Their original dream was to write a book about systemic thinking and healthy churches.  The move to Minnesota and separate very active pastoral ministries deferred that dream.  With the call to Louisville, David found himself in a job which actually paid him to write and publish, so he became the primary author of Hope in Conflict. However, as you will see in the Acknowledgements, the book was really as much Deborah’s as David’s.  The stories in the book draw on both of their experiences as pastors, interim pastors and consultants.

Now they’re back to a joint practice of providing wisdom for churches on the move.  See their vita for more background.  Look at the schedule of events and a sample training module for a better idea of how they can help you and your church.  They anticipate continuing their working relationships with judicatory leaders, pastors and lay leaders of a variety of denominations.

Building on their more recent research, and following up on Hope in Conflict, they are working on a book about how congregations address identity and change to flourish in the 21^st century. They are parents of four mid-thirties professionals and live in Louisville with Finian the wheaten terrier and Ambrose the black and white cat. For fun they read novels, garden, shop farmers markets, cook, hike, enjoy jazz and symphonic music.

Bass School of the Laity – Practical Ministry for Lay Pastors

St. Simons Island, Georgia.  Contact Presbytery of Savanna: lgaris@savannapresbytrery.org

Hugh Halverstadt, author of Managing Church Conflict