The preface to this book says that ‘if you are a Christian, this book will help you’ (xii). No doubt that is true (it is a helpful book), but given the contents and the way the book is laid out the main target audience are those who are either involved in or are considering full-time ministry. The first part of the book (which comprises approximately two-thirds of the book) focuses on ‘The Minister’ and various aspects of the role of a pastor/minister. The second part considers some aspects of counselling and examines a number of issues that a counsellor might face in the course of pastoral ministry. Neither section is a comprehensive treatment, but it never claims to be. It helpfully covers many of the main areas of pastoral ministry, clearly drawing on the first-hand experience of the authors.

Part 1 (‘The Minister’) comprises the first ten chapters. The first chapter describes the modern day context of the church in which ministry must take place. This is followed by chapters on the nature of calling to the ministry and the cost of ministry. Chapter 4 outlines ‘The Pastoral Task’ in the local congregation: caring for the flock, teaching the flock, and managing the flock.

Chapters 5 and 6 consider ‘The Minister’s Gifting’ and ‘The Minister’s Personal Responsibilities’. Chapter 7 focuses on ‘The Minster’s Congregation’ and how pastor and congregation work together. The next chapter considers the special area of youth work. The section concludes with chapters on ‘The Minister’s Denomination’ and ‘The Minister’s Community’.

Part 2 is the ‘and counselling’ section. Given the space devoted to this subject there cannot be a detailed treatment of the subject (or of any of the specific issues considered). However, that does not take away from the usefulness of these chapters. Chapter 11 summarises a number of ‘Approaches to Counselling’ and chapter 12 asks the questions of ‘When. Where and How’ of counselling. The final four chapters focus on the areas of ‘Bereavement’, ‘Depressions. Family Problems and Low Self-Esteem’, ‘Marriage Difficulties’ and ‘Sexual Orientation’.

The book finishes with appendices on ‘The Wedding Service’ and ‘The Funeral Service’. These are not sample services, but more a checklist of what needs to be done and thought about for these events.

The layout of the book makes it easy to read—there are lots of headline quotes. Ever chapter begins with a ‘Bible Basis’ which lists a series of Bible passages that are related to each of the topics considered (even though they are not necessarily fully dealt with in the respective chapters). In addition each of the chapters has questions to encourage further reflection on the material.

This book is a helpful reminder of the various aspects of pastoral ministry. It is all too easy to get so caught up in the job and to lose sight of what pastoral ministry is supposed to be and how it is meant to work (and I speak from first-hand experience on that!). Books that help to refocus vision and perspective are always helpful. This one helps to do just that.