The Journey of Ministry

These days, everybody wants the latest killer app for successful ministry. But ministry is not plug-and-play technology. It is an art cultivated over a long-term journey of faithfulness and perseverance.In his most intimate book yet, Eddie Gibbs articulates a personal philosophy of ministry born from his storied career in teaching and pastoral ministry. Through images from his own life and family, Gibbs shows how effective ministry is a matter of walking slowly with the family of God, overcoming hurdles and facing challenges together. He explains how the networking nature of the early church offers helpful models for connecting in our fragmented technological age. Linking fresh biblical exposition with our contemporary realities, Gibbs gives practical advice for welcoming people into the family and helping them live out God's intentions for them.If you want your ministry to last, learn from those who have gone the distance. Discover here insights that will help you lead and serve for the long haul.



Richard J. Mouw (PhD, University of Chicago) now serves as professor of faith and public life after twenty years as president of Fuller Theological Seminary. He has written over twenty books on topics of social ethics, philosophy of culture and interfaith dialogue, including Uncommon Decency, The Challenges of Cultural Discipleship, Praying at Burger King, The God Who Commands, Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport, The Smell of Sawdust and Talking with Mormons: An Invitation to Evangelicals.A leader in interfaith theological conversations, particularly with Mormons and Jewish groups, Mouw served for six years as co-chair of the official Reformed-Catholic Dialogue and as president of the Association of Theological Schools. For seventeen years he was a professor of philosophy at Calvin College and in 2007, Princeton Theological Seminary awarded him the Abraham Kuyper Prize for Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.



Eddie Gibbs is senior professor in the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and a senior adviser to the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology and the Arts. His seminars for church leaders about leadership in the emerging church have been held in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, Australia, South Africa and around the United States. Gibbs has also written several books, including Good News Is for Sharing, Ten Growing Churches, In Name Only, ChurchNext, LeadershipNext and (with Ryan Bolger) Emerging Churches.

Foreword By Richard Mouw


Introduction - Including: We Each Have a Place in The Family


1. Walking: A Lifelong Journey in a Different Direction


2. Hurdling: Naming and Overcoming Obstacles to Progress


3. Dying: A Fruitful Way to Live


4. Teambuilding: Determined Walking and Working Alongside Others


5. Networking: Expanding Our Horizons in a Shrinking World


6. Communicating: Creative Engagement in Every Area of Life


7. Recollecting: Staying Open To God's Unexpected Plans

"The book is easy to read and at times helpfully suggestive. The most appealing quality is the gentle humility that marks his approach. One feels that a godly older man, who has more than kept up with the times, is chatting humbly with you about some of the things he learned along the way. It makes for a pleasant and valuable conversation."



"Gibbs covers an astounding array of topics with warmth, humility, and honesty."



"Sage advice, sound teaching, fascinating stories--such jewels you will find in Eddie Gibbs's new book, The Journey of Ministry, where he shares a lifetime of insight and experience. I had the privilege of sitting under his instruction at Fuller Theological Seminary; he is a master teacher. You may not agree with every conclusion he has reached over 50 years of ministry (and he has come with some amazing insights)--but you will be challenged, instructed and inspired by his life, ministry and vision for the kingdom. I know I was."



"Eddie Gibbs has not only been a gift to the church for as long as I can remember but someone who has been hugely influential in my life and ministry. The beauty of Eddie's life is that he has always been a practitioner and a scholar, refusing to let the hallowed halls of academia change, in any way, the calling of his life as a disciple of Jesus. This poignant book of Eddie's reflections will illuminate what life can be like if you follow Jesus over the course of your life with steadfastness, vigor and adventure. I can't recommend it highly enough."



"Pay attention to this book! Eddie Gibbs is weaving gold from the many threads of his life."



"Eddie Gibbs, a cherished mentor to me and thousands of others, is a national treasure in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Now I want to say more: the godly wisdom communicated in The Journey of Ministry deserves a global hearing."



"From the air raid sirens of WWII in England through the era of iPad and droid enthusiasm, Eddie Gibbs, the mechanic's son, who never had a library in his home as a youngster, shares his unique perspective on life's journey and lessons learned on both sides of the pond. From the time Eddie and I first met in 1982-1983 in preparation for the Mission England efforts throughout the United Kingdom, I have been learning from him. His insights are refreshing. This book is no different, as Eddie guides us through life committed to Christ, its struggles, hurdles, joys and growth. GibbsNext would have been a great title for this book, for Eddie has become a guru for all who know and appreciate that perspective of ministry in culture as well as practical and theological development."



"Eddie is one of the few elder statesmen around in missional church circles. I am personally always thankful for Eddie and deeply value everything he has to say. In this reflective book, the sage offers sagely advice on issues ranging from ministry, spirituality, character and of course . . . mission. A worthy read."



"Eddie Gibbs loves the church, and his heart aches when it falls short. With humility and humor, Eddie shares challenging words in this book, words that can only emerge out of a lifetime of service with those who are on the forefront of ministry so that the church might advance."Read this book slowly. It is full of wisdom from a seasoned pastor, missionary and professor who through the experiences of his life and his family reminds church leaders what is most essential for fruitful ministry. These are words to read and then to incorporate into our lives." weniger anzeigen expand_less