The Pastor as Friend?: Understanding Dynamics of Friendship and Friendliness Within a Pastoral Ministry...

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Dan Holder John Swinton

The Pastor as Friend?

Understanding Dynamics of Friendship and Friendliness Within a Pastoral Ministry

Dan Holder, John Swinton

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Hardback

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English

Pickwick Publications
23 January 2025

Christianity; Christian theology; Christian life & practice; Christian social thought & activity; Family & relationships

Have you ever wondered what it means for pastors to be friends with people in their churches? This is the fascinating question that Dan Holder dives into in this thought-provoking book. He uses in-depth interviews with ordained pastors and their real-life struggles and joys to get close to the essence of what friendship and friendliness mean in the pastoral setting. Reflecting theologically on the findings and grappling with the thought and experience of figures such as Bonhoeffer, Moltmann, and C. S. Lewis, he takes up in detail the four elements found to be essential to friendship: mutuality, affection, freedom, and openness. Then envisioning what revised forms of practice for pastors in a local congregation might look like, he formulates nine themes for a fruitful approach to pastoral friendship. Holder doesn't shy away from the tough questions or try to offer easy answers. Instead, he invites readers into a nuanced, thoughtful exploration of the topic, one that acknowledges both the potential pitfalls and the profound opportunities of these relationships. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged. Who knows? Readers may just discover a new vision for the role of friendship in their own lives and ministries.

By: Dan Holder
Foreword by: John Swinton
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 508g
ISBN: 9798385213887
Pages: 254
Publication Date: 23 January 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Dan Holder is an ordained pastor in the Swiss Reformed Church in Basel. Together with his wife Martina Holder-Franz they have been in church ministry for over twenty-five years.

Reviews for The Pastor as Friend?: Understanding Dynamics of Friendship and Friendliness Within a Pastoral Ministry

""Following Jesus offers valuable friendship. How does that relate to the pastoral ministry? Dan Holder's study fills a gap in research. What a fine book! It is inspiring and useful for anyone interested in theology and congregational life."" --Ralph Kunz, professor of practical theology, University of Zurich ""In this illuminating book, Dr. Holder engages an important question regarding pastors' experiences of friendship within their congregations in the Swiss Reformed Church. He helpfully articulates dynamics of not only friendship but also friendliness within pastoral work. What's more, the nuance of his discussion around forms of revised practice--a nuance framed and enhanced by his own experiences as a pastor-scholar--makes this a significant contribution to the literature about pastoral friendships."" --Chloe Lynch, lecturer in practical theology, London School of Theology