Product Description
Learn biblically-based principles for ministering to people and living a ministry life from a seasoned ministry wife, Mrs. Gordon (Gail) MacDonald. There is something here to fit just about everyone’s ministry world—the excitement, the struggles, the blessings, and the consequences. This work is thoroughly revised and updated from the author’s best-selling 1981 book of the same title, and is now available in paperback. The book is designed for casual reading, but it also includes discussion questions for study group or classroom use.

Gail MacDonald loves the ministry. Over a period of four decades, she has been involved with four congregations and one parachurch organization with her husband, Pastor Gordon MacDonald.

Throughout the book you will take a tour through these years of shared ministry. Like Paul the apostle who gave and received much from the churches, Gordon and Gail look gratefully at the journey they have shared with these distinctive groups of people.

It is Gail's prayer that readers will see their own uniqueness in God's design, never trying to be anyone but themselves—the people God intended them to be. When you are finished reading, she hopes that you have heard one unmistakable message—that a life of ministry in the church is still a high call, a high privilege. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great, especially for new pastors' wives!
I've read this book twice and have given it as gifts to new pastors' wives. The author is very transparent and generous in sharing difficulties she's faced in ministry. Gives a lot of hope and encouragement for those in ministry.

High Calling, High Privilege
"Even in those cheerless time which will come, we can affirm that they are neither the terminus nor the norm of experience. Instead, they are points of growth from which can emerge a clearer vision of how to reflect the splendor of God and the joys of personal relationships. God means for us to finish strong."

This quote is from the introduction to Gail MacDonald's book-High Call, High Privilege: A Pastor's Wife Speaks to Every Woman in a Place of Responsibility. I like this quote because "finishing strong" is something that I think about and pray for often. At the end of Paul's life he writes to Timothy,

"I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith."
(2 Timothy 4:7)

I remember reading this verse in a Bible class my first year of college and being inspired by Paul's confidence. I talked about it with my professor after class because I was baffled that Paul could say "I have," I asked my professor if that was a little arrogant and assumptive of Paul. At the time I thought most people should say it this way, "I've tried to fight the good fight, I've finished as much of the race as I could, I've done my best to keep the faith." The professor explained to me that through God's power, Paul was able to accomplish all that the Lord had called him to do in this life. God had saved Paul and then had completed the good work He had started in him. He said, "God can do this work in your life too, so that one day you could say these things with confidence."

High Call, High Privilege is a testimonial/autobiography of MacDonald's journey through life in church ministry. Her statement "God means for us to finish strong" is a theme that stood out to me throughout the book. Even when she faced disappointment, testing, pain and brokenness, she viewed them as "points of growth" in her walk with the Lord and was able to find joy in them. Her story was a huge inspiration to me of an example of a supportive wife, loving mother, and gentle and nurturing friend to all around her.

This book is brimming with practical lessons. As I read it I began to put in to practice some of MacDonald's disciplines that have shaped her life and ministry. MacDonald writes in such a personal way-weaving Biblical thought throughout her story-I began to think of her as a mentor to me. Some of things the Lord taught her were so encouraging-

Tend The Fire Within

In the first chapter MacDonald presents this concept of "time at the fire." She tells a story that as a new Christian, she heard an old missionary speak and he said, "Untended fires soon die and become just a pile of ashes." He said that the fire burns in the heart of the one who follows Christ and this flame cannot go unmanaged or it will dwindle into ashes.

MacDonald writes:

"My life was altered by that simple statement...It all begins with the fire within and your heart attitude. Tending the fire within is another way of talking about being open to the presence of Christ. It is what makes me long for his likeness, offers direction and stability, established proper motives and responses. Here is is that the real issues of the Christian faith are thought out and pressed into action." (p. 2)

I really liked this analogy of my relationship with Christ as a fire. John gives us an account of Christ with His disciples that made this concept poignant for me. In John 21 Christ is risen and the disciples see Him and make their way to shore. When they get there He is sitting with a fire and breakfast. This idea of us meeting Jesus at the "fire" to eat and learn is profound. Spending time in prayer with the Lord, studying His Word is vital and this is where life starts. Until this is understood and actualized all we are doing is in vain.

MacDonald closes her thoughts on this concept by writing:

"It takes time to come to the fire, it takes effort to keep the fire burning, it takes a willingness to become quiet enough to hear what God might be saying and it takes courage to snuff out the competing sounds and demands that attempt to shorten or neutralize the effect of the fire time.

But here is the great choice that must be made virtually everyday. Do I give priority attention to tending the fire within, or do I surrender to the alternatives of busyness, hurry, people pleasing, or the seemingly urgent that slowly starves my spirit and my resolve to be the woman God wants me to be? If that fire burns brightly, I share the experience of the disciples; of it dwindles unattended, I am gradually surrounded by a chill marking the onset of weakness and confusion." (p. 5)

Be Hospitable

Romans 12:13 commands believers to "practice hospitality." Hospitality is a spiritual gift (1 Peter 4:9) and one I have seen the Lord develop in my own life. I really gleaned from MacDonald's thoughts on this-

"We decided to use our home as a tool...Gordon and I wanted to know people better and to serve them. We were hoping that people would be drawn to one another as a result of being in our home. Those nights added a warmth and an acceptance in many people's hears that would not have happened had we not developed such close contact."

What a beautiful lesson. This so resounded with me, that I immediately talked with my husband about making our home open to people so that we can know and serve them. I desire those same things MacDonald shares for my home. Too often we feel disconnected and distant from people in our church bodies, even friends, because we allow ourselves to become too busy and closed to be bothered with having to straighten up the house and fix a nice meal. I hope this is something the Lord will continue to work out in our lives as we make ourselves more open to people by being hospitable to them!

What is your sermon?

If you are a wife of a husband who teaches, you know the rigors that a pastor puts into his sermon. Each week I try to devote myself to helping Bobby prepare his sermon. That doesn't mean I'm sitting with him going over Greek verbs and Bible commentaries. But I try to do what it takes to help him prepare a sermon that will be a tool in God's hand to work in the lives of our students. MacDonald writes about supporting her husband in this way and shares about an insight her husband had about her asking,

"What is Gail's sermon? It's the home she prepares for the children and me. Gail preached her sermon when she cooked a meal...kept the house neat, and planted flowers in the front yard."

I really related to this concept of a "home" sermon. MacDonald writes about how her husband wanted to hear and enjoy the "sermons" in her life. This point was particularly motivating for me because I asked myself, "Do I give myself rigorously and carefully to what God has called me to do?" God has called my husband to preach sermons. He has called me to do something for Him. Am I working diligently to deliver those "sermons" in my life?

I have benefited from numerous other lessons from this book. MacDonald writes about marriage, children, relating better with people, being a godly friend. If you read this book, do so with discernment, as you should respond to everything. Some of her conclusions I did not share-she writes a lot about the temperaments. In chapter ten she reveals a dark time in her life when she struggled through the pain of her husband having committed adultery. For a couple of weeks I couldn't finish reading because I had come to respect this couple so much and then was bulldozed by the grueling reality that this pastor and husband had not kept his calling. I was very disappointed, not by the fact of sin, but that the two of them kept this secret for a time while he still held the position he was no longer qualified to hold. Later they even returned to the position of pastor, so the book's end was not as high as it started.

I would recommend this to any woman who's life is devoted to ministry, not just a pastor's wife. I was sharpened and encouraged by MacDonald's journey and I hope that someday I will be able to look back over so many years and see God's hand at work in my life and our ministry.

A Mentor in a Book
This book was very encouraging to me because I felt that the author was my own mentor, as I am preparing to be a pastor's wife.She shared so many personal life expereinces, which I can tell will be relevant in my own life. I am thankful for her incredible encouragement to women and the transparency of her spiritual walk.This book will encourage you too!!

Honest View of Ministry Life
Even for someone not in full-time ministry this book really shows an example of what one could face when you committ your life to God's work.I would recommend it anyone either in ministry or considering it.And though it's for women, any man, either married or engaged to a woman who will be involved in ministry would find it useful to see what she will be dealing with.

A Gem
This book is thought provoking, encouraging, and convicting.I was changed in the reading of it.Buy it, read it, again and again. ... Read more

Product Description
Volumes 1-10 here details some unique, creative, novel and innovative ideas in leadership and management that you would not find anywhere in the world!
It's more than 300 pages and you are guaranteed complete satisfaction or your money back. Please check it out. The research for this book started since 1984! Simply get a copy and see for yourself. The book is a must read. ... Read more

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An American Soldier and a scholar in Management writes here about these innovative and creative ideas about leadership, giving unique ideas never before published anywhere how you can succeed and become a great leader and a great family person. This book is going to blow your mind away, I promise you, or you get your money back. The author has demonstrated here how great leaders should remain faithful to their spouses and enjoy great sex together, giving unique sexual recipe to the great leaders out there. Oh my God, this book is unlike any other ever published, please believe me here and check it out now! ... Read more

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The autor served with HONORS in the United States Army, now doing two doctorates, in management and Law, writes here about his experiences in the US Army and lessons he learned to do ethical things and lessons about integrity he hopes those wanting to be great managers and great leaders ought to emulate and improve upon.the lessons in this book are very unique and innovative regarding while we should do more to help our children and youths out there, to educate them early about ethics and integrity, and to provide for them to bond with society so that we can have the next great managers and the next great leaders in our kids out there. The author wants equal rights for our female, and proposes that the next great leaders of the USA, UN, China, etc, be women! The book is very interesting and please, please, get a copy or copies of parts 1, 2, and part three and the next ones coming soon. Full money back quaranteed if you do not like it. The book is a must read, check it out! ... Read more

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Marginalized in the larger society and the mainstream women's movement, immigrant women are also outsiders in women's shelters, where racially sensitive and linguistically appropriate counselling is generally unavailable. In this book, Vijay Agnew documents the struggles of Canadian women's centres to provide better services to victims of wife abuse from Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.

The study looks at every aspect of community-based women's organizations, including their funding, operation, and services. The result is a detailed picture of the problems and challenges they encounter on a daily basis. Agnew uses case studies, reports, and interviews to document the work of these groups and to show how race, class, and gender intersect in the everyday lives of the women who depend on them.

Although the women's movement initiated public discussion of wife abuse, the fight against abuse is now conducted primarily by the state through its allocation of resources. Agnew underscores the tension that often arises between the patriarchal state and feminist-inspired organizations, and the resulting difficulties in bringing about social change. ... Read more

Product Description
Newfoundland is a little known island which lies in the cold Labrador current off the Atlantic coast of Canada. While its proximity to the valuable Grand Banks fisheries made it one of the earliest parts of North America to be settled by Europeans, Newfoundlanders, this text argues, have endured centuries of poverty and exploitation. It contends that the brief burst of prosperity that followed their entry into the Canadian federation has now foundered in the present economic recession and the collapse of the fishery, and that life in Newfoundland has returned to what it has always been - a struggle for survival in a harsh environment. The history and present experience of Newfoundland women are the focus of this study. Newfoundland women have learnt to survive and to establish for themselves lives of dignity and independence. The author claims that this is the more remarkable in a maritime society, which conventional wisdom says should be dominated by a macho culture and a rigid and extreme sexual division of labour. Based on ten years of research, the studies in volume are intended to help the reader to understand this culture in the context of current feminist theory. ... Read more

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A lawyer by training and the mother of two young children, no one was more shocked than Pat Schroeder when she won a seat in Congress in 1972. In this candid, unblinking autobiography, Schroeder recounts her career, telling how she struggled to find a place and a voice in the "guy gulag" of Congress. Photos .Amazon.com Review
Pat Schroeder's memoir of 24 years in politics is soenthusiastic it is easy to forget how difficult her work must havebeen. She was Colorado's first congresswoman and one of only 14 femalerepresentatives to the House when she was elected in 1972. "Thewomen in Congress had to wage virtually every battle alone," sheremembers of those early years, "whether we were fighting forfemale pages (there were none) or a place where we could pee."

Schroeder takes on a lot in this book; sometimes she barely skimsthe surface as she tries to fit tales of politics, childhood, familylife, and her opinions on a thousand disparate issues into less than250 pages. Nevertheless, as one of our longest serving femalepoliticians, her story of life in American politics is a welcomechange from the usual political guy-ographies. Who else can writeabout being a congresswoman under Nixon, Reagan (whom she famouslycalled the "Teflon President"), and Clinton? Or tell ofworking for women's equal rights back when there was opposition from"Ladies Against Women," who wore pins that read "I'drather be ironing"?

This is an optimistic book, a reminder ofthe possibility of change through politics. "Cynics claim we getthe government we deserve," says Schroeder. "I say wedeserve better, but we will get it only if we act." It will speakin particular to women, whom Schroeder directly urges to take thetorch she is passing on. "Consider this a postcard from thefront," she writes. "Wish you were here." She almostmakes it sound like fun. -- Maria Dolan ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Absolutely for Dullards
This is absolutely one of the dullest books ever written and one of the most boring.It is written by the dull for dullards.

America needs politicians like Shroeder in 2005
As a native of Denver, I was proud that the first vote I ever cast in my life was for Patricia Scott Schroeder.I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Schroeder several times during her tenure because she took the time and made the effort to connect with her constituency by showing up, unannounced, in locales ranging from student cafeterias on the University of Colorado at Denver campus to Sunday afternoon beer bashes at The Foxhole, a local gay club (both occassions that I was present for).Schroeder cared what people had to say and when she went to Washington she represented them instead of herself which is why the citizens of Denver kept sending her back.Her personal decision to retire is the only reason she isn't still our congresswoman today.This book is full of Shroeder's delightful wit, insightful and rare wisdom and overwhelming humanity.While it is a mostly light-hearted account of her 24 years of service to her country, she also explains her very personal reasons for fighting so hard to defend reproductive choice and to pass the Family Medical Leave Act, her greatest legacy; a bill which she authored but selflessly relinquished credit in order to ensure it's success.
Read the book.

Don't judge it until you have read the whole book
This book is full of wisdom.Being a teenager to find book that interest me is hard to find.This book is one of the first books I have read that kept me interested and thought me things that are slowly fading away as the new generation makes their mark in the world.I first thought "Man, I have to read this for my summer assignment.I can learn all about politics and government when I'm in class," but its not all about that, its more than what it seems.You don't have to take my word for it until you read it for yourself then you can get back at me with your own opinion!

Several hours of my life I'll never get back!
I received this book as a graduation gift and while I was never a big fan of Pat Schroeder, I figured I'd give it a chance and see what she had to say.That was my first mistake, the second being reading the entire thing from cover to cover.The book is neither thought provoking nor intellectually stimulating and contains very little of substance.I got the distinct impression this was something she threw together over the course of a week in hopes of cashing in on her retirement from the U.S. House.Regardless of your political persuasion, you'll be wasting your money, and more importantly your time, if you purchase and read this book....

Zero Stars If I Could
This person is such a rank, rancid hypocrite that she probably didn't even read this book before it was published. This tome wouldn't be worth the price if it were free and you got a tax break to read it! ... Read more