to the deep wounds experienced by survivors. 5. Navigating the Healing Journey - This chapter provides a roadmap for survivors, outlining the steps to acknowledge and heal from trauma. It emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, rebuilding trust, and reconnecting with spirituality. 6. Building Trust and Restoring Faith—This chapter focuses on rebuilding trust in religious institutions, oneself, and others. The author discusses strategies for faith leaders and therapists to foster transparent, respectful relationships that promote healing. 7. Addressing Spiritual Abuse - This chapter addresses the specific issue of spiritual abuse, offering guidance on how to recognize, confront, and recover from such experiences within religious settings. 8. Seeking Professional Help: Therapists and Faith Leaders - Rev. Wilson highlights the critical role of professional help in the healing process, discussing the benefits of therapy and the importance of collaboration between therapists and faith leaders. 9. Reclaiming Your Faith: Rediscovering What Matters - This chapter encourages survivors to rediscover their personal beliefs and rebuild their spiritual practices meaningfully. 10. Moving Forward: Embracing Hope and Restoration - The final chapter offers hope and encouragement for the future, emphasizing the possibility of restoring faith and finding a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Conclusion: Healing Wounds, Renewing Faith is a vital resource for anyone affected by church trauma. It offers a compassionate understanding of the profound impact of such experiences and practical guidance for healing and reclaiming one’s spirituality. Rev. Wilson’s approach is empathetic and empowering, making this book an essential companion for survivors and those supporting them on their journey toward recovery and renewal.