Ready, Set, Lead!: The New Pastor's Guide to Starting Ministry

Church Leadership

Packed with practical tips, reproducible pages, checklists, and suggested resources, this ready-to-use resource will help first-time pastors or those new to an established church get started the first day and the first Sunday.

This book leads the new pastor through creative ideas and concrete suggestions for getting started in church ministry by providing worksheets for planning and organizing worship, weddings, and funerals; questions to ask during pastoral visits to help both the pastor and parishioner feel at ease; suggestions for managing conflict; and ways to create opportunities for fellowship, study, outreach, and mission in the church--and much more.

"Ward and Brey address the questions a new pastor may not even have thought to ask: 'How do I plan a wedding?' 'How hard can I push for change?' or simply, 'Should I phone first or just stop by to talk?' Their guidance is simple and useful, allowing for a diversity of ministerial styles. The book will be a gift to anyone anxious about starting a pastorate."

The Reverend Glenn  Schwerdtfeger, Pastor, Maynard Avenue United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio

"I wish I’d had this resource when I began pastoral ministry over twenty-five years ago. It would have shortened the learning curve considerably. This book cuts across denominational lines as well as different faith perspectives. Like a good constitution it provides a strong framework; in this case, a framework for caring and enduring ministries in the name of Jesus Christ."

Frank Ramirez, Pastor of the Everett (PA) Church of the Brethren, Everett, Pennsylvania

"Emphasizing self-awareness and purposeful action, Ward and Brey have compiled a helpful set of advice, direction, checklists, and resources. Refreshingly practical, this beginners' book offers detailed insight to successfully working in partnership with a congregation."

Mary L Hubbard, Pastor, First United Methodist Church, Portage, Indiana

"Ready, Set, Lead is packed with practical advice on how to get a good start in ministry with a congregation. It raises the right questions for a new pastor to consider. I commend this book as a primer for ministers of every denomination."

Richard L. Hamm, Church Consultant/Coach and former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Steven P. Brey is pastor of Spring Lake United Methodist Church in Spring Lake, North Carolina.

Lynda C. Ward is a freelance writer, and holds an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School and a certification in Spiritual Direction from Neumann College.