The Hidden World of the Pastor: Case Studies on Personal Issues of Real Pastors

by Kenneth L. Swetland

There is no question that pastors are under great stress today. Difficulties tear at the heart of the pastor but are often hidden from the view of the congregation. Kenneth Swetland presents a compelling look at this hidden world through true stories from pastors of different ages and from different parts of the country, various denominations, and diverse backgrounds. Meet Pete, Dirk, Norm, Ted, and others who face such problems as depression, sexual sin, family concerns, friction in staff relationships, gender and leadership conflicts, debt, and divorce. The thirteen case studies can be read alone or used by groups of pastors and/or students for discussion. Reading and discussing the case studies will give insight into the pastor's own problems. Having worked through their own concerns, they will be better equipped to minister to others. Laypeople would also benefit from reading the cases to gain deeper understanding of the world of pastoring and to learn when to offer support and counsel to their own pastors. 'The Hidden World of the Pastor' includes bibliographic entries as well as an appendix on how to teach a case study.

Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Chad Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5
I really like the idea of this book--using the provided cases (true stories!) to foster discussion & learning among pastors & seminarians. Some of the cases are really good, w/ tensions that feel irresolvable. Others, maybe even most, while well-written, feel quite simple to work through. But nearly all the cases were engaging reads, opening my eyes to the many unique personal, relational, vocational, & spiritual challenges that many pastors face. In short, most chapters are engaging as stories, but not always engaging as cases.

Also: I read most of these cases on my own, but a few of them I read & discussed w/ fellow seminarians (which is how the author primarily intended the book to be used). I thoroughly enjoyed & learned from the group experience.

[Isaiah Jesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was assigned as the primary text for a course on Ministerial Ethics that I took during my undergraduate work. The case studies are quite interesting and the book is a good resource. I don't think it should be considered adequate for collegiate study though.

[Stephanie Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The frustrating thing is that each chapter ends and you want to know what happened! Great book to make you think about how you would handle each case and even to make you think through your own life and what you need to do to prevent these things.