A Handbook For Part-Time Ministry

Traditionally, most congregations were served by full-time pastors or shared a full-time pastor with at least one other congregation. This has changed dramatically in the last few years resulting in more and more congregations being served by pastors who are called on a part-time basis. Although there are many problems and difficulties associated with these ministry settings, part-time ministry can be a very effective approach for a congregation struggling with the financial issues that always accompany the need for part-time pastoral leadership. This handbook provides clear guidelines and advice on how to develop an effective part-time ministry. It is written for both congregations and pastors looking at this form of ministry. While the book is based on the assumption that the congregation is beginning part-time ministry, it also provides help for congregations already involved in such ministry.

The author has been a part-time pastor for about 25 years and draws on this experience to help congregations and pastors new to this increasingly common approach to ministry.