The Lutheran Handbook for Pastors

Having engaged countless believers in their every day faith with seriousness and humor, now does the same for pastors. Any pastor's needs close at hand in any circumstance but with a laugh along the way. Includes: Luther's five biggest dilemmas and how handled them, how to recover from christmas and easter, how to keep job/family, and how to retire. Luther's call to ministry, how to follow Jesus, seven biblical preachers, how to drink coffee, welcome vistors, staying fit, single social life, all covered here. Luther's challenge of the Catholic church 500 years ago opened the door to religous freedom. There are some 500 million Lutherans worldwide, taking their name from Martin Luther (NOT king Jr.!!!) a monk and revolutionary thinker.

I have really enjoyed the author's "Handbook" series (though I was much less thrilled with the "Lutheran Handbook II" (see my review)). With only one caveat, I can say that this book ("Lutheran Handbook for Pastors") is a solid effort and I recommend it to Lutherans across the spectrum (ELCA, LCMS, & WELS). The one caveat is that the ordination of women is not accepted by either the LCMS and WELS, thus I had a hard time getting past the cartoons which pictured female pastors. Contrary to the author's subtle dig in the "Lutheran Handbook II," I am no sexist - I simply believe the Bible does not allow for the ordination of women. Excepting this, I enjoyed this book.

I've been in the parish for over a dozen years. I wish I would have had this book in seminary....or, at least by the time I was into internship. Writing is very straight forward and has the touch of humor found in The Lutheran Handbook. Invaluable resource for pastors, no matter how long we've been in the parish.