Synergistic Collaborations - by Velmarie L Albertini & Jonathan Grenz (Paperback)

About the Book

This valuable resource for Christian ministers and social workers as they extend outreach ministries and collaborate with community organizations combines case studies, theological reflections, reality dialogue questions, personal experiences, and research that broaden readers...

Book Synopsis

Synergistic Collaborations is a valuable resource for Christian ministers and social workers seeking to extend outreach ministries and new ways to collaborate with community organizations as they serve hurting people. This unique book combines case studies, theological reflections, reality dialogue questions, personal experiences, and research that broaden readers' understanding of the synergistic relationship that naturally exists between pastoral care ministry and social work practices. The authors challenge contemporary perceptions concerning how churches might help people affected by issues related to mental illness, poverty, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, homelessness, and domestic violence. With the aim of ameliorating existing church ministries, this book offers opportunities to build the knowledge base and skills of readers as they explore Christian ministries in relation to the many personal and social problems people face in our rapidly changing culture and society.

Review Quotes

"The complexities of the twenty-first century necessitate and interdisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of people in local communities. This book is an excellent resource to assist church leaders to sail the white-water world in the myriad of currents that daily needs to be navigated. Albertini and Grenz not only articulate a theological and philosophical approach to these issues, but they also give us integrative, practical answers for how pastors and Christian social workers can assist each other..." --Dr. Bob Houlihan, president of Compassion Alliance

"This is a much-needed book for churches that are passionate about meeting the needs of their congregations and their communities...This book not only addresses some of the most important challenges facing our society, but offers insight to pastors and social workers on how to unite in resolving the troubling issues." --Max Yeary, senior pastor of Christian Life Center

"...what an insightful book placed in the hands of those who desire to help and bless others." --Reginald H. Scarborough, senior pastor of Family Worship Center

...what an insightful book placed in the hands of those who desire to help and bless others.

The complexities of the twenty-first century necessitate and interdisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of people in local communities. This book is an excellent resource to assist church leaders to sail the white-water world in the myriad of currents that daily needs to be navigated. Albertini and Grenz not only articulate a theological and philosophical approach to these issues, but they also give us integrative, practical answers for how pastors and Christian social workers can assist each other...

This is a much-needed book for churches that are passionate about meeting the needs of their congregations and their communities...This book not only addresses some of the most important challenges facing our society, but offers insight to pastors and social workers on how to unite in resolving the troubling issues.

About the Author

Velmarie L. Albertini is associate professor of social work at Southeastern University in Central Florida. She has served for over fifteen years in state and private universities in administrative roles as Social Work Graduate Program Coordinator and chair of an undergraduate Christian Social Ministry Degree Program. Her areas of research and ministry include the acculturation and adjustment of Caribbean immigrants and church social work.
Jonathan Grenz is associate professor in the School of Ministry's Christian Leadership Studies Department at Palm Beach Atlantic University in South Florida. Prior to entering the academy, he ministered for over fifteen years as a pastor in the U.S. and Canada.