A well-researched and documented volume, Pastoral Care in the Church shows an exceptional grasp of its subject matter and audience. The author calls for the full attention of everyone involved in the discipline of religious care giving.
Brister divides the book into three sections: 1. "Foundations of Pastoral Care" lays the groundwork for the writer' s argument that pastoral care has been and should be a universal practice in the life and mission of Christian churches. 2. "The Shape of the Church's Ministry" emphasizes the needed action of the ministry (ordained or lay) to contribute their gifts in building up the body of Christ. 3. "Procedures and Problems and Pastoral Care" sees counseling as an authentic pastoral role and urges proper respect for the counselee. The author also deals with life and death issues; shame, guilt, and forgiveness; and the pastor's responsibility in illness and grief.
Brister covers all phases of the pastoral life relating to church activities. He admonishes us that service and care be rendered with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not merely to humankind, knowing that whatever good we do we will receive the same again from the Lord.