The
elephant in the church
what you don't see can kill your ministry
Moessner, Jeanne Stevenson
1948-
creator
author.
Dell, Mary Lynn
author.
text
bibliography
tnu
2013
monographic
eng
xiv, 126 pages ; 22 cm
A church can be a dangerous place. The perils may be so obvious, they become "elephants" standing in the fellowship hall, lurking in the sanctuary, ready to spring into the pastor's study, and tromp out of the choir room. The word "elephant" stands for an obvious truth or issue that is ignored or unnamed -- a blind spot. Yet we allow elephants to occupy a large amount of space in the minds and hearts of those that tiptoe around them. Discussing common blind-spots of congregations and church leaders, the authors provide examples and illustrations for how to stop these "elephants" from ruining a ministry.
Elephants -- A herd of elephants -- Stampede (or, "You have destroyed our sweet little church") -- The elephant that crushes your spirit : depression -- Wild elephants that trample and crush : a.k.a. "Dealing with problematic parishioners") -- And the elephant in the room is ... the preacher!
Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Mary Lynn Dell.
Includes bibliographical references.
Pastoral theology
Psychology, Religious
Church work
Christian leadership
Church management
BV4011.3 .M63 2013
250
9781426753213 (book pbk. / trade pbk. : alk. paper)
1426753217 (book pbk. / trade pbk. : alk. paper)
2013015189
DLC
130522
20141119155956.0
15676108
eng