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 pastors time and energies nor the pastors 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 books 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 Joy is 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 chapters 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