THE FIRST PARISH

A Pastor's Survival Manual by J. Keith Cook

Written in down-to-earth language, here is a practical model for successful ministry by a pastor with over twenty years of experience. Designed for seminarians as well as seasoned and beginning pastors, this book introduces the art of ministry, demonstrating that a good beginning is the best foundation for long-term successful parish work. With wit and humor, Dr. Cook describes how to relate to the congre gation productively and how to find personal fulfillment in the service of the church.

The topics covered are basic and comprehensive Cook tells how to get a parish, how to be a good minister from the first day on, and how to move on gracefully when the time comes. He shows how to make creative changes in a congregation resistant to change and how to preach on controversial topics. Readers will find a gold mine of pertinent informa tion in this easy-to-read manual for survival.

J. KEITH COOK is senior pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the Master in Omaha, Nebraska.