That Their Work Will Be a Joy: Understanding and Coping with the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
Ebook
Overview
For those who are called to it, pastoral ministry can be a source of deep joy. But there are also challenges. An increasing number of pastors seem to be burning out under the load. Congregations may not be aware of the many and conflicting demands placed on a pastor’s time and energies, nor the pastor’s need for rest and personal support. That Their Work Will Be a Joy was written to encourage mutual understanding between pastors and congregations about the stresses of ministry. The authors present five principles that will help ministry remain more of a joy than a burden. Every chapter contains practical recommendations targeted specifically for pastors, congregational leaders, and even seminarians preparing for ministry. A dozen personal responses to the book, written as letters from people in ministry, have been collected together at the end. The book is helpful as a ministry preparation text, a guide for those serving as pastors, or as a discussion starter for pastors support groups. It will help church committees smooth a pastoral transition, or calm seminary graduates anticipating their first placement. The hope is that stressed-out pastors will recover their sense of vocation, and congregations will begin to fulfill their calling as the body of Christ.
”With biblical wisdom, Spirit-filled sensitivity, and cultural
awareness, seasoned pastor-teachers Lee and Fredrickson offer a
timely book. Personally acquainted with the joys and dangers of
ministry, their practical insights will lead seminarians, pastors,
and congregations to discover themselves and each other anew as the
called people of God."
--Jaco J. Hamman, Western Theological Seminary
“This book masterfully unveils to congregants the joy and
challenges for pastors as they work within the church as the body
of Christ. If congregants enact even a few of the book’s practical
suggestions to support their pastor and church, everyone will be
healthier and stronger for it."
--Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, Duke Clergy Health Initiative and Duke
Global Health Institute
"The work of a pastor is both a joy and a burden, a calling and
plain hard work. No one understands this better than the authors of
That Their Work Will Be a Joy. They have taught and
encouraged many pastors who have succumbed to burnout or stress,
and also guided many through the maze of challenges that face all
people-healers . . . I strongly recommend it as a must-read for all
seminary students as well."
--Archibald D. Hart, Fuller Theological Seminary
"A practical guide for living an authentic life in the ministry.
Lee and Fredrickson generously share from their own experiences and
introduce the major areas of life in ordained ministry. That
Their Work Will Be a Joyis a wise companion for ministers and
the congregations who love them."
--Jeanie M. Thorndike, Presbytery of Los Ranchos
"Anyone who has served as a pastor knows there is joy in serving
the Lord in the local church. The authors underscore the joys, but
also paint a realistic picture of the challenges: relational
demands, conflict, expectations, overwork, burnout, and other
critical issues . . . Not only is the book realistic; it is also
practical. It provides insights and sound advice about how pastors
can exercise self-care, and how congregations can effectively
undergird their pastors."
--Reggie Thomas, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary
"Out of the tension between the ideal and the actual, the authors
have forged five principle-based habits or patterns that, if shared
by pastors and their congregations, would create new life and
effectiveness in any church. Each chapter’s postscripts--written
for pastors, congregants, and seminarians--are alone worth the cost
of the book."
--Michael B. Ross, The Pastors Institute
"Written in accessible language for congregational leaders,
pastors, and seminarians alike, this book is full of tangible
content, concepts, and insights that will spark the kind of deeper
understanding needed for effective partnership. Of value to the
individual, I particularly recommend its use for group study,
bringing together clergy and lay leaders."
--Gary Walter, The Evangelical Covenant Church
"Though pastoral ministry is one of the most fulfilling calls a
Christian can have, it is inherently challenging and stressful. I
know of many colleagues who have left the church or wanted to
leave, but felt trapped and unsupported. That Their Work Will Be
a Joy is written for both clergy and laity to understand the
pressures pastors face, and the proactive steps that can be taken
to develop and maintain healthy lives and congregations."
--Wayne Walters, Fuller Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title : That Their Work Will Be a Joy: Understanding and Coping with the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry
- Authors:
- Lee, Cameron
- Fredrickson, Kurt
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2012
- ISBN: 9781621894414
Cameron Lee is Professor of Family Studies at Fuller Theological
Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is the author of four previous
books, including Unexpected Blessing: Living the Countercultural
Reality of the Beatitudes (2004) and two books on ministers'
families. He is a teaching pastor at Hillside Community Church in
Alta Loma, California.
Kurt Fredrickson is Associate Dean for Doctor of Ministry and
Continuing Education, and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry
at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Previously,
he was on the pastoral staff of Simi Covenant Church, Simi Valley,
California, for twenty-four years, including eighteen as senior
pastor.