The Art of Pastoring: Ministry Without All the Answers (Paperback)

by David Hansen (Author) "My face sinks into my hands, but the desk is too cold for my elbows..." (more)
Key Phrases: wandering prayer, hellfire preacher, pastoral prayer, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, Lord's Supper (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
David Hansen colorfully conveys what most other ministry how-to books fail to mention--what it's like, in a confusing and messy world, to be a "parable of Jesus Christ" every day.

Product Details

• Paperback: 180 pages
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press (May 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830816690
• ISBN-13: 978-0830816699
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #177,074 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to BE a pastor, not just do pastoral things., May 18, 1999

By A Customer

EUGENE PETERSON said: "This is the freshest and most honest book on pastoral work you're ever likely to come upon." I agree. Hansen helps us pastors consider what is essential for us to be pastors. Prayer, presence, scripture are central. Stories drawn from Hansen's contemplative fishing experiences help the reader appreciate the value of paying careful, quiet, patient attention in ministry. Not a "how to do it in X steps" book, but a book about being. This is a simple but deep book; it's hopeful and encouraging for a too busy pastor.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book..., May 6, 2004

By	Gregory A. Gilbert (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I had to read this book for a Ministry Practice and Polity seminary class, and it was probably one of the most enjoyable books that I read in my whole seminary career.

At the most basic level, this is sort of a 'day in the life' kind of book about David Hansen's experience in the role of pastor. The book is refreshingly honest as he discusses his struggles, victories, and overall experience of being a pastor in all the different compacities. I don't plan on being a pastor myself, but I would definitly recommend this book to anyone who is feeling called in that direction, as a 'window into the life of a pastorate.'

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW!!!, August 27, 2007

By	D. Schmeltz "Christ for Life" (Bunker Hill, WV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is so real!!! I MEAN REALLY REAL to life. I LOVED it and so will you...Get it for a seminarian, student, pastor, laymen, their family, etc...It is rich in wisdom and I suggest reading it over and over again as the years go by.