| Format: Paperback Number of Pages: 152 Vendor: Judson Press Publication Date: 1973 | Dimensions: 8.50 X 5.50 (inches) ISBN: 0817013938 ISBN-13: 9780817013936 |
Drawing from biblical, theological, and sociological sources as well as personal experience, author Kirk Jones discusses the fundamental importance of self-care for clergy and other professionals engaged in helping people. Filled with creative and practical strategies for integrating self-care into vocational life, this compelling resource identifies the factors that influence overload and outlines plausible strategies for escaping such bondage. Rest in the Storm is a lifeline for caregivers who feel overwhelmed by the demands of their calling or profession.
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
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