The Last Pastor

Faithfully Steering a Closing Church

by Gail Cafferata

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Pub Date Jan 21 2020 | Archive Date Feb 02 2021

Christian

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Description

Gail Cafferata was heartbroken when the church she pastored voted to close its doors. It may have been the right decision, but it led to a million questions in her mind about her call, leadership, and future. She began to think that other pastors who close churches perhaps go through this same experience. This led her to obtain a grant to conduct a sociological study of over 130 pastors in five historically established denominations (Episcopal, Lutheran, United Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ) who were called to serve churches that closed. This book tells the results of that study, which consisted of many interviews, and the hard-won lessons learned by these courageous pastors.

Gail Cafferata was heartbroken when the church she pastored voted to close its doors. It may have been the right decision, but it led to a million questions in her mind about her call, leadership...

Advance Praise

“Rev. Cafferata breaks the silence and gives voice to pastors who have shepherded their flocks through church decline and closing. She brings both personal and professional care to understanding the unique role of pastoring a dying congregation.” —John L. Odom is presbyter for Community Life, the Presbytery of Mid-Kentucky, Presbyterian Church (USA) “Gail Cafferata brings together the rigorous research of a professional sociologist, the experience of a devoted pastor who herself had to close a church, and the deep insight of a theologian in this significant book written for church leaders having to close churches.” —William S. Stafford, Dean Emeritus of The School of Theology, Sewanee (Episcopal Church) “This is the book I wish I’d had years ago when my first call found me leading a church through closing. Using stories and insights from her and other clergy’s experiences, she affirms God’s presence and helps to navigate the journey.” —Lucy Kolin, Bridge Pastor, Sierra Pacific Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
“Gail Cafferata helps us understand the complexity of deciding when and how to conclude a ministry. She does so with sensitivity to the spiritual and practical dimensions of the decision to close a church that is informed both by extensive research and personal experience.” —William McKinney, President Emeritus, Pacific School of Religion (United Church of Christ)