The Pastor's Soul: The Call and Care of an Undershepherd

by Brian Croft

…should be read at least once a year by every pastor as an all-important health check.
Conrad Mbewe, Pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and Chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia

If you want to survive and thrive in ministry, Croft and Savastio show you the way!
Dr. Sean Michael Lucas, Senior Pastor, Independent Presbyterian Church (PCA), Memphis, Tennessee

Croft and Savastio have written a desperately-needed volume for desperate times. …pastor, get this book and hear and heed its vital message. If you are not a pastor, read this book and learn how desperately your pastor(s) need your prayers and encouragement.”
Jeff Robinson, Sr., Lead pastor, Christ Fellowship of Louisville and Senior Editor, The Gospel Coalition.

…biblical, encouraging and practical. Every minister of the gospel will benefit from this thoughtful book.
Robby Gallaty, Senior Pastor, Long Hollow Baptist Church, Founder, Replicate Ministries

…this warm and lively book should prompt spiritual longevity and prosperity in God’s servants, and therefore help bring God’s blessings to those they serve.
Jeremy Walker, Pastor of Maidenbower Baptist Church; Author, A Portrait of Paul

The Pastor's Soul serves the local church and the local church pastor very well. … The balance of consideration for both spiritual well-being and physical health is refreshing as well as convicting.
Anthony Mathenia, Pastor of Christ Church, Radford

Genres: Leadership, Nonfiction, Christian

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2018

About the author

Brian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.

Reviews

[P.J. Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful and edifying book for both young and experienced pastors alike.

[Danniel Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this book up, and that is usually very hard for me to do as a whole.

Both of these men covered many topics that involve a pastor’s inner life such as his emotions, his family, his diet, his duties, his sleep, etc. Each discussion had something I could take away and use in my life, since I myself am an assistant pastor.

I think it is fair to say that our congregations view the pastor and his family as having it all together. But that is not true. They need to know that their pastors are limited, and their identity is not in their sermons, administration, or pastoral care or the amount of work he puts in. His identity is in Christ! Also, since they are limited, congregations need to realize their pastor needs time for himself and his family- if they really want the ministry of the church to flourish. It cannot function if the pastor is worn out or burned out.

I recommend this book to pastors and preachers, and the people in their pews. If they knew what their pastors’ souls needed, they would probably hear better sermons, and receive loving pastoral care. If our pastors were honest with themselves about what their souls need, their tenure would be longer, have greater influence and leadership for their church, and would have strong families- because they let the Great Shepherd shepherd them.

[Holland Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a pastor? Do you struggle taking care of yourself? Do you want a better biblical basis of watching yourself in pastoral ministry? Then buy the book. I cried while reading this. Got mega convicted. Called my buddy up and we are going to start a new workout routine. Changed my sleep schedule so I could actually get some decent sleep at night. I did this because the Bible tells me to not only watch for the flock, but watch over myself as well. If I fail in my spiritual and physical disciplines, then I will fail the commands that the Lord has given me. If you’re a pastor, then buy this book. It’s a must read.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid short work here on a pastor caring for his own soul. We pastors often tend to the souls of those entrusted to our care without adequately tending to our own soul. These two pastors (Croft & Savastio) give some good practical, solid advice and "taking heed to thyself."

The chapter on Rest spoke to me more than any of the other chapters. It is advice that I need to reflect upon and build into my life. The appendices dealing with what a sabbatical looks like practically grabbed my attention and might be helpful going forward.

[Andrew Krom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book on pastoral ministry. I found the final section "physical care for the pastor" to be especially refreshing. The chapters on silence, eating, and sleep were great. Croft also included 2 appendices on Sabbaticals that were helpful as well.

[Kyle Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a pastor or considering pastoral ministry, this book is a must read. If pastors are to endure and have long and fruitful ministries, their souls must be nourished and cared for as well. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul writes to Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (ESV)

In this book, Brian Croft and Jim Savastio help pastor’s look at this call to watch their own lives, especially that of their own soul care. Both authors point to the need for pastors to care for their own souls for their spiritual health and for those within their churches. In this work, they examine four areas of this soul care: Biblical commands, the call upon a pastor, spiritual care of a pastor, and physical care of a pastor. Through each of these sections they give helpful and practical ways in how to care for one’s own soul, along with the rich benefits of that care.

Pastor, do yourself a favor and read this helpful and short book. You won’t regret it.

[Zach Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really helpful book on how important it is to care for your own soul and how to do it as a pastor.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all the books associated with Practical Shepherding this book was so helpful. All sorts of wisdom and instruction. As a first year pastor I was blessed by every section. Now comes the hard part, putting all into practice. Highly recommended

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio's "The Pastor's Soul" is one of the better practical ministry resources out there. Associated with Practical Shepherding, the authors bring decades of ministry experience to their work. The book begins with the thesis that "The pastor's soul is the soul of his ministry." This being the case, surely the pastor is adept at prioritizing his own spiritual needs, right? In most cases, no. This is not emphasized in practical ministry circles nor is it on the radar of most church members, lay leaders, or elder teams. As a result, the Lord's under-shepherd is usually the last church member to receive any care at all. Croft and Savastio offer both spiritual and practical solutions to this problem.

I expected another pragmatic book of programs and procedures, yet I found myself pleasantly surprised. The book is worth buying if only for the chapters on friendship and solitude. These remind anxious pastors that they are not superhuman and not God. They need friends, both within and without their own churches, with whom they can be emotional, vulnerable, and real. Solitude is another way that pastors can remind themselves that the work will be done with or without them; God will grow his church, he will accomplish his purpose. That means a pastor has time to sit and reflect, meditate on God's Word, and pour his heart out earnestly to the Father.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some really good points, but overall I wasn't impressed with it. It was written in the style of a thesis rather than a compelling book. With that, they were seeking to show the pastor the necessity of taking time to care for himself, but the way it was presented came across to me as "here are more things you need to do on top of your already full schedule in order to be a more effective pastor." I wish they had spent more time giving practical tips on how to eliminate things in the process of prioritizing of taking care of one's self. The authors also leaned reformed, and that came through quite strongly in places. I would have liked to read more about the pastor's relationship with his wife (cultivating it; prioritizing it; ways she can support him), but his kids were mentioned more than his wife. The last section had some good thoughts on food, exercise, and rest, but again, it felt like a checklist.

[Steven Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve now read most of the books in Croft’s Practical Shepherding series, and this is by far the best one. As we read this as part of a weekly training meeting this book opened up so much open and honest dialogue. Some of the chapters, we discussed with amazing it was to just read the refreshing honesty.
For instance:
“One of the best ways to crush your soul is to know deep down inside you are human, weak, needy, frail, and that God has made you this way, but you still reject it”

“A restored ability to feel is one of many areas where the power of Christ through the Holy Spirit can take root in our souls and change us.”

“Silence can expose that deep pain and demonstrate its undeniable presence in our souls.”

This book is just so very practical and honest. Thank God for it.

[Marius B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Practical Read

A good firsthand view of ministry, which is not deep but which practical and helpful. It is a more of a collection of ideas tied to Scripture texts (proof texts) rather than a true study derived from Scripture itself. It is not a hard read, and may be helpful to young pastors the most. However, remember, ideas expressed, whether on sleep, silence, sabbaticals, etc. must be put in the realm of man's wisdom, not Bible mandates. It would be too easy to encourage pastors to build expectations for such things when the Bible does not require them.

[Rolando Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Necessary Guide

I must commend the writers of this book. They opened up my mind to a world of pastoral ministry that I never knew existed. As a young pastor, I received the guidance I needed at a very trying time in my life. I will read this book as many times possible. It is recommended that pastors and their congregation get a hold of this book for a clarity on the call and care if a pastor. Trust me, most people do not understand. And the pastor is tempted everyday to get his approval from church members rather than the Word of God.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very helpful and practical book by Brian Croft and the folks at Practical Shepherding. This is perhaps one of their most important volumes as it deal with the spiritual life of pastors. Like his other books, Croft has written a very concise, hands on book loaded with personal experience and Biblical rational. The only downside I found is that some chapters are a bit too short. A few instances left me longing for some more practical, on the ground advice. Nonetheless, this is a rich resource for any pastor to read, reflect on, and apply to his life and ministry.

[James Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sure that you will find helpful summaries of the content and many practical lessons in this book. I only intend to add one dimension: the co-author here, Jim Savastio, has better exemplified personal devotion to Christ and the care of his own soul than any other pastor I have known in my life. Simply put, he practices what he preaches in this book.

I am sure that this book will be a great help to anyone in ministry, as the subject is of vital importance.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a whole shelf of books like these: practical pastoral encouragements in 200 pages or less. They are paperback counseling sessions for a quiet Monday. I think the most helpful aspect of "The Pastor's Soul" are the final chapters on food, exercise, sleep, and a detailed sabbatical plan. There are plenty of other books to help pastors along in their spiritual/emotional walk. But this one has the best practical advice for physical health and its impact on spiritual health.

[David Timma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Book, I've been pastoring for over two decades, and I have benefited from the refresher of things that I have neglected. It would also be an excellent resource for the church, for deacons, elders, and laity to read if they want to know more about how to take care of a pastor with a view toward effective ministry and staying power!

Short, succinct chapters - easily read and straight to the point.

[Paul and Abi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some helpful insights, but definitely a handbook for male, reformed-leaning pastors only. Would only recommend to a narrow cross-section of global workers and pastors. Soul Keeping by Ortberg, Forming the Soul by Dirks, Sacred Rhythms by Barton, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by Comer, and Falling Upward by Rohr are other books in my library that I would recommend to other expressions of our faith on the subject of soul care if you are looking for more perspectives.

[Danny Lamonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t think I needed this book but…

I did. Headed into my second decade of ministry and my third year as a senior pastor, I wouldn’t think that my soul has been neglected during the pandemic I have found myself at times wondering about every decision, every sermon, and what in the world is going on. This book was unhelpful guide in pausing and considering my personal intimate walk with Jesus. Thank you friends.

[David Meiklejohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re a pastor you need to look after yourself, and this book tells you how. This is partly in a spiritual sense but also very much in the physical realm, as the author makes suggestions for sleep, exercise, diet and so on.
All simple stuff that can easily get overlooked. A decent, fairly short, read.

[Matthew Burnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pastor's Soul deeply encouraged and healthily challenged my own soul. I greatly appreciate the labor that pastors Jim Savastio and Brian Croft have dedicated to this project. O, that our faithful Master, the Lord Jesus, would call weak and pitiful men into the ministry of reconciliation, comforting their soul by His very own blood!

[Everett Hornbostel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A needed resource for any pastor

In this book, Jim and Brian remind pastors of the weight bearing down on our shoulders and provide insights into how to care for ourselves and our families so that we can better care for ourselves churches. The different points made throughout this book are Biblical and for that reason, they are invaluable.

[Wood Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great book for any ministry leaders. Pastor must take care of his own soul if he wants to be good pastor to his flock. This book is easy to read but full of helpful information. It also show why Pastor must take care of himself.

[Samuel Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful!

Helpful to know how to care for my pastors. It also gives an aspiring elder insight on the importance of soul care in ministry.

[Miska Wilhelmsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful, convicting, practical, and concise book on how to survive and thrive in pastoral ministry.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastors are humans too.

[Jeff Dowdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical guide concerning various facets of the pastor’s life. Excellent advice for the longevity of any pastor’s ministry.

[Logan Prettyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for pastors to understand proper personal care for their own souls.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple but helpful book on the pastor's soul and its importance for ministry.

[Shaun Martens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief but sharp with lots to chew on. Brian and Jim not only give sound advice but are brutally honest about their own journeys as well, which puts flesh on the truths shared. Highly recommended.