Straining at the Oars: Case Studies in Pastoral Leadership

by H. Dana Fearon III, Gordon S. Mikosi

A common complaint of recent seminary graduates is their lack of preparation in practical theology, especially in the tasks of leadership. New pastors encounter a host of challenges that can seem overwhelming.Biblically oriented, wise, and reassuring, Dana Fearon presents twenty-one difficult situations that young ministers are likely to face on the job, including prayer in the hospital room, a request to baptize a dead infant, handling conflict and criticism, entering dangerous areas to reconcile hostile groups, and others. As part of his discussion, Fearon presents and reviews his own response to such situations, using his theological education and long experience in church ministry to instruct others.

138 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2013

Reviews

[Roy Howard]

Why are so many pastors opting out of the vocation to which they have been called after so few years? Some research suggests the drop out rate in the first five years is fifty percent. The reasons for this are vexing. Pastors experiencing the shocking gap between biblical exegesis class and stormy session meetings blame the seminary for inadequate preparation for “real” pastoral ministry. (The assumption being that biblical exegesis prepares them for something not quite real.) Others point the accusatory finger at judicatory bodies that fail to properly screen ministry candidates, allowing them to pass into a vocation for which they are neither equipped nor called, only to fail miserably after a few years. The absence of wise mentors is also a culprit. In this brief book, Dana Fearon provides practical wisdom that is sorely needed by newly ordained pastors. He also gives eloquent reminders to seasoned pastors about the ministry that is so beautiful and so demanding. Refusing merely to place the blame on the seminary he says, “We can’t learn how to be pastors until we are actually doing the work and living the life. The work is too complex, unpredictable, layered, subtle, stressful, surprising, and demanding.” This book should be given to every pastor on the day of ordination. It is that essential.

[Timothy Ebio · Rating 2 out of 5]

Straining at the Oars is written with the perspective of a Reformed Presbyterian Pastor. The book is organized into short chapters, each recounting a pivotal moment in ministry. While some testimonies were insightful, others felt repetitive. The author comments on how his seminary didn't prepare him to deal with the administration, leadership, and community work that comes with being a pastor. However, I personally believe these aspects are better learned in ministry than theoretically in a classroom. I also would have appreciated a more gospel-focused approach. I felt he leaned in too hard on team dynamics, and because he uses too many lists in his writing I felt like it was an information overload at some parts. However, on a positive note, I did find the testimonies on baptism very insightful! Would not recommend the whole book, but his opening chapter, chapters 8, 12, 13, 18 were great.

[Derek L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book for a pastoral theology course. As short as the chapters were, the information and real-life cases made the chapters seem much longer. This was a great book to read for this course, and I would recommend anyone to read this book as they consider pastoral ministry as a career.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a work by an experienced Presbyterian pastor that is designed to help students as they make the transition from seminary into pastoral ministry. He seeks to use his own experience to indicate some of the pastoral challenges they might face and how they might appropriately respond. Each book of this kind makes a certain contribution in that every pastor that is new to ministry will face different challenges from those of others. Readers of this work will find ministry challenges that are not discussed elsewhere. There are limitations to this work. First, some of the issues that he mentions will be a much greater concern for individuals from his Presbyterian (USA) tradition than for others. That seems to be the case from the beginning as the first chapter addresses the question of the baptism of a child that died at birth. Of course, this is a matter that will be of more importance for pastors in some traditions than for others. A second limitation with this work is that there is little (or no) inclusion of Scripture in the counsel that is provided. The author often seems to find more guidance in Presbyterian practice than in Scripture itself. Readers who are looking for biblical guidance about th

[James Tetley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It was a series of case studies of pastoral ministry. It is always good to learn from others, and encouraging to read the lessons learned of a long term ministry in one place (40 years). Theologically a little loose. And I didn't agree with all the decisions made. But a great refresher and recommended reading for those new in ministry.

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful for new and not-so-new pastors. A reminder to be humble, to appreciate and listen to people, and that the theologically correct thing to do might not be what comforts people. As long as it does no harm, do what helps and comforts people. However, I think you can get just as much by sitting down with an experienced mentor pastor over a cup of coffee.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is written by a retired Presbyterian pastor with help of a professor of Christian Education. Twenty-one chapters/case studies, covering everything from wearing a collar to pastoral calling, written with the seminarian and clergy in their early years. Each chapter is brief, with discussion chapters at the end that will be of use for personal reflection and small group conversation.