Practical Guide for Priests and Pastors, A Author: Nasr, Fr Constantine Publisher: Theosis Publishing Company

The Christian community holds an impressive legacy of classical literature on the care of persons. It is an inheritance that is possessed, but which has not been claimed. Each generation must claim it anew if it is to be received and enjoyed.

Like its predecessor, Crisis Ministries, Becoming a Minister is part of a four-volume series designed to present in plain English the most indispensable texts of pastoral writers prior to the eighteenth century. The overarching theme, the care of souls or pastoral care, is divided into four interrelated volumes focused respectively upon the calling, the tasks of ministry, soul care, and crisis ministries.

This volume is concerned with the person and self-understanding of the minister or care-giving agent. It treats the call to the caring office, the way in which one’s inner sense of calling is affirmed by a judicatory or corporate body in ordination, orders of ministry, set-apartness, and the shepherding metaphor that embraces all other metaphors of pastoral care. This is followed by discussions of due authorization to servant ministry; the purpose of ministry; the relation of the general ministry of the whole church to the sacred or ordained ministry; the orders of diakonos, presbuteros, episkopos; women in ministry; and preparation for ministry through study and spiritual formation.

Texts have been drawn chiefly from patristic, and to a lesser degree medieval and reformation, sources. Earlier texts are preferred to later texts unless the later text is distinctly clearer or broader in implications. The texts are linked by a narrative that provides thematic introduction, clarification, and rudimentary commentary on the contemporary meaning of ancient ideas.

Christ at Work: Orthodox Christian Perspectives on Vocation Author: Bezzerides, Ann Publisher: Holy Cross Orthodox Press

Feed My Sheep: The Thoughts and Words of Philip Saliba Author: Saliba, Philip Publisher: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press

Inner Way: Toward a Rebirth of Eastern Christian Spiritual Direction Author: Allen, Jospeh Publisher: Holy Cross Orthodox Press

Introduction to Pastoral Care Author: Gerkin, Charles V. Publisher: Abingdon Press

Lost in America: How You and Your Church Can Impact the World Next Door Author: Clegg and Bird Publisher: Group Publishing

Hope and healing for those who suddenly find themselves in the most terrible sort of grief 

For those who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or the loss of a baby within the first year, this gentle resource offers: stories of hope and wisdom; practical advice and guidance, based on the experience of many; comfort and ways to honor and remember.

Naming the Child creates a community of love and support for bereaving parents and siblings after the loss of a baby, written with a light touch and sensitive spirit.

“When I was nineteen weeks pregnant with my second child, Emma, I had a miscarriage. Its impossible to know ahead of time how such an experience will impact you or your marriage. I recognized many of the challenges I faced in Naming the Child. I can say with confidence that this is an amazing resource.”
-Amy Wilson, lawyer and mother of three

Noble Task: Entry into the Clergy in the First Five Centuries Author: Russell, Norman Publisher: Holy Cross Orthodox Press