Description: A comprehensive resource for spiritual leadership development in the 21st century--for all faith traditions. Experts in the field explore how to train spiritual leaders who bring healing, faith, justice and support to communities and congregations.
Brief description:
Rev. Carlos Alejandro, MS, MDiv, BCC, is the clinical pastoral education supervisor at New York's Calvary Hospital and is certified by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). He has extensive experience in pastoral care and in clinical pastoral supervision in both traditional and challenging venues. The founding director of North General Hospital's Department of Pastoral Care and Education, Rev. Alejandro also created and led Harlem's Outreach Program for Emergencies (the HOPE team), a faith-based critical incident stress management (CISM) team. He went on to develop the first clinical pastoral education (CPE) supervisory training program in Puerto Rico, which is based in three hospitals and one major university. A board-certified chaplain with the Association of Professional Chaplains, he served as a corrections chaplain at Rikers Island Central Punitive Segregation Unit and at the Manhattan Detention Center, known as "the Tombs." A former journalist, Rev. Alejandro received a master's degree from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism and a master of divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary. An ordained minister with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he lectures on Afro-Caribbean spirituality and pastoral care, spirituality and trauma, and cultural issues in end-of-life care.
Review Quotes:
"Invaluable.... The breadth of topics and depth of presentation assures that [this] will be a significant resource for seminary education and practical ministry for years to come."
-Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; author, A Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit into Congregational Life
"Timely, informative and inspirational ... much needed in a world yearning for the creation and nurture of the fundamentally new that is also fundamentally better."
-Lester Edwin J. Ruiz, MDiv, PhD, director, Accreditation and Institutional Evaluation, Association of Theological Schools
"Bold.... Offers most helpful guidelines for seasoned caregivers as well as a new generation of potential leaders who recognize the extraordinary gift of spirituality."
-Cain Hope Felder, professor and editor, The Journal of Religious Thought, Howard University School of Divinity
"The book we have been waiting for to move the church forward in an uncertain age. An outstanding resource for congregational leaders. Every member in every pew needs this book."
-Ralph B. Watkins, PhD, DMin, associate professor of evangelism and church growth, Columbia Theological Seminary
"A practical and necessary resource in theological education.... It models in content and format the richness, multidimensionality and flexibility characteristic of contemporary spiritual leadership."
-Dr. Carmen Nanko-Fernández, associate professor of pastoral ministry and director, Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry, Catholic Theological Union
"When the nation, corporations and religious communities cry for creative and effective leadership with integrity, this timely book answers the challenge."
-Hak Joon Lee, professor of theology and ethics, Fuller Theological Seminary
"An incredible cadre of leaders ... provides insights and tools to help empower the next generation to shape our communities and shepherd our journeys."
-Rev. David Emmanuel Goatley, PhD, executive director, Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society
"A treasure chest.... I felt blessed being in the company of leaders, being mentored all at once, at the flip of every page."
-Rev. Prof. Neal D. Presa, PhD, moderator, 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA); pastor, Presbyterian Church, Middlesex, NJ; affiliate assistant professor for preaching and worship, New Brunswick Theological Seminary
"Persuasive [and] compelling.... Provides a contemporary leadership model that integrates emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of humanity, thereby offering future leaders the tools needed to pursue personal growth and realize self-fulfillment."
-Yvonne Simons, executive director, the Anne Frank Center, USA
"Helps spiritual leaders ... develop their leadership gifts in the crucible of caring, crisis, community and congregational environments. Your investment in walking through this book will bring gracious and generous returns as you identify and implement the lessons offered by gifted, wise and tested leaders."
-Rev. Dr. Thomas R. De Vries, MDiv, DMin, general secretary, Reformed Church in America