Kennon Callahan is well known for his previous books and consulting work. This latest book is aimed at helping pastors who are starting out in a new congregation or pastors and congregations who want to renew their relationship. Callahan has a fresh focus for this reader. So many of the church experts today urge pastors to focus on the problems of their new congregations. Callahan insists that the key to an effective ministry is an early focus on relationships. He describes how a new pastor should plan the first three months around key visits to regular worshippers, shut-ins and hospitalized. He also has suggestions for getting quickly involved in the community, scouting out the churchs mission field, developing a team of leaders and setting goals. The best thing about Callahans approach is his gentle and confident attitude and the flexibility of his advice.
