Congregations want to support their pastors, but don't know how. Pastors love their congregations, but they don't know what to ask of their congregations to garner needed support. Everyone wants to thrive together, but so often we get stuck. This clear and engaging guide helps pastors and congregations bridge communication gaps and set mutual goals and expectations.

Reverend Keck grounds his framework of expectations on both scholarly research and on interviews he's conducted with pastors and lay people. He finds many common difficulties in churches arise from failing to discuss priorities and expectations, and from not effectively working through the problems that arise when expectations aren't met. For pastors and congregants to arrive at common expectations, they need to understand each other-their respective needs, hopes, and distinctive callings.

This book provides concrete steps to aid congregants and pastors communicate their mutual expectations. Keck presents fifty "expectation statements"-examples of what pastors and congregations can expect of one another; a vital resource to anyone who seeks to initiate a discussion of expectations in their own church. Elucidating goals and expectations allows congregations and pastors to support one another and flourish, and fosters church health and harmony.

By David A. Keck

Foreword
Preface
Introduction: What Everyone Wants--A Healthy, Vibrant Church Community

Part I: Shared Expectation
Introduction: The Power of Expectations
1. Ten Principles for a Vibrant Church Community
2. Six Guides for You and Your Church

Part II: What Healthy Congregations Expect from Faithful Pastors
Introductions: What It's Like to Be a Pastor
3. Theology and Worship: Focusing on God
4. Self-Knowledge and Self-Care: Pastors Practicing What They Preach
5. Healthy Servant Leadership: Serving So Others Can Lead

Part III: What Faithful Pastors Expect from Healthy Congregations
Introduction: How to Cultivate a Great Pastor
6. Mission and Ministry: Following a Crucified Savior and Being Prepared to Die
7. Administration and StructureL Organizing for Effective Ministry
8. Supporting the Pastor: A Covenantal Approach
9. The Pastor's Family: Supporting Those Who Support the Pastor
10. Concluding Expectations: Personal Maturity and Communal Wisdom

Conclusion: Looking Ahead, with Specifics

Appendix 1: Conducting a Mutual Ministry Review
Appendix 2: Ten Principles and Fifty-Six Expectations for a Healthy, Vibrant Congregation
Bibliography
Notes