Kenneth L. Swetland (D.Min., Andover Newton Theological School; M.Div., Gordon Divinity School) has been academic dean and professor of pastoral ministries at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary for more than thirty years. He is the author of The Hidden World of the Pastor: Case Studies on Personal Issues of Real Pastors.
"Combining accessibility with scholarly depth, Jesus Under Fire
examines the authenticity of the words, actions, miracles, and
resurrection of Jesus and presents compelling evidence for the
traditional biblical teachings."-- "Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox"
(4/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)
"Facing Messy Stuff lends itself to group studies. It would be well
for local pastors' organizations to do this among themselves using
Swetland's book as a text. In addition, this is a reference book
that should always be near the pastor's fingertips. A noted
chaplain who works in the San Francisco Bay area, Rev. Carson
Curcini, after looking over the notes for this review, stated:
""This is a very important book for pastors...especially for this
day and age that we live in."" To that this minister can give a
hearty ""Amen!"" Facing Messy Stuff in the Church should be in
every pastor's and chaplain's library."--Rev. Austin Miles
"www.Churchquest.com" (6/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)
"Reading this book by Kenneth L. Swetland seemed a little like
watching those daytime talk shows [`a la Dr. Phil, Oprah or The
Jerry Springer Show]. Each chapter is a well-crafted presentation
of some disturbing and [unfortunately] highly relevant case
studies."-- "Ministries Today" (7/1/2005 12:00:00 AM)
"Swetland, who teaches pastoral counseling at Gordon-Cromwell
Seminary, has compiled real case studies��changing only people's
and churches' names��to offer a candid look at thorny pastoral
problems. His profiles don't offer solutions, but examine sin's
skein-like messiness to show what church leadership faces and how
pastors can take action. The problems are often more complicated
than they appear. Issues range from the repeatedly repentant
alcoholic to the mild-mannered sexual deviant who is an expert liar
to the upstanding citizen and model church member who is an
adulterer. . . . Recommend this book to pastors and Christian
counselors who aren't looking for easy answers."--Gerry Wisz "CBA
Marketplace" (1/2/2005 12:00:00 AM)
"These are the problems that are coming up with increased
regularity in churches today in a world of chaos and confusion. And
pastors and chaplains must be equipped to handle them spiritually,
professionally, and most importantly of all--effectively. This book
teaches how to deal with these problems -- as the author states
[and teaches] -- head-on."--Austin Miles "AgapePress" (6/1/2005
12:00:00 AM)
Every pastor and chaplain who deals with the complex problems of
this 'anything-goes' 21st Century, will benefit from this book. It
is also invaluable for every seminary student and new pastor who
hasn't lived long enough to deal with many of life's messes on
behalf of the God of mercy and grace. Even so, the messy stuff
profiled in this book is enough to sober even the most seasoned of
pastors. It is frank, raw, and instructive. At times, overwhelming.
And these are all real cases in various denominational settings in
various parts of the country. The challenging (as well as
sensitive) messes dealt with in this excellent Kregel Publications
release are dealt with forthrightly.--Rev. Austin Miles
"Bishop-Accountability.org" (5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM)
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