Finding Yourself in Chaos: Self-Discovery for Religious Leaders in a Time of Transition

(Paperback)

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The blessings and burdens that come with a life in ministry and religious leadership present complex situations and personal struggles that left unaddressed can lead to burn out and a loss of vocational conviction. A ministers spiritual and mental wellbeing is an essential part of them being an effective servant of God, so its important that they be supported and equipped to handle the chaos that modern life brings.

Recognizing and embracing the transitional pain of life events like divorce, retirement, the death of family member, authors James R. Newby and Mark Minear guide readers through a plan of action focused on self-discovery and renewal of spirit.

This book speaks to ministers in local churches who are questioning themselves, in transition, and are experiencing chaos, and who still want to be effective ministers. It is also for congregational leaders and denominational leaders who would like to understand both the perils and possibilities of the chaos some of the religious leaders under their care and jurisdiction are experiencing.

Reviews

There are two kinds of books. The first kind makes a big splash, but the ripples quickly fade. It leaves no lasting impression, no reservoir of wisdom upon which to draw. The second kind of book sneaks up on us slowly, makes its way into our lives and gradually transforms us. Decades later, it is still read, still savored, still helping. Finding Yourself in Chaos: Self-Discovery for Religious Leaders in a Time of Transition is the second kind of book. I wish this book had been available at the dawn of my ministry and not the twilight. -- Philip Gulley, author of If Grace Is True, If God Is Love and If the Church Were Christian, author of the Harmony series
The authors offer solid counsel for all professionals seeking mature advice on how to lead themselves to healthier and more balanced, meaningful, and professionally effective lives against the backdrop of these turbulent times. I commend Finding Yourself in Chaos to all those in need of renewal through inspiration, guidance, and most importantly . hope! -- Robert "Chip" Harrod, J.D., M.A., executive director, EquaSion, an broadly inclusive interfaith organization based in Cincinnati Ohio
Finding Yourself in Chaos may have as its central focus the chaos and difficulty of contemporary life, but it is not devoid of humor. Finding opportunity to reference the Quaker childhood of Hoosier-born actor James Dean, Newby quotes Deans biographer as describing Quakers as people who can take the pomp out of any circumstance. Stories of Newbys own staunchly abstemious Quaker grandmother and her rationalization for Richard Nixons apparent toast with alcohol in a meeting with Chinese leaders is worth the price of the book. Newby and Minear offer much excellent advice for finding our way out of spiritual chaos. It could be the genesis of renewal for those sincerely seeking ways forward. In the end, though, the authors comment that one cannot do much better than returning to the spiritual path of loving God and one another. Easier said than done, but Newby and Minear provide helpful signposts along the way. * Friends Journal *

Author Bio

James R. Newby is the Minister and Public Friend at Cincinnati Friends (Quaker) Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio. Before coming to Cincinnati, Jim was the Minister of Faith and Learning at the Wayzata Community United Church of Christ in Wayzata, Minnesota, and the Minister of Spiritual Growth at Plymouth Congregational, United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Iowa. He has served as the Director of the Yokefellow Institute at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and was on the faculty of the Earlham School of Religion. Jim holds degrees from Friends University, Earlham School of Religion, William Penn University and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author and editor of 11 books including, Gathering the Seekers (Alban), Sacred Chaos: One Mans Spiritual Journey Through Pain and Loss, and Reflections from the Inner Light: A Journal of Quaker Spirituality.

Mark Minear earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 1997. He returned to graduate school after 20 years in the pastoral ministry. Besides Ball State, he holds degrees from the Earlham School of Religion and William Penn University. He is currently a licensed psychologist in the State of Iowa and practices full-time, providing psychotherapy assessment, consultation and training. Mark utilizes a multi-dimensional model of wellness in his therapeutic approach; this allows for his clients to work across physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, environmental and spiritual domains. He is on the team of counselors at the Des Moines, Iowa Pastoral Counseling Center.