The Pastor's Start-Up Manual provides a blueprint for seminary students moving into their first pastorate with answers to questions such as

"What's the first thing I should do when I get to the church?

"What should my first sermon include

"Should I unpack or start visiting members first

For seasoned clergy moving to a new church, The Pastor's Start-Up Manual shows how to:

learn the church's history

determine when it's time to add additional staff

help farmily members adjust to a new community

minister within the larger community

investigate multiple staff opportunities

Survey tools provide practical help in dealing with conflict and change in the congregation. Ramey offers women, minorities, and second career clergy advice on dealing with the special issues they often encounter in ministry

An invaluable guide for weathering the first few months of a new ministry. Highly recommended.