Pastoral ministry is a joy, a calling—and more than meets the eye. More often than not, parishioners think that pastors only work on weekends. Many inaccurately assume that besides preparing for the weekly sermon, visiting members, and hanging out with parishioners, “the pastor has tons of free time.” Young people with such a vision of ministry have a rude awakening when they enter the ministry. New ministers are often not prepared to face conflict; meet the high expectations of parishioners; and care for themselves mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, and relationally. What often draws people to follow vocational pastorate is a genuine desire to lead others to Christ—an experience often recalled with fond memories. Nonetheless, the pressing matters of ministry seem to overshadow the gratifying parts. The disappointment leads many new pastors to burn out and resign.
To that end, Matthew D. Kim has taken the time to publish a second revised edition of his reflections on pastoral ministry. In this well written, frank, and research-supported short book, the writer paints an accurate picture of what to expect in the first year of ministry. Additionally, his advice is based on the author’s decade-long pastoral ministry and enriched by his scholastic tenure as a seminary professor since 2013.
Readers would undoubtedly agree that pastoral ministry is a calling from the Lord. The calling is an impression on your heart confirmed by the Word of God and the community. The writer passes on some blunt advice, “If you see yourself doing something else, then go do that instead. Don’t go into ministry.” Leadership’s challenges, conflict, and long and unusual working hours, among many other things, require the frequent reminder that God is the One who called you into pastoral ministry. It is not glamorous; it is not easy; however, it has many satisfactions. Avoid the temptation to quit early. Ministry is not a sprint; it is a marathon. Love the people, develop your leadership, and remember that God is the One leading the church. However, God works through human instruments.
Every aspirant to ministry, as well as every veteran pastor, needs a friend and a spiritual mentor. Also, every pastor needs to get acclimated to the new routine, the parishioners, and the Word. Time management is of the essence. Creating good habits by balancing work, home, health, and spiritual growth is of the utmost importance. Make sure the time is well distributed among all those areas. You are not Superman or Superwoman.
The author excels in describing several aspects of pastoral ministry. This book would certainly benefit aspirants to ministry and even those already on the pastoral journey. The author’s direct language is a kind way of awakening the reader to the realities of pastoral ministry. The seminary tends to capitalize on the rigorous aspect of academia, which has an important role in the preparation of ministers; however, it does little to prepare students to work with people. People skills are very important in ministry.
Even though the author did a great job anticipating many possible scenarios and denomination particulars, the comments are not exhaustive, and many of the counsels are not applicable in some settings. For instance, many pastors do not have the opportunity to choose the ministry placement, salary may or may not be regulated by the denomination, and church ordination does not always happen after seminary preparation. Therefore, aspirants to ministry would best benefit from this book by reading it in groups or, better yet, with a denominational mentor who can point out the differences and particular applicability of the advice given.
