This book was the outgrowth of a conversation with friends on the part of Nikolaus Satelmajer, editor of Ministry, with Steve Cassimy and Abraham Jules—two ministers from New York City. The goal was to get the top 20 or so ministers and other professionals in the denomination to describe some best practices for pastoral ministry.
In the Rocky Mountain Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, we have a regional group of pastors called a “cluster group” who read a book and meet once a month to spend a morning together discussing the book. This, in itself, is a best practice because it provides opportunities for fellowship, encouragement, and mentorship opportunities between less experienced and veteran pastors. Our cluster group had a phone interview with Dr. Satelmajer, followed by a morning of intense discussion over this book.
Collectively, a wide range of feelings were voiced about the book, ranging from appreciation to skepticism. For those pastors who have recently received seminary training, this book may not contain much new material; but for those who have been out in the field for several years, this book may serve as a useful refresher about the basics of pastoral ministry. The group generally felt that this book would likely be most useful to pastors who have had little or no training.
Our group also felt that the chapter by Walton A. Williams, “Interns and Mentors,” (125–137) was the most helpful, and generated the most discussion. Dr. Williams ably highlighted the history of ministerial training within Adventism, characteristics of good mentors and coaches, and some suggestions of what such a model would look like if it were implemented within Adventism.
For those pastors who may want a helpful refresher that utilizes some of the latest research, this book is for you.
