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.

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.

It is a privilege to share through the ministry of writing this remarkable life with others. The life of Tom Tipton begins as a child in segregated Washington, DC; travels through the powerful music world of jazz, gospel music, and the old hymns; reaches into politics and the struggles and hopes of desegregation; explores worldwide evangelism; and is still being lived out in 2013 in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. It would be a mistake to suppose that Tom Tipton's biography is just one more in the array of books that represent the cult of personal exposure. His is different in kind. His message is one of encouragement to the thousands of people who are now discouraged. His story belongs in one sense to the literature of witness, but in a far deeper sense, it belongs to the literature of hope. It is my hope that those who read these words will have their own lives enriched, in the same way that Tom Tipton has enriched so many lives through his ministry of music. He is an amazing man who has the gift of bringing out the best in others. Prepare for a spiritual experience.

This volume includes three of Penn's works: Some Fruits of Solitude, More Fruits of Solitude, and The Rise and Progress of the People Called Quakers. The maxims and comments on life are as true today as when Penn wrote them. Readers are invited to hear about the founding of Friends from one who was there.