"Pastoral ministry is not taught in a classroom. It is learned in the way one learns a craft-by spending time as an apprentice to someone with great skill and experience. That is what Paul Clayton, a skilled and experienced pastor, provides in this book. In these letters to a young pastor, Reverend Clayton shares the fruit of his own pastoral experience to guide his young charge (and us!) into areas never touched upon in seminary, such as: organizing a staff meeting, planning a wedding or a baptism, addressing a congregational crisis. How I wish I had had such a sage and patient guide when I was starting out in ministry! Indeed, although I have spent twenty years in parish ministry, there is still much to learn from Paul Clayton. Reading this book is like having a wide-ranging conversation with a wise and caring mentor. All that is missing is the cup of coffee!"

Martin B. Copenhaver

Senior Pastor

Wellesley Congregational Church

(United Church of Christ)

Wellesley, Massachusetts

"This is a terrific book for a seminary student or a recently ordained minister. I would put Letters to Lee at the top of a must-buy list. I wish it had been available when I started out as a pastor thirty-five years ago. It is full of practical 'how-tos.' Paul Clayton has a deep love for the congregation and the pastoral ministry, but doesn't pull any punches about the realities of church life. His informal, warm style engages the reader in the week-to-week work of the pastor."

Benjamin Griffin

President

Andover Newton Theological School Newton Centre, Massachusetts