Being a First Church: What a Pastor's First Congregation Should Know

'Being A First Church' is a book for laypersons. It is addressed to the congregation whose pastor is new to ministry. Such a congregation has a unique opportunity to nurture, guide and support the novice minister as he or she becomes accustomed to ministry and acclimated to parish life. The author speaks to this opportunity by helping readers understand what is going on in the new pastor's heart and mind, particularly in the first two years, and by offering certain strategies by which members of the church can be helpful.

Mark E. Yurs, D.Min., was ordained to ministry in the United Church of Christ in 1982. He first served as pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ, Belvidere, Illinois, for nine years. Since 1991, he has been pastor of Salem United Church of Christ, Verona, Wisconsin. He resides in Verona with his wife and three children.