Patton shows how clergy can increase through a new synthesis of theological reflection on events.

Patton asserts that pastors need to understand why they "do" ministries. He describes a method for exploring the theological meaning of events in ministry and shows why this method is crucial for the life and work of the church. By using this method, pastors can gain answers to these and other questions:

Why am I "doing" this ministry?

What is the theological significance of this experience for me and others?

How can this event increase the effectiveness of my ministry overall?

Patton illustrates how an event can speak to, enrich, modify, or even change one's understanding of a particular theological idea or belief, and how that, in turn, can direct a pastor's practical ability to perform in ministry.

"His most creative book yet clear, concise, and accessible to a wide audience.... The procedures suggested would redeem many clinical pastoral education groups from stereotyped ruts."

-WAYNE E OATES

SENIOR PROFESSOR OF PSYCHIATRY AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE