That Their Work Will Be a Joy: Understanding and Coping with the Challenges of Pastoral Ministry

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.

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.