Book Review
The Art of Pastoring: Ministry Without All The Answers
by David Hansen

As pastors, we have been conditioned by the world to believe that success can only be quantitatively measured, and that those qualified to offer us the secrets to success (often packaged in several quick and easy-to-implement steps) are the ones who have demonstrated personal mastery in their field. David Hansen claims nothing of the sort. Initially, the unassuming, winding narrative of this book reads more like a personal journal not intended for public consumption, filled with personal observations and questions that beg to be answered. However, in spending time reading through these incredibly honest thoughts, sometimes troublingly so, one encounters some very powerful guiding principles for pastoral ministry. It is further evident that these principles are not offered from an expert's polished perspective, but from a man experienced in the crucible of pastoral ministry and acquainted with the doubts and failures that accompany his work. Most of us would echo the author's sentiments: “I just want to die for the right thing. I do not want to die for the church by going crazy with ten million things to do” (p. 22). Too often, however, that is exactly what we find ourselves doing, having allowed ourselves to be taken hostage by the demands (real or perceived) of those in our churches. We have created an environment in which true ministry is impossible and where the work we do is dangerous for ourselves, our families, and the churches we serve.

In The Art Of Pastoring, Hansen seeks to liberate pastors from this unhealthy understanding of ministry by sharing his experiences pastoring a Montana parish consisting of two distinct congregations (different towns, different denominations, different giftings) some years ago. While his story serves as the backdrop for the book, it is not the focus. The author's aim is not to direct people to his successes and, in turn, divulge his systematized methodologies. The main thesis of the book (Hansen plainly states it) is that the pastor must minister so that “people meet Jesus in our lives . . . that we are parables of Jesus Christ to the people we meet” (p. 11). No fancy tricks or shortcuts to spiritual or numerical growth are found in Hansen’s writing. His emphasis is the simple living of a life that reflects God's Son, Jesus Christ, and that allows others to know more about Him through the life of their pastor.

“Simple living” is, however, a relative term. As the author goes on to describe his experiences, what he describes is anything but simple. Hansen paints a picture that is unadorned by frills and thrills. His version of the ministry is one fraught with emotional and relational perils, but one that is nonetheless rich with rewards. The author's advice to the man contemplating his future in ministry (and to all of us) is as follows: “At issue is self-denial. Those who will suffer self-denial are parables of Jesus and pastors. Those who will not are hirelings and thieves” (p. 35).

The author's reflections on ministry are especially powerful as he describes the primary tasks of the shepherd (prayer and preaching) and the nature, source, and pitfalls of ministerial authority. The theme of the pastor as a parable of Jesus permeates these sections as the author continually argues for the priority of the way of the cross. Embedded in that priority is an intimate understanding of the gospel and its implications for people's lives. Though the distinction is never overtly stated, this definitely stands in juxtaposition to other methodologies and strategies that sound a siren song of diversion to pastors from every conceivable corner of the sacred (and, in some cases, secular) marketplace.

In his section on leadership, the title of the book proves especially appropriate. Discussing a topic on which so much is written and on which reputations are made, Hansen claims to have led the people to whom he has ministered without any new or startling insights into the task: “Looking back objectively at twenty years of church work . . . I see that some of my best work has been my leadership. But I don't know what I've done, and I don't really know how to be a leader” (p. 149). His solution for the reader? “Let Jesus Christ lead the churches” (p. 147) and don't get caught up in personal agendas. Again, this is stated ever so simply, but in these days it reads like a portion of a countercultural manifesto (even, sadly, Christian culture).

Especially provocative is Hansen's admission of his own personal struggles in understanding cornerstone Christian doctrines. Rarely is honesty of this kind allowed or accepted. The reader feels for and empathizes with Hansen as he describes his struggle from a literal rendering of eternal punishment to annihilationism to universalism and back again, not only for the theological journey, but for the seeds of doubt planted in his soul along the way.

Less pointed are the sections on friendship and sacrament. Largely a collection of stories about his experiences, these sections were heart-warming, though not as instructive. While Hansen asserts that the two essential components of shepherding are “a love for people and a love for God” (p. 36) – hearkening one's thoughts to the debate about the greatest commandment (Ma 22:36-40) – he is merely descriptive of his friendship with people and suggestive of the importance of unifying the body of Christ through the sacraments (among which he includes marriage and funerals). Hansen frequently speaks of a pastor's need for compassion and in these sections his compassion is palpable, even if it is not always articulated well, directly challenging the reader.

As David Hansen spins the yarn of his pastoral experiences throughout this book, he interweaves the insights he has gained into the pastor's most sacred duties. In doing so he imparts nuggets of wisdom worth mining and heeding for young pastors and experienced pastors alike. This is a must read for every person engaged in or considering pastoral ministry.

Kevin Hearne is a Master of Divinity student at Western Seminary and serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship & Equipping at Bethany Baptist Church in Salem, OR.