Take Courage is a collection of essays, written by pastors and professors, about the care and cure of souls in the 21st century. As spiritual physicians, pastors are called to diagnose and treat all those suffering with the disease of sin. This noble task requires much from these undershepherds who are placed over Christ's flock. Yet the Good Shepherd himself has provided the effective tools of this healing art: the life-giving word and sacraments. Pastors, then, specialize in applying the medicine of forgiveness and bringing comfort to broken consciences. Collectively, these essays teach and expound upon this theme. This helpful book honors the 45 years of faithful service given by one such undershepherd, Harold L. Senkbeil. As a pastor, seminary professor, author, speaker, husband, father, and the executive director of DOXOLOGY, Senkbeil has consistently provided competent treatment for both laity and pastors by distributing the forgiveness won by Jesus on the cross.
"Take Courage, the Festschrift in honor of Pastor Harold Senkbeil's long and fruitful ministry, delivers that which the title bids. Whether debunking the missional church paradigm by confessing the church as family, exposing the misguided mantra of pastor as leader with the true identity of pastor as a servant, or unpacking the gifts of confessing Christ's ascension for the pastoral ministry, these essays offer both timely and practical help. As the reflection on Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us to be first served by Christ before we attempt to show mercy to others, this collection reflects how that truth has transformed the heart of Pastor Senkbeil and those blessed by his life."
Rev. Paul F. Becker, S.T.M. Concordia Lutheran Church, Kingsport, Tennessee
