“I wish this resource had been available when I was a pastor and candidate. In my present role of mentor to pastors I continually see the apprehension by pastors and search committees as they approach this process. This book will prepare pastors and churches to approach this crucial time with confidence, with complete information, and with God.”
The Rev. Clark F. Coughlin, Pastoral Mentor, Vision New England
“Using nautical imagery, Withers has assembled a verbal vessel to help ministers navigate the journey of discovering and responding to God’s vocational call to serve a specific setting and people. It holds helpful tools for almost any minister to examine and more accurately present himself or herself to search teams. It gives ministers tools to assess both the congregation’s needs and a personal sense of God’s call. Search teams will find ideas to prompt their thinking and influence the search process. I know of no other work like it.”
Rev. Steven K. Allsbrook, D.Min. Executive Director of Missions, Dover Baptist Association
“With his warm and pastoral style, Bob invites us deeper into Christ. Charting the course provides wise counsel into the search process for both churches and candidates. He uses a well-conceived plan to identity the various aspects of discerning a pastoral calling. His thoughtful questions provide a safe haven prompting his readers to actually enjoy the journey of God’s faithfulness. This volume fulfills a true need and should prove a trustworthy guide for many called to proclaim Christ and for churches desirous to have them.”
Rev. David L. Palmer, Associate Pastor, Kenwood Baptist Church, Cincinnati, OH.
“Bob clearly has a heart for church health and understands the importance of the "marriage" between a church and its pastor begins with a "healthy courtship". Bob's guidance and direction proved invaluable to our search for a Senior Pastor. Without ever meeting and no first-hand knowledge of our church, Bob exceeded every expectation by his willingness to spendtime with me and answer my questions with very thorough, insightful and heartfelt answers.
“His guidance kept us from bowing to the urgency of finding a pastor as quickly as possible and led us to conduct a self-analysis process…before looking at candidates. This process gave us a greater understanding of who we are as a congregation and the needs of the body as well as a better appreciation and understanding of each other. In the interview process, it oriented our discussion and line of questioning and helped us answer the candidates' questions about us. The end result was a unity of spirit that would not have come otherwise and a hearty agreement and enthusiasm about the candidate we believe the Lord is calling to our body.”
Lance Hutt, Search Committee Member
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