Author: Kirk Byron Jones
Located in: Randolph, MA
Submitted: April 06, 2001
Tell us a little about yourself. I have been married to Mary Brown-Jones for twenty years.
We have four children: Jasmine, Jared, Joya, and
Jovonna. After pastoring for twenty years, I now
teach social ethics and preaching at Andover
Newton Theological School, Newton Centre, MA.
What was your motivation behind this project? The inspiration for Rest in the Storm is my own
struggle to serve others without doing violence
to myself, and without neglecting proper care for
those closest to me: my wife and my children.
I am convinced that overloaded living and chronic
hurry are hindrances to life in general and
ministry in particular.
Over the years, I have learned and re-learned
important biblical truths that have helped me
overcome overload. The book is my testimony,
informed by study and the rich insights of other
teachers and authors.
Though the book is written with clergy especially
in mind, I write with all caregivers in mind,
including teachers, health-care professionals,
and adults caring for loved ones who may be ill
or simply not able to care for themselves.
Caregivers are especially vulnerable to
overcommitment. Rest in the Storm offers
practical strategies that will help you care for
others without losing focus on your own
wellness.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I want persons to learn that they are as precious
to God as the people they serve and the service
they render.
I want persons to give themselves permission to
take time out for themselves and not feel guilty
about it.
I want persons to receive biblical-theological
truths that will teach them to incorporate an
ethic of self-care into an ethic of self-
sacrifice.
Along the way, readers will be introduced to two
biblical strategies that have changed my
life: "Getting to the Back of the Boat," and
living life at a "Savoring Pace." Both strategies
are drawn from Mark 4:35-41. This amazing story
of Jesus in the storm is a powerful metaphor for
effective and creative ministry. Signifcantly,
Jesus takes time out to rest, and he practices a
sacred, savoring ministry pace: the speed of
peace.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? Richard Swenson, author of Margin and The
Overload Syndrome has had a significant influence
on my thinking. I respect and cherish the
writing, thinking, and struggles of Henri
Nouwen. In addition to my quiet time, which I
observe every day, I draw energy, hope and joy
from reading poetry and listening to Gospel and
Jazz music.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: Please read my article on self-care in ministry
in the Spring 2001 issue of Leadership Journal.
Also, you may read an excerpt of Rest in the
Storm: Self-Care Strategies for Clergy and Other
Caregivers at www.savoringpace.com
