THE PASTOR'S HANDBOOKS respect the importance of the minister's place in society. The books in this series speak to the myriad tasks of ministry in a down-to-earth manner. Popularly written, they draw upon the behavioral sciences and the wellsprings of theology to elicit better ways for pastors to carry out the many diverse roles and functions that are part of their life's work.

HELPING LAITY HELP OTHERS

Defining ministry as the shared responsibility of clergy and congregation, Stanley J. Menking describes how pastors can help the laity fulfill their mission of service. He offers concrete examples of many different projects that can be initiated to meet community needs. Among the topics he covers are the pastor's spirituality and preparation for leading the laity, the establishment of a positive congregational climate, determination of the pastoral needs to be addressed, and the actual development of a realistic and challenging ministry. He considers organizational structure, ways to recruit and train laity, and methods of funding social service projects

STANLEY J. MENKING is Associate Dean, The Theological School, Drew University, Madison, New Jersey. He has had extensive pastoral experience in Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.