Tactful Advice for Calling Your Next Pastor

After serving three churches for 35 years and 11 interims, Gary Straub's current ministry adventure involves leadership consultations. After three Chalice Press books on leadership, his last 15 years have been devoted to serving with Bethany Fellows, an ecumenical coaching/mentoring ministry for young pastors during their first 5 years in the parish, where a 40% dropout rate prevails. Currently, Bethany Fellows enjoy a 90% retention rate. Straub has an undergraduate degree from Ozark Bible College, a Masters in Pastoral Care and Doctorate in Pastoral Psychology from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and a Master of Theology from Princeton Seminary. A certified Spiritual Director with Shalem Institute, he is also a credentialed Valwood Leadership Coach. Gary presently conducts strategic ministry consultations, retreats and workshops, search process conversations, prayer days and spirituality seminars. Straub has been married for more than 40 years to Geneva, a psychiatric nurse with extensive background in family and addiction counseling. They are active members of Middletown Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Their two grown daughters also live in Louisville, with assorted dogs, cats and 3 grandchildren.