Kenneth L Swetland

Getting Ordination Right addresses the basic questions: What are the essential elements of ordination? How is ordination practiced in the Bible and in the church throughout its history? How should it be practiced today?

Getting Ordination Right addresses the basic questions: What are the essential elements of ordination? How is ordination practiced in the Bible and in the church throughout its history? How should it be practiced today?

This book is a collection of short reflections on mentoring and discipleship in honor of Scott M. Gibson. Gibson says: ""The missing ingredient in the Church today is discipleship."" This book casts a vision for all believers for what mentoring and discipleship can look like in the local church, in Bible colleges and seminaries, and in Christian friendships. We hope that you will be inspired by Scott M. Gibson's example to be selfless and intentional about mentoring and discipling others. Gibson desires to see a multiplying effect of true mentorship and discipleship rippling across congregations in North America and around the globe. He has spent his life prioritizing discipleship because he wants to look more and more like his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he wants the same for others. Read this book and be moved to serve as a mentor and to make disciples. ""Scott Gibson knows biblical preaching, and he is a teacher of teachers. If anyone desires to understand more about homiletics from a scholar and practitioner mentored by the inimitable Haddon Robinson, Scott Gibson is among the handful of today's leading professors and scholars. I trust this book will help many in their public articulation of God's Word with conviction and courage."" --Barry H. Corey, President of Biola University and author of Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue ""It was my joy as President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to observe first-hand the work of Dr. Scott Gibson as teacher and mentor of homiletical skills for those preparing for ministry of the Word of God in his church worldwide. This volume is a good proof and sample of that work. In each of the chapters the reader will find truth-laden wisdom that speaks to some of the great issues of our day. I heartily commend this wonderful set of chapters to both laypersons who reflect on these same issues and to many who seek the call of our Lord in his vineyard."" --Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary ""It is often that some students admire a professor in the classroom. It is less often that they find a friend and mentor during their seminary days. It is even yet more extraordinary to weigh the impact of Dr. Scott Gibson on the lives of so many for so long. Years after leaving the academy they pay tribute to an adult lifetime of mentorship. Firm, fair, faithful, and gracious has been his abiding influence in the lives of so many. Such as this grants him the promised 'abundant entrance.'"" --Joel C. Gregory, Holder of the George W. Truett Endowed Chair of Preaching and Evangelism, George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University Matthew D. Kim is Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and co-editor with Scott M. Gibson of Homiletics and Hermeneutics: Four Views on Preaching Today.

This book is a collection of short reflections on mentoring and discipleship in honor of Scott M. Gibson. Gibson says: ""The missing ingredient in the Church today is discipleship."" This book casts a vision for all believers for what mentoring and discipleship can look like in the local church, in Bible colleges and seminaries, and in Christian friendships. We hope that you will be inspired by Scott M. Gibson's example to be selfless and intentional about mentoring and discipling others. Gibson desires to see a multiplying effect of true mentorship and discipleship rippling across congregations in North America and around the globe. He has spent his life prioritizing discipleship because he wants to look more and more like his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and he wants the same for others. Read this book and be moved to serve as a mentor and to make disciples. ""Scott Gibson knows biblical preaching, and he is a teacher of teachers. If anyone desires to understand more about homiletics from a scholar and practitioner mentored by the inimitable Haddon Robinson, Scott Gibson is among the handful of today's leading professors and scholars. I trust this book will help many in their public articulation of God's Word with conviction and courage."" --Barry H. Corey, President of Biola University and author of Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue ""It was my joy as President of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to observe first-hand the work of Dr. Scott Gibson as teacher and mentor of homiletical skills for those preparing for ministry of the Word of God in his church worldwide. This volume is a good proof and sample of that work. In each of the chapters the reader will find truth-laden wisdom that speaks to some of the great issues of our day. I heartily commend this wonderful set of chapters to both laypersons who reflect on these same issues and to many who seek the call of our Lord in his vineyard."" --Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., President Emeritus, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary ""It is often that some students admire a professor in the classroom. It is less often that they find a friend and mentor during their seminary days. It is even yet more extraordinary to weigh the impact of Dr. Scott Gibson on the lives of so many for so long. Years after leaving the academy they pay tribute to an adult lifetime of mentorship. Firm, fair, faithful, and gracious has been his abiding influence in the lives of so many. Such as this grants him the promised 'abundant entrance.'"" --Joel C. Gregory, Holder of the George W. Truett Endowed Chair of Preaching and Evangelism, George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University Matthew D. Kim is Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and co-editor with Scott M. Gibson of Homiletics and Hermeneutics: Four Views on Preaching Today.

There is no question that pastors are under great stress today. Difficulties tear at the heart of the pastor but are often hidden from the view of the congregation. Kenneth Swetland presents a compelling look at this hidden world through true stories from pastors of different ages and from different parts of the country, various denominations, and diverse backgrounds. Meet Pete, Dirk, Norm, Ted, and others who face such problems as depression, sexual sin, family concerns, friction in staff relationships, gender and leadership conflicts, debt, and divorce. The thirteen case studies can be read alone or used by groups of pastors and/or students for discussion. Reading and discussing the case studies will give insight into the pastor's own problems. Having worked through their own concerns, they will be better equipped to minister to others. Laypeople would also benefit from reading the cases to gain deeper understanding of the world of pastoring and to learn when to offer support and counsel to their own pastors. 'The Hidden World of the Pastor' includes bibliographic entries as well as an appendix on how to teach a case study. Kenneth L. Swetland is an experienced pastor who now serves as Campus Pastoral Counselor at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is also the author of 'Facing Messy Stuff in the Church: Case Studies for Pastors and Congregations'.

A collection of fifteen case studies that give church leaders practical and realistic preparation to handle tough issues like sexual harassment, pornography, divorce, and the effects of abortion. The book includes discussion questions, an appendix for facilitating discussions, and a bibliography of additional resources.