Taking inspiration from the Spanish word for retirement--jubilacion--veteran minister Bruce Epperly challenges and empowers clergy to see retirement as a celebration of new possibilities. Similar in spirit to the Jubilee year described in scripture, retirement can be a time of transformation and exploration, of freedom to try on new versions of yourself and new paths of service. In that spirit, clergy can embrace creative transformation in their relationships, neighborhoods, religious communities, and politics. No longer tethered to the politics and administrative duties of congregational leadership, they can now freely commit themselves to relational, intellectual, and spiritual growth. They can also focus on personal, community, and planetary healing and transformation. Retired clergy can become sages and wisdom givers sharing their insights and energy with seminarians and novice pastors, congregations, and communities. Bringing together the fruits of conversations with more than 100 retired clergy, theological reflection, and spiritual practices, this text provides a way forward for clergy considering retirement and retired clergy. Based on interviews from persons from diverse denominations, theological perspectives, and ethnic and racial backgrounds, this book garners wisdom from pastors on their retirement journeys, from personal preparation and public announcement to first steps following retirement and long-term adventures.

The Jubilee Years: Embracing Clergy Retirement

Epperly Lancaster Theological Seminary Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Continuing Education, Bruce

Self-Help

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Review\nFilled with a kaleidoscope of wisdom, astute insight, and engaging prose, The Jubilee Years sings of fresh possibilities for a spiritually adventurous retirement. -- Rev. Patricia Adams Farmer, author of Beauty and Process Theology\nAlways the pragmatic thinker, Bruce Epperly has written a well thought out, theologically relevant book for retiring clergy who still want to honor their call, make a difference, and enjoy all that life has to offer. 
-- Rev. John C. Dorhauer, general minister and president, United Church of Christ\nTaking inspiration from the Spanish word for retirement—jubilacion—veteran minister Bruce Epperly challenges and empowers clergy to see retirement as a celebration of new possibilities. Similar in spirit to the Jubilee year described in scripture, retirement can be a time of transformation and exploration, of freedom to try on new versions of yourself and new paths of service. In that spirit, clergy can embrace creative transformation in their relationships, neighborhoods, religious communities, and politics. No longer tethered to the politics and administrative duties of congregational leadership, they can now freely commit themselves to relational, intellectual, and spiritual growth. They can also focus on personal, community, and planetary healing and transformation. Retired clergy can become sages and wisdom givers sharing their insights and energy with seminarians and novice pastors, congregations, and communities.\nBringing together the fruits of conversations with more than 100 retired clergy, theological reflection, and spiritual practices, this text provides a way forward for clergy considering retirement and retired clergy. Based on interviews from persons from diverse denominations, theological perspectives, and ethnic and racial backgrounds, this book garners wisdom from pastors on their retirement journeys, from personal preparation and public announcement to first steps following retirement and long-term adventures.

The Jubilee Years

Alban Books

A Center in the Cyclone: Twenty-first Century Clergy Self-Care

Here is a twenty-first century text on clergy self-care, written in the context of hundreds of conversations with pastors.

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

Pastors today are overwhelmed by the perfect storm of too many responsibilities, too few resources, and too rapid congregational, cultural, and technological changes. Many of them confess that the cares of modern ministry have nearly choked the life out of their holy service. Here is a resource for integrated personal and professional transformation and healing for pastors, better equipping them to be effective spiritual leaders for the long haul of professional ministry. We are in a time of great spiritual awakening among Christians, people of other faiths, and self-described spiritual but not religious seekers. Insightful spiritual leadership is needed now more than ever to navigate the waves of pluralism, postmodernism, and globalism. Spiritual leaders need to sharpen their mission, administration, outreach, and preaching skills, but they also need to deepen their commitments to spiritual growth and self-care practices to insure healthy and effective ministry over the long haul.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Epperly Lancaster Theological Seminary Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Continuing Education, Bruce. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Epperly Lancaster Theological Seminary Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Continuing Education, Bruce

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Epperly Lancaster Theological Seminary Professor of Practical Theology and Director of Continuing Education, Bruce. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Jubilee Years: Embracing Clergy Retirement

The Jubilee Years

A Center in the Cyclone: Twenty-first Century Clergy Self-Care

A Center in the Cyclone: Twenty-first Century Clergy Self-Care