Sustaining Ministry: Foundations and Practices for Serving Faithfully

by Sondra Wheeler

This book offers an account of the moral foundations of pastoral ethics and the underlying interpersonal dynamics that make the practice of ministry powerful--and also morally dangerous, even for those with the best of intentions. Sondra Wheeler examines the personal disciplines and spiritual practices that help sustain safe ministry, including the essential practices of prayer and spiritual accountability. She equips ministers to abide by ethical standards when they come under pressure and offers practical strategies for navigating challenges. The author also stresses personal vulnerability and "unselfish self-care."

Genres: Theology, Leadership

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 7, 2017

Reviews

[Jason Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a great deal of wisdom and practical guidance in this book. I disagree with the extent to which the author encourages pastors to separate themselves from their congregations. Fundamentally, being a part of a Christian community means having the humility to be served as well as to serve. Having said that, this book was a very valuable read, and the author's recommendations regarding boundaries, healthy spiritual practices, and especially warning signs about imminent moral failure were extremely valuable.

[Erin Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on power dynamics that come with Christian vocation and how that can lead to ethical violations. I really appreciated that this was not a list of “do this” and “don’t do that,” rather she painted the picture that ethical violations happen when the minister is particularly vulnerable, whatever that means for that person. Wheeler shows the dimension of complexity that comes with relationships in Christian ministry.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A re-read from my former seminary to my "Theological Leadership" class at Phillips Theological - it is always interesting to see the different ideas that stand out for me when I read a book a second time in a different context--this one would be a excellent read for someone approaching their first role in ministry, as well as seasoned ministers who need a refresher on ministerial ethics --From the Publisher: This book offers an account of the moral foundations of pastoral ethics and the underlying interpersonal dynamics that make the practice of ministry powerful--and also morally dangerous, even for those with the best of intentions. Sondra Wheeler examines the personal disciplines and spiritual practices that help sustain safe ministry, including the essential practices of prayer and spiritual accountability. She equips ministers to abide by ethical standards when they come under pressure and offers practical strategies for navigating challenges. The author also stresses personal vulnerability and "unselfish self-care."

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall solid discussion on the foundational importance of connecting deeply-rooted ethical formation to a long-term, effective practice of pastoral ministry.

The book moves well from theory to practice, although it gets a little bumpy right in the middle. Chapter 1 provides an excellent philosophical discussion of power and its influence on pastoral authority. Chapter 2 serves as a follow-up discussion by providing a rich psychological discussion of self-care.

The books turns practical at chapter 4 with a discussion on how ministers can falter ethically and morally, while also providing a guide to intervention when lines of appropriateness are crossed. It finishes with a discussion on spiritual practices (prayer and accountability) that should be incorporated into the minister's daily practice.

The issue with this volume is chapter 3. Wheeler attempts to construct a theory of "sacred space" based on ethical codes that should promote ethical appropriateness between minister and parishoner. It comes across, however, as something of a jumbled mess. The components are good and necessary, given the conversation. Yet this chapter does not flow as well as the others.

Overall, I heartily endorse this volume. Ministers should and must be moral exemplars, and this volume provides a good start for that discussion.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such clear and thorough writing on what makes people in ministry susceptible to ethical violations caused by crossing boundaries. Unmet needs of the minister often lead to failures. The main point is self-care and self-awareness are key to preventing misuse of power which leads to abuse. Big take away is a minister must never seek to fulfill his or her needs by way of the people served, i.e. parishioners. It is always best to meet needs outside the setting of the church being served. Pastors must rely on family, spouse, professionals (therapists and counselors as needed), and friends from other areas of life.

[Taylor Diehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful book for thinking through a healthy ethics of ministry. I really appreciated Wheeler's discussion of the power dynamics involved in ministry and the care that must be taken with such power. I found that section to be very helpful. I also appreciated her focus on what we hope for rather than focusing on a list of rules. When she does lay out boundaries, I am not sure that I am always convinced about the places she decides to lay them, but they are helpful starting points to discuss and to work through. Her warning signs for ministers are very helpful.

[Robert Durough, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I disagree with Wheeler’s particular ecclesiology, this book is an overall helpful read. Especially in regard to the final to chapters (4 & 5), this can be (and should be) easily applied to any leader, manager, boss, employer, etc., not just those in what some refer to as “formal/professional ministry.”

[Parker Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful read as a pastor. Setting boundaries and expectations of what role you will fill as a pastor is crucial, and understanding how not to blur the lines is very important to not breach the trust of those you serve. Also, her expectation that we would return to a set of virtues to aspire to as opposed to a set of laws which a pastor cannot break is beautiful.

[Rosie McNeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent assessment of how people in pastoral
ministry can safeguard themselves and others from moral failure. Thoughtfully written, I found this book equally good from a philosophical as well as a deeply human and practical perspective & would recommend to anyone contemplating serving in a pastoral capacity of any form.

[Alfred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wheeler defines how ministers must behave to perform their ministry by talking about moral commitment to a life chosen. A must for those wishing to enter the ministry, and I think for those who have forgotten why they went in!

[Joshua Pearsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful book definitely needed for ministers, though I would challenge some parts, but worth getting for ministers fully and truly. The last chapter alone I would recommend for anyone, minister or not!

[Courtney Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent practical wisdom that covers so much more than the typical sex abuse concerns. Wheeler expertly weaves in concepts from virtue ethics to help those entering ministry consider how they will become the sort of leaders they are are called to be.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a theological leadership class. Really eye opening for anyone brand new to ministry. Very good, I'm sure I'll be checking back to this one frequently through seminary.

[April Yamasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful and helpful book for anyone in ministry. See Yes, Pastors, You are Professional

[Katie Dorsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for all ministry leaders!

I loved the simplicity of this book. The different way to look at ethics of practicing ministry was insightful and helpful!

[Sam Retherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super interesting takes in this one- can pastors have friends in the congregation

[Jon Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite possibly the best book I have ever read on pastoral ethics. Fantastic read for all who are in full time ministry.

[Lisa Lewton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thorough and thoughtful guide for the Christian church, this was a helpful read for me. Although clergy in established denominations are required to attend boundary workshops and are held accountable in institutional ways, the church is also a broken institution led by broken people. As a pastor, I found this book helpful in considering the complexity of the relationships around church leaders, and our own human vulnerability.