Dancing Through Thistles in Bare FeetA Pastoral Journey by Gary Harder |
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What makes a reluctant but successful music-loving pastor tick? Gary Harder tells of forty-two years in that role with these deeply personal, inviting, and honest stories. Amid the chaos of people's lives, Harder finds, God is often present in unexpected ways. Harder creates a candid and lively conversation between experience and reflection; between the biblical witness and the stark reality of conflict in the church; between crisis and opportunities for ministry.
"This is narrative pastoral theology at its best. It springs from life situations, and its grounded in good biblical exegesis and clear theological reflection. Each encounter expresses the clarity, candor, humility and honesty of the servant stance that sees the good and brings out the best in others. And when things are going wrong, God appears." - David Augsburger, Fuller Theological Seminary
"Gary Harder reflects on his difficult and formative experiences in ministry and the painful leadership choices of a recent ministry quandary that became very public. Through Gary's engaging writing style, we glimpse why his congregations have valued his preaching so highly. In these stories from his pastoral journey with four congregations, we see his thoughtful, compassionate approach lived out." - Sue C. Steiner, spiritual director and clergy coach
About the Author
Gary Harder became pastor of Toronto United Mennonite Church in 1987. He was born in Rosemary, Alberta and grew up on a farm. He attended Mennonite schools and colleges and became a pastor in 1965. In the 1990s, he served in various Mennonite leadership positions. He married Lydia Neufeld in 1964, and they are the parents of three children. He retired from pastoral ministry in 2007.