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Praise for Wind and Whirlwind

This is truly an inspirational and immensely helpful book. David Moffett- Moore lived through one of the most difficult experiences a pastor can possibly endure. By reflecting deeply on his own personal crisis in ministry, he has written a wonderful guide for other pastors as well as for those who care about them. While this book will benefit clergy immensely, it will also serve as a great resource for members of congregations as well. In this relatively short book, he provides a cogent analysis of current ecclesiastical realities and their impact upon clergy. However, this book does not stop with analysis. Through the simple meditations he suggests and the questions he provides, David Moffett- Moore offers all of his readers useful tools for personal growth and understanding. In doing so, he makes a major contribution to clergy-congregation relationships. This is a significant book!

Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle

Pastor, Second Congregational Church, UCC, Manchester, CT

For clergy who have time to read only one book on congregational conflict, it should be Wind and Whirlwind. After providing a concise, but thorough, summary of cultural changes and their impact on congregational life, Moffett-Moore offers wise counsel on practices congregations and their leaders can adopt to manage any conflict that may emerge, from its inception. Couched within a description of Moffett-Moore’s own personal experience of finding himself at the center of congregational conflict as a pastor, and peppered with the illustrations one would expect of a good preacher, Wind and Whirlwind is thoroughly engaging and readable. An excellent resource both for clergy and for use with congregational leaders.

Rev. Lolly Dominski

President, Academy of Parish Clergy

Morton Grove Community Church, Presbyterian, Morton Grove, Illinois

PhD Candidate in Liturgical Studies,

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

David Moffett-Moore’s book, Wind and Whirlwind is a thoughtful and inspiring manuscript. The questions at the end for reflection and meditation offer an important spiritual grounding consistent with kinds of practices that allow clergy to cope with these types of challenges. At some point in their careers, most clergy hit a snag in their ministries and become the focus of their congregation’s angst. David does an excellent job of describing this overwhelming and devastating experience with candor and grace. But the most important thing he does is to role model how to get grounded when this happens, how to find support, how to take responsibility for the growth opportunity this presents and how to continue to lead in the midst of managing one’s own feelings. This should be required reading for all clergy early in their careers.

Susan Nienaber

Senior Consultant

The Alban Institute

No mere armchair advice. As a pastor who has survived the storms of conflict, David Moffett-Moore provides bearings and invites you to celebrate. “Most jobs have a ‘to do’ list. Ministry has a ‘to be’ list.” Moffett-Moore models authentic “spiritual calisthenics”—practices to reorient your own body, mind and spirit for serving well.

Rev. Dr. Kent Ira Groff, APC

retreat leader, spiritual companion

and author of Clergy Table Talk and Honest to God Prayer