The Pastor's Start-Up Manual
provides a blueprint for seminary students moving into their first pastorate with answers to questions such as: What's the first thing I should do when I get to the church? What should my first sermon include? Should I unpack or start visiting members first? For seasoned clergy, the Manual shows how to learn the church history, determine when it's time to add additional staff, help family members adjust to a new community, and investigate multiple staff opportunities. Survey tools provide practical help in dealing with conflict and change in the congregation. Ramey offers women, minorities, and second-career clergy advice on dealing with the special issues they often encounter.