"This book addresses a major need." -Christian Standard Reports from churches indicate that poor interpersonal relationships are the primary reasons for minister failure. Though they are taught the important skills of how to interpret the Bible, how to discern and articulate doctrine, how to direct worship services, and more, ministers are eventually faced with a congregation. While they may frequently call on some skills and others not at all, interpersonal relationship skills are vital to any ministry. This book is designed to aid ministers, seminary students, denominational leaders, and church members nurture their relationships with one another and with God, and to help the understanding of oneself and of others that is part of the minister's task. These essays, from the faculty of the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, focus on four areas of concern: relationship with oneself, with family, in the church, and in the community. Above all, these lessons are devised to aid in nurturing a secure setting for effectiveness in the ministry and in service to God. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Jeanine Bozeman is a licensed clinical social worker who organizes conferences for couples, youth, and family enrichment in the southeast. She is currently the chair of the Division of Education Ministries and a professor of social work at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Mrs. Bozeman has published articles on a number of relationship issues in national publications. Argile Smith was the chair of the Division of Pastoral Ministries and the director of communications at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Smith has written a number of Bible studies for Sunday school periodicals. His articles on preaching and pastoral ministry have appeared in such respected publications as The Deacon, Church Administration, and Proclaim. He is currently the pastor at First Baptist Church of Biloxi, Mississippi.
