Finding Yourself in Chaos

The blessings and burdens that come with a life in ministry and religious leadership present complex situations and personal struggles that left unaddressed can lead to burn out and a loss of vocational conviction. A minister’s spiritual and mental wellbeing is an essential part of them being an effective servant of God, so it’s important that they be supported and equipped to handle the chaos that modern life brings.

Recognizing and embracing the transitional pain of life events like divorce, retirement, the death of family member, authors James R. Newby and Mark Minear guide readers through a plan of action focused on self-discovery and renewal of spirit.

This book speaks to ministers in local churches who are questioning themselves, in transition, and are experiencing chaos, and who still want to be effective ministers. It is also for congregational leaders and denominational leaders who would like to understand both the perils and possibilities of the chaos some of the religious leaders under their care and jurisdiction are experiencing.

James R. Newby is the Minister and Public Friend at Cincinnati Friends (Quaker) Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio. Before coming to Cincinnati, Jim was the Minister of Faith and Learning at the Wayzata Community United Church of Christ in Wayzata, Minnesota, and the Minister of Spiritual Growth at Plymouth Congregational, United Church of Christ in Des Moines, Iowa. He has served as the Director of the Yokefellow Institute at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and was on the faculty of the Earlham School of Religion. Jim holds degrees from Friends University, Earlham School of Religion, William Penn University and Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author and editor of 11 books including, Gathering the Seekers (Alban), Sacred Chaos: One Man’s Spiritual Journey Through Pain and Loss, and Reflections from the Inner Light: A Journal of Quaker Spirituality.

Mark Minear earned his PhD in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 1997. He returned to graduate school after 20 years in the pastoral ministry. Besides Ball State, he holds degrees from the Earlham School of Religion and William Penn University. He is currently a licensed psychologist in the State of Iowa and practices full-time, providing psychotherapy assessment, consultation and training. Mark utilizes a multi-dimensional model of wellness in his therapeutic approach; this allows for his clients to work across physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, environmental and spiritual domains. He is on the team of counselors at the Des Moines, Iowa Pastoral Counseling Center.