Books by James Wm McClendon

We live in a world of widespread awareness of diversity. The variety of ethnicities, cultures, world views, and politics is common to anyone who takes advantage of media, communications, and travel technologies. Some diversities are quite trivial and merely provoke a smile or a shake of the head. But differences in those beliefs that guide our lives, thatmake us what we are - these are another matter. They are indeed the stuff of arguments, manifestos, estrangements, revolutions, and wars. Why is this so? In a way, this book is an answer to that question.

Making Gospel Sense is theologian James Wm. McClendon, Jr.'s riveting story of his experiences as an interim pastor in a floundering congregation. Through twenty-six prophetic sermons, each introduced by interpretive commentary, McClendon describes his call to the church, the struggle between disparate personalities, the difficulties and rewards of moving from classroom to sanctuary, and the evolution of his congregation from seemingly hopeless decline to spirited recovery. Here is a microcosm of today's church - a tale of anxiety, dissension, self-discovery, and renewal. Essential reading for pastors, seminarians, and all those who care about the church, 'Making Gospel Sense' is at once a challenging and inspiring pilgrimage to the true meaning of ministry.