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Diary of a Pastor's Soul: The Holy Moments in a Life of Ministry
Diary of a Pastor's Soul tells the story of a fictionalized pastor, embarking on his final year before retirement, who reflects on the experiences and relationships that have formed his vocation and shaped his soul over a lifetime of pastoral ministry.
Drawing on his own experiences, seasoned pastor Craig Barnes invites readers to embrace the life lessons of a pastor who has been formed by his failures and his fleeting moments of glory, but most of all by discovering the holy in the routine but often quirky duties of being a parish pastor.
Through 52 weekly thematic entries, Barnes presents spirituality in narrative form through a collection of interwoven stories about learning to love others with curiosity, amazement, vulnerability, and most of all gratitude for the grace found in flawed lives.
Barnes's fictionalized diary approach creatively shows how the pastoral vocation forms mind, heart, and soul, helping pastors make sense of their own calling. With unvarnished honesty, this book eloquently illustrates a lifetime of ministry, revealing how "the Holy haunts the landscape of life."
Drawing on his own experiences, seasoned pastor Craig Barnes invites readers to embrace the life lessons of a pastor who has been formed by his failures and his fleeting moments of glory, but most of all by discovering the holy in the routine but often quirky duties of being a parish pastor.
Through 52 weekly thematic entries, Barnes presents spirituality in narrative form through a collection of interwoven stories about learning to love others with curiosity, amazement, vulnerability, and most of all gratitude for the grace found in flawed lives.
Barnes's fictionalized diary approach creatively shows how the pastoral vocation forms mind, heart, and soul, helping pastors make sense of their own calling. With unvarnished honesty, this book eloquently illustrates a lifetime of ministry, revealing how "the Holy haunts the landscape of life."
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 19, 2020
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173 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 8, 2020
An outstanding read...touched both my pastor's heart and my seasons of being part of laity. In one of the chapters, Barnes advocate for self-care with this quote after counseling with a new pastor: "The harder thing, which they haven't considered, is the spiritual visibility. The church has ordained me to a sacred conversation between them and God...That assumes God and I are on speaking terms. And there is nothing more spiritually vulnerable than preaching, when it is done well. So for the congregation's sake, I have to keep my soul healthy...There may be unhealthy congregations with a visionary healthy pastor, but there is no such thing as a healthy congregation with an unhealthy pastor." To that, I say "Amen". ------ From the Publisher: Diary of a Pastor's Soul tells the story of a fictionalized pastor, embarking on his final year before retirement, who reflects on the experiences and relationships that have formed his vocation and shaped his soul over a lifetime of pastoral ministry. Drawing on his own experiences, seasoned pastor Craig Barnes invites readers to embrace the life lessons of a pastor who has been formed by his failures and his fleeting moments of glory, but most of all by discovering the holy in the routine but often quirky duties of being a parish pastor. Through 52 weekly thematic entries, Barnes presents spirituality in narrative form through a collection of interwoven stories about learning to love others with curiosity, amazement, vulnerability, and most of all gratitude for the grace found in flawed lives. Barnes's fictionalized diary approach creatively shows how the pastoral vocation forms mind, heart, and soul, helping pastors make sense of their own calling. With unvarnished honesty, this book eloquently illustrates a lifetime of ministry, revealing how "the Holy haunts the landscape of life."
December 29, 2023
A refreshing antidote to the pragmatism and church growth obsession that often takes over books about pastoral ministry. Barnes writes with wit, vulnerability and warmth. You feel like you’re interning with him for a year of formation. He writes about the importance of finding “the sacred subtext” in ministry and peoples lives and certainly applies it to his own. I laughed so much. I love this book.
February 9, 2023
this book healed a piece of my cynical-grinch-heart regarding my feelings towards the church. idk, it brought me a lot of hope.
January 12, 2022
There are parts of this book that I really enjoyed and appreciated. There are other parts of this book that I did not agree with or accept at all. I suppose a book about the work of a pastor will do that. The personal nature of the content of the book means that it won't foster universal agreement.
I highlighted the chapters I found helpful. My beliefs were reinforced by the ones I felt were unhelpful. Overall a worthwhile read for any pastor even if it's not specifically because of the content of this book.
I highlighted the chapters I found helpful. My beliefs were reinforced by the ones I felt were unhelpful. Overall a worthwhile read for any pastor even if it's not specifically because of the content of this book.
January 27, 2024
I’ve read lots of books on how to pastor people or how to be a better pastor but never a book about what it feels like to be a pastor. This book is that book. What a gift this book was to me in a season I needed it most.
February 3, 2025
I am not sure this book would make sense to anyone who has not pastored for some time. I would have laughed at this book and mocked it in seminary, but now I find it healing and comforting.
The book is a weird place of fiction and non-fiction. It is the diary of a pastor in his last year of ministry before he retires. The author has taken plenty of his own story and feelings while pastor and written them down here while changing details here and there. I interpret it as a fictional story from a real pastor who knows what it is like.
This is not a book I would read because it tells you how to pastor. There is plenty I would disagree with and do differently. But the beauty of the book is that you can find another pastor who knows what it means to pastor. I would be curious to see what lay people thought of the book. I would primarily recommend it to those who have pastored for a while and find themselves weary.
The book is a weird place of fiction and non-fiction. It is the diary of a pastor in his last year of ministry before he retires. The author has taken plenty of his own story and feelings while pastor and written them down here while changing details here and there. I interpret it as a fictional story from a real pastor who knows what it is like.
This is not a book I would read because it tells you how to pastor. There is plenty I would disagree with and do differently. But the beauty of the book is that you can find another pastor who knows what it means to pastor. I would be curious to see what lay people thought of the book. I would primarily recommend it to those who have pastored for a while and find themselves weary.
April 20, 2024
A beautiful look at the reality of pastoral ministry — its dynamics, relationships, questions, and struggles. Barnes paints an honest picture of the daily life of a pastor — faithful, challenging, frustrating, joyful.
January 27, 2022
Well worth the read!
June 11, 2020
[Update: The book is a fictional account of a pastor's diary, but the issues mentioned are real.]
What goes on in a pastor's life? For most people, they tend to see the pastor praying or preaching on stage every Sunday. They don't really know what happens on the other days. While most people would describe their lives as being defined by some crisis or sensational event, the challenge is to learn to pay attention to the ordinary. This is where pastor Craig Barnes manages to share with us, his daily ordinary work in the midst of a busy ministry. In this book, Barnes shares wittingly often with humour about his life as a pastor.
Right off the bat, he recalls the challenge of dealing with older parishioners who are resistant to change. Some tend to view God's mission in terms of preserving the "temple," such as physical assets like building, structure, facilities, and so on. He understands what it means for pastors to serve anonymously and faithfully. His sharing about his own wife would easily debunk anybody dreaming that pastors' wives are perfect! I believe pastors appreciate that others not put their spouses on the "holier-than-thou" pedestal. Only God is holy. I appreciate how Barnes differentiate "expectations" from "expectancy." The former presumes some intention that is somewhat negative, while the latter removes all such presumptions and be ready to listen. He talks about the reality of loneliness where it is hard to distinguish between pastor and friend with a member of the Church. His sense of calling is essentially about serving all, regardless of whether they are for or against you. His sharing about Mac the custodian is a touching story of how people of good intentions clash with one another, and how there is that need for forgiveness and redemption in a broken world.
What is most interesting is in his interactions with people, how he deals with the different expectations from them about what pastors should be doing. Clearly, while pastors shepherd the flock, they are not there to pander to every kinds of requests. Barnes writes about him mentoring others as well as the need to be mentored by someone. For the latter, it is more like lending a listening ear to the hurts of a pastor. He shares openly about his journey through cancer and the importance of learning to interact with people struggling with the same kind of issues. Between being a cancer patient and a pastor, his calling as pastor comes first.
My Thoughts
Firstly, I appreciate how the author reminds us that ministry must be based upon a constant and regular dependence on the Good Shepherd. Learn to be like the sheepdog who is always listening to the promptings of the shepherd. This listening is about attending to the essential rather than the frivolous needs of the congregation. As ministers trained and equipped with lots of skills and knowledge, it is tempting to try to do ministry based on our own wisdom and strength. The age-old advice is crystal clear: In order to shepherd well, we need to be shepherded ourselves. Pastors can only do their jobs well if they know where the source of strength and motivation comes from. Ministry is not about money, less about fame. It is about learning to deal with routine and the ordinary events of life. If one seeks adventure and excitement, do something else. This is about faithfulness, where just as God pays attention to the ordinary person, we need to do the same, as ministers in Jesus' Name. I like the way Barnes challenges us "not to rise above the ordinary routines but to find the holiness in them." That is worth the price of the book!
Secondly, it takes a pastor to know what a pastor is going through. This book drives home a lot of unspoken emotions in the hearts of many pastors. It is one profession that only a pastor can really understand. One particularly poignant example was Barnes's encounter with a young member who complains how he has been hurt by the church. Barnes on reflection shares this gem: "The church hurt his feelings? So what? The church hurts my feelings almost every day. At its best we're a community of flawed sinners whose aspirations are higher than not hurting each other, but along the way we inevitably do exactly that." Somehow, this strikes a chord. Pastors tend to live with a weight of expectations that pastors are unable to carry. They are not superhuman persons. They are flesh and blood who are as vulnerable as any parishioner out there. Yet, by these expectations, pastors are judged and left to carry the blame on behalf of the rest of the church. Everyone will disappoint someone eventually. Pastors are not immune from that. It reminds me of the need to constantly forgive one another as Jesus has taught us. Anyone who refuses to forgive have forgotten that all people including make mistakes.
Finally, Barnes reminds us how important it is to have spiritual friends. The importance of forming relationships with likeminded people should never be underestimated. We need people who are able to journey with us in the marathon of ministry. No man is an island. The pastor should never do ministry alone, even though much of the work is often done alone. What is necessary is to work on the loneliness of the soul. At least two thing are necessary. First and foremost, this loneliness can only be met by God alone. The long road of ministry is never meant for one to travel alone. God has promised to be with us. Sometimes, we feel as if we are alone. These are times in which we need to pray and to seek the Lord more. This is the main reason why pastors ought to be prayer warriors first and foremost. Out of this prayer life comes the vitality of a nourished soul. Studying the Bible is important. Performing pastoral care is necessary. That is why we need to examine and renew the source of the motivation to study and the motivation to care: Our personal relationship with Jesus. The second thing comes as a direct offshoot of the first, to let someone else walk with us. This could be our good friends, spouses, or even a distant mentor. Fellow pastors from another church are also good choices.
I highly recommend this book for all in ministry.
M. Craig Barnes (PhD, University of Chicago) is president of Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, where he also serves as professor of pastoral ministry. He previously taught at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and has pastored several churches. Barnes frequently speaks and preaches across the country, writes regularly for the Christian Century, and is the author of numerous books, including Searching for Home, When God Interrupts, Sacred Thirst, Hustling God, The Pastor as Minor Poet, and Yearning.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
What goes on in a pastor's life? For most people, they tend to see the pastor praying or preaching on stage every Sunday. They don't really know what happens on the other days. While most people would describe their lives as being defined by some crisis or sensational event, the challenge is to learn to pay attention to the ordinary. This is where pastor Craig Barnes manages to share with us, his daily ordinary work in the midst of a busy ministry. In this book, Barnes shares wittingly often with humour about his life as a pastor.
Right off the bat, he recalls the challenge of dealing with older parishioners who are resistant to change. Some tend to view God's mission in terms of preserving the "temple," such as physical assets like building, structure, facilities, and so on. He understands what it means for pastors to serve anonymously and faithfully. His sharing about his own wife would easily debunk anybody dreaming that pastors' wives are perfect! I believe pastors appreciate that others not put their spouses on the "holier-than-thou" pedestal. Only God is holy. I appreciate how Barnes differentiate "expectations" from "expectancy." The former presumes some intention that is somewhat negative, while the latter removes all such presumptions and be ready to listen. He talks about the reality of loneliness where it is hard to distinguish between pastor and friend with a member of the Church. His sense of calling is essentially about serving all, regardless of whether they are for or against you. His sharing about Mac the custodian is a touching story of how people of good intentions clash with one another, and how there is that need for forgiveness and redemption in a broken world.
What is most interesting is in his interactions with people, how he deals with the different expectations from them about what pastors should be doing. Clearly, while pastors shepherd the flock, they are not there to pander to every kinds of requests. Barnes writes about him mentoring others as well as the need to be mentored by someone. For the latter, it is more like lending a listening ear to the hurts of a pastor. He shares openly about his journey through cancer and the importance of learning to interact with people struggling with the same kind of issues. Between being a cancer patient and a pastor, his calling as pastor comes first.
My Thoughts
Firstly, I appreciate how the author reminds us that ministry must be based upon a constant and regular dependence on the Good Shepherd. Learn to be like the sheepdog who is always listening to the promptings of the shepherd. This listening is about attending to the essential rather than the frivolous needs of the congregation. As ministers trained and equipped with lots of skills and knowledge, it is tempting to try to do ministry based on our own wisdom and strength. The age-old advice is crystal clear: In order to shepherd well, we need to be shepherded ourselves. Pastors can only do their jobs well if they know where the source of strength and motivation comes from. Ministry is not about money, less about fame. It is about learning to deal with routine and the ordinary events of life. If one seeks adventure and excitement, do something else. This is about faithfulness, where just as God pays attention to the ordinary person, we need to do the same, as ministers in Jesus' Name. I like the way Barnes challenges us "not to rise above the ordinary routines but to find the holiness in them." That is worth the price of the book!
Secondly, it takes a pastor to know what a pastor is going through. This book drives home a lot of unspoken emotions in the hearts of many pastors. It is one profession that only a pastor can really understand. One particularly poignant example was Barnes's encounter with a young member who complains how he has been hurt by the church. Barnes on reflection shares this gem: "The church hurt his feelings? So what? The church hurts my feelings almost every day. At its best we're a community of flawed sinners whose aspirations are higher than not hurting each other, but along the way we inevitably do exactly that." Somehow, this strikes a chord. Pastors tend to live with a weight of expectations that pastors are unable to carry. They are not superhuman persons. They are flesh and blood who are as vulnerable as any parishioner out there. Yet, by these expectations, pastors are judged and left to carry the blame on behalf of the rest of the church. Everyone will disappoint someone eventually. Pastors are not immune from that. It reminds me of the need to constantly forgive one another as Jesus has taught us. Anyone who refuses to forgive have forgotten that all people including make mistakes.
Finally, Barnes reminds us how important it is to have spiritual friends. The importance of forming relationships with likeminded people should never be underestimated. We need people who are able to journey with us in the marathon of ministry. No man is an island. The pastor should never do ministry alone, even though much of the work is often done alone. What is necessary is to work on the loneliness of the soul. At least two thing are necessary. First and foremost, this loneliness can only be met by God alone. The long road of ministry is never meant for one to travel alone. God has promised to be with us. Sometimes, we feel as if we are alone. These are times in which we need to pray and to seek the Lord more. This is the main reason why pastors ought to be prayer warriors first and foremost. Out of this prayer life comes the vitality of a nourished soul. Studying the Bible is important. Performing pastoral care is necessary. That is why we need to examine and renew the source of the motivation to study and the motivation to care: Our personal relationship with Jesus. The second thing comes as a direct offshoot of the first, to let someone else walk with us. This could be our good friends, spouses, or even a distant mentor. Fellow pastors from another church are also good choices.
I highly recommend this book for all in ministry.
M. Craig Barnes (PhD, University of Chicago) is president of Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, where he also serves as professor of pastoral ministry. He previously taught at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and has pastored several churches. Barnes frequently speaks and preaches across the country, writes regularly for the Christian Century, and is the author of numerous books, including Searching for Home, When God Interrupts, Sacred Thirst, Hustling God, The Pastor as Minor Poet, and Yearning.
Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
October 1, 2021
Filled with so much wisdom and insight. Very encouraging.
March 20, 2022
Nu ik dertien jaar verder ben, besef ik dat ik op me tot dan toe voorbereid had op taken die ik had als predikant. Ik had me nooit gerealiseerd dat veel belangrijker dan de taken die ik zou gaan verrichten, was dat ik iemand was op die plek die het leven met Christus voorleefde en dat het mijn taak was om de gemeenteleden te helpen bij het ontdekken van Gods aanwezigheid in hun leven. Terwijl ik zelf nog niet helemaal klaar was met mijn geestelijke ontwikkeling moest ik wel geestelijk leiding geven aan deze twee kleine gemeenten.
Juist een bepaalde geestelijke rijpheid is belangrijk om als predikant in een gemeente vruchtbaar te zijn. Over die geestelijke rijpheid die nodig is, schreef Craig Barnes een boek. Barnes is rector van het Princeton Theological Seminary en heeft als hoogleraar de taak studenten voor te bereiden op hun latere rol als pastor in een gemeente. Barnes grijpt daarbij terug op gravitas, een term uit de traditie van de Puriteinen.
Met gravitas wordt bedoeld dat de predikant genoeg geestelijke ervaring en levenservaring heeft opgedaan om de aanwezigheid van God op te merken in het leven van gemeenteleden. Die gemeenteleden houden zich vaak niet bezig met diepgaande geestelijke zaken, maar lopen tegen allerlei alledaagse dingen op die nauwelijks iets geestelijks lijken te hebben.
Het is de kunst van de predikant om waar te nemen hoe God daarin aanwezig is. Om met de ondertitel van het boek van Barnes te spreken: om de heilige momenten in de gemeente te ontdekken in die alledaagsheid. Tijdens het lezen van dit boek bedacht ik dat het me mij erg geholpen had als ik geweten had, dat dit mijn rol was als predikant van een gemeente. Het had mij enorm geholpen als ik geweten had, dat ik niet alleen met hart, maar ook met ziel pastor was: oog voor Gods werk in mijn eigen leven en in de levens van gemeenteleden. Natuurlijk wist ik dat wel als theorie, maar het duurde een behoorlijke tijd voordat ik ontdekte hoe belangrijk dat ook voor mijzelf was.
Met Diary of a Pastor’s Soul heeft Barnes een boek geschreven om beginnende en ervaren predikanten te helpen die geestelijke rijpheid te ontwikkelen. Hij heeft voor een bijzondere vorm gekozen: een fictief dagboek van een predikant die in zijn laatste jaar als predikant is. Voordat hij met emeritaat gaat, maakt hij nog één keer een cyclus van het kerkelijk jaar mee. Per maand beschrijft hij zo’n vijf voorvallen die hij meemaakt, waarbij hij er voor zichzelf op reflecteert.
Het eerste voorval dat hij beschrijft is het afscheid van een vrouwelijke kerkrentmeester, die na 22 jaar kerkrentmeesterschap haast denkt dat de kerk van haar is en erg gehecht is aan het gebouw. Het gebouw lijkt haast heiliger dan de missie van de kerk op die plek. Zijn ontdekking is dat de vrouw iets belangrijks vertegenwoordigt: de kerkelijke traditie die ook vorm gekregen heeft in stenen gebouwen. De kerk gaat verder terug dan onze persoonlijke ervaringen.
Een andere ontdekking die deze predikant heeft gedaan is Gods voorkeur voor het gewone, het alledaagse. God houdt van routine. Het predikantschap bestaat daarom niet uit het doen van spectaculaire bezigheden, maar uit kleine dingen, die wel zo geloofwaardig mogelijk gedaan moeten worden. Het is dan de taak van een predikant om te zien hoe God in dat alledaagse, in die routine aanwezig is en werkt. Een belangrijke rol van de predikant in een gemeente is die aanwezigheid in het gewone waar te nemen en te helpen waarnemen.
Dat alledaagse is niet altijd fraai: een gemeentelid die meldt gekwetst te zijn, dominante ouders die voor hun zoon willen bepalen welke studie hij moet gaan doen, een jongvolwassene die overambitieus is, gemeenteleden die geen afscheid hebben kunnen nemen van de vorige cantor-organist en moeite hebben met de huidige cantor-organist. Een van de gemeenteleden is in zijn ogen slachtoffer van de populaire illusie dat je je als mens je eigen leven moet samenstellen en dat je dat het beste kunt doen door steeds te kiezen, ook als het gaat om geloof: jij als mens bepaalt wat goed voor je is.
Wij zijn echter geen Schepper en daarom is het waardevol om elke zondag de geloofsbelijdenis uit te spreken, waarin we geloven in God die groter is dan onze keuzes en waarin we ons scharen in een traditie die dieper is dan onze voorkeuren.
Dit mooie boek van Barnes is ook heel geschikt om met elkaar als predikanten onderling door te spreken over wat de rol van een predikant is en om elkaar te helpen het heilige in het alledaagse te ontdekken.
Juist een bepaalde geestelijke rijpheid is belangrijk om als predikant in een gemeente vruchtbaar te zijn. Over die geestelijke rijpheid die nodig is, schreef Craig Barnes een boek. Barnes is rector van het Princeton Theological Seminary en heeft als hoogleraar de taak studenten voor te bereiden op hun latere rol als pastor in een gemeente. Barnes grijpt daarbij terug op gravitas, een term uit de traditie van de Puriteinen.
Met gravitas wordt bedoeld dat de predikant genoeg geestelijke ervaring en levenservaring heeft opgedaan om de aanwezigheid van God op te merken in het leven van gemeenteleden. Die gemeenteleden houden zich vaak niet bezig met diepgaande geestelijke zaken, maar lopen tegen allerlei alledaagse dingen op die nauwelijks iets geestelijks lijken te hebben.
Het is de kunst van de predikant om waar te nemen hoe God daarin aanwezig is. Om met de ondertitel van het boek van Barnes te spreken: om de heilige momenten in de gemeente te ontdekken in die alledaagsheid. Tijdens het lezen van dit boek bedacht ik dat het me mij erg geholpen had als ik geweten had, dat dit mijn rol was als predikant van een gemeente. Het had mij enorm geholpen als ik geweten had, dat ik niet alleen met hart, maar ook met ziel pastor was: oog voor Gods werk in mijn eigen leven en in de levens van gemeenteleden. Natuurlijk wist ik dat wel als theorie, maar het duurde een behoorlijke tijd voordat ik ontdekte hoe belangrijk dat ook voor mijzelf was.
Met Diary of a Pastor’s Soul heeft Barnes een boek geschreven om beginnende en ervaren predikanten te helpen die geestelijke rijpheid te ontwikkelen. Hij heeft voor een bijzondere vorm gekozen: een fictief dagboek van een predikant die in zijn laatste jaar als predikant is. Voordat hij met emeritaat gaat, maakt hij nog één keer een cyclus van het kerkelijk jaar mee. Per maand beschrijft hij zo’n vijf voorvallen die hij meemaakt, waarbij hij er voor zichzelf op reflecteert.
Het eerste voorval dat hij beschrijft is het afscheid van een vrouwelijke kerkrentmeester, die na 22 jaar kerkrentmeesterschap haast denkt dat de kerk van haar is en erg gehecht is aan het gebouw. Het gebouw lijkt haast heiliger dan de missie van de kerk op die plek. Zijn ontdekking is dat de vrouw iets belangrijks vertegenwoordigt: de kerkelijke traditie die ook vorm gekregen heeft in stenen gebouwen. De kerk gaat verder terug dan onze persoonlijke ervaringen.
Een andere ontdekking die deze predikant heeft gedaan is Gods voorkeur voor het gewone, het alledaagse. God houdt van routine. Het predikantschap bestaat daarom niet uit het doen van spectaculaire bezigheden, maar uit kleine dingen, die wel zo geloofwaardig mogelijk gedaan moeten worden. Het is dan de taak van een predikant om te zien hoe God in dat alledaagse, in die routine aanwezig is en werkt. Een belangrijke rol van de predikant in een gemeente is die aanwezigheid in het gewone waar te nemen en te helpen waarnemen.
Dat alledaagse is niet altijd fraai: een gemeentelid die meldt gekwetst te zijn, dominante ouders die voor hun zoon willen bepalen welke studie hij moet gaan doen, een jongvolwassene die overambitieus is, gemeenteleden die geen afscheid hebben kunnen nemen van de vorige cantor-organist en moeite hebben met de huidige cantor-organist. Een van de gemeenteleden is in zijn ogen slachtoffer van de populaire illusie dat je je als mens je eigen leven moet samenstellen en dat je dat het beste kunt doen door steeds te kiezen, ook als het gaat om geloof: jij als mens bepaalt wat goed voor je is.
Wij zijn echter geen Schepper en daarom is het waardevol om elke zondag de geloofsbelijdenis uit te spreken, waarin we geloven in God die groter is dan onze keuzes en waarin we ons scharen in een traditie die dieper is dan onze voorkeuren.
Dit mooie boek van Barnes is ook heel geschikt om met elkaar als predikanten onderling door te spreken over wat de rol van een predikant is en om elkaar te helpen het heilige in het alledaagse te ontdekken.
June 27, 2020
What is it like to be a pastor? What are the holy moments in the life of ministry? Clergy live rather odd lives. It's a unique profession because family tend to be drawn into the fishbowl that is pastoral life. So what does this life look like? One could write an academic tome, and many have been written. Or, you could create a fictional setting. And many have been written, some by clergy and some by those who have imagined what that looks like. Craig Barnes offers us a look into the pastoral life using fiction, but with a specific format -- that of a diary. The diary records the final year of ministry before retirement, running from July through June.
The author, Craig Barnes, is the president of Princeton Theological Seminary and a professor of pastoral ministry. He is well known from his books and articles, including regular postings in the "Christian Century."
I approached the book from a similar point in the ministerial journey as the fictional pastor. I too am nearing retirement. I announced my retirement much earlier than does Barnes' pastor. He waits until about six months before his departure, which is the normal pattern. He appears to be the senior minister of a tall steeple Presbyterian Church that resides in a neo-Gothic building. Thus, his descriptions of ministerial life are a bit different from that of those of us who serve smaller congregations. Nevertheless, I think most clergy will identify with elements of the story.
This pastor is sixty-eight at the time that the story begins. He came to the congregation, we're told at one point, when he was thirty-nine, so this is a very lengthy tenure. Over the course of the year, which Barnes lays out in weekly posts to his diary, we move from the first inklings that it might be time to retire in July through the announcement later to the big finale.
As we move through the year, we experience the various seasons -- Advent, Christmas, Easter. As it is the final year of minister, everything is the last time. We go to meetings, meet with difficult members, reflections on beloved members, and we take care of maintenance issues. There are reflections as to family relationships. There are meetings with fellow clergy. In this case, he has two primary conversation partners, a Roman Catholic priest, who serves as father confessor, and a Black Pentecostal pastor. There is a health issue that never gets shared, which is a reminder that clergy often keep matters such as cancer close to the vest. Perhaps we don't want to be seen as vulnerable in that way.
From beginning to end this fictional pastor seems ready to move on and yet he's been at it so long it is part of him. He wonders what life in retirement will be like. He speaks, therefore, to the realities many clergy face as they move into retirement, how do you do church once you're not the pastor? That might be why so many retired pastors do interim ministries.
There is much here that clergy can identify with, and some elements that those of us who have never served large churches can't really identify with. Nonclergy might find this book illuminating as well. We clergy might not want our church members to read this, but on the other hand it might be helpful. It does reflect a more traditional experience of ministry, which we older clergy might resonate with, and younger clergy might not. For those of us, nearing retirement or entering that final year, as is true for me, this does speak!
The book is well written and accessible. Each diary entry is no more than four pages, and often only two in length. So you can read this in spurts and still follow along. It might even by a worthwhile read as a devotional exercise, so as to prepare for the day of ministry.
The author, Craig Barnes, is the president of Princeton Theological Seminary and a professor of pastoral ministry. He is well known from his books and articles, including regular postings in the "Christian Century."
I approached the book from a similar point in the ministerial journey as the fictional pastor. I too am nearing retirement. I announced my retirement much earlier than does Barnes' pastor. He waits until about six months before his departure, which is the normal pattern. He appears to be the senior minister of a tall steeple Presbyterian Church that resides in a neo-Gothic building. Thus, his descriptions of ministerial life are a bit different from that of those of us who serve smaller congregations. Nevertheless, I think most clergy will identify with elements of the story.
This pastor is sixty-eight at the time that the story begins. He came to the congregation, we're told at one point, when he was thirty-nine, so this is a very lengthy tenure. Over the course of the year, which Barnes lays out in weekly posts to his diary, we move from the first inklings that it might be time to retire in July through the announcement later to the big finale.
As we move through the year, we experience the various seasons -- Advent, Christmas, Easter. As it is the final year of minister, everything is the last time. We go to meetings, meet with difficult members, reflections on beloved members, and we take care of maintenance issues. There are reflections as to family relationships. There are meetings with fellow clergy. In this case, he has two primary conversation partners, a Roman Catholic priest, who serves as father confessor, and a Black Pentecostal pastor. There is a health issue that never gets shared, which is a reminder that clergy often keep matters such as cancer close to the vest. Perhaps we don't want to be seen as vulnerable in that way.
From beginning to end this fictional pastor seems ready to move on and yet he's been at it so long it is part of him. He wonders what life in retirement will be like. He speaks, therefore, to the realities many clergy face as they move into retirement, how do you do church once you're not the pastor? That might be why so many retired pastors do interim ministries.
There is much here that clergy can identify with, and some elements that those of us who have never served large churches can't really identify with. Nonclergy might find this book illuminating as well. We clergy might not want our church members to read this, but on the other hand it might be helpful. It does reflect a more traditional experience of ministry, which we older clergy might resonate with, and younger clergy might not. For those of us, nearing retirement or entering that final year, as is true for me, this does speak!
The book is well written and accessible. Each diary entry is no more than four pages, and often only two in length. So you can read this in spurts and still follow along. It might even by a worthwhile read as a devotional exercise, so as to prepare for the day of ministry.
November 8, 2021
This is an excellent book! It is a fictionalized diary from the pen of a pastor in his last year of parish ministry as he looks back on almost three decades of dedicated service to the same church and anticipates retirement. Pastor Barnes claims that he is not the man revealed in these diary entries, but one suspects that much of what is here grows out of his own pastoral experience. The book is an easy read but it is filled with pastoral wisdom that has grown out of a lifetime of ministry. It will be helpful to pastors no matter where they are in life. For the person just entering the ministry, learning from Pastor Barmes will guide you in the initial days of acquiring the skill of caring for the souls of people, for pastors who are further along the author provides insights that may have been missed or need to be developed and for the pastor on the eve of retirement it will provide the wonderful sense that there was great meaning in all that sacrifice. You carried out the holy task of caring for the souls of people.
August 9, 2022
Well written, but this book had me in one of two places: melted, or not liking the chapter at all. There was some serious “squishy” theological concepts (though, this is a fictional book) and some things that I don’t think would be very healthy to do pastorally. When I say melt, I mean melt. Not out of anger, just being in a emotional pile of yourself.
Spit out the bones, eat the meat. Even an bad preacher has ten good things to say, so hear them, and live them the rest of your life.
Spit out the bones, eat the meat. Even an bad preacher has ten good things to say, so hear them, and live them the rest of your life.
January 23, 2021
Enjoyable read of a (slightly) fictional pastors final year. While it avoid much of the "dark side" of what pastors have to do in cleaning up sexual transgressions or navigating church splits, Barnes is insightful and complimentary of the important work and impressionable moments most pastors share.
February 4, 2025
A very touching and meaningful read. I loved all the beautiful relationships this pastor unpacked, and the way he described his own growth through his years serving his congregation, ranging from anxiety to insecurity to wisdom and deep love for his parishoners. A precious portrait of life in the kingdom of God.
February 10, 2022
The fictional weekly diary of a pastor about to retire. I tried desperately to hate that this was made up when it easily could have been true (Dr. Barnes is Princeton Seminary's president, and a real live pastor himself!), but ultimately it won me over and I begrudgingly loved it. It's packed with sacred and profane reflections, equally touching, about a life in ministry. I laughed and underlined: no higher praise.
June 29, 2023
Great read! I differ theologically with the author; however, much that he wrote still applies to me in my role as pastor. I guess it’s just cool to know I’m not alone and to continue to be faithful in the little moments. I recommend to anyone who is or is wanting to become a pastor.
February 19, 2024
I was moved and enjoyed some “chapters” of this book, but overall, it was at best okay. DA Carson’s book about the life of this father (Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor) is a better book that accomplishes what this book is attempting to do.
July 19, 2024
A great storyteller
I loved the down to earth storytelling that gave me a window into the life of a gifted pastor. I’ll see the pastors of the churches I’ve been a part of with new understanding and wonder at the complex roles they fill.
I loved the down to earth storytelling that gave me a window into the life of a gifted pastor. I’ll see the pastors of the churches I’ve been a part of with new understanding and wonder at the complex roles they fill.
June 8, 2020
This book was deeply refreshing for my soul.
October 9, 2020
a wonderful work of fiction reflecting on the life of a pastor during the year before retirement
January 13, 2021
I give very few 5 star ratings. But this has described my small church pastor experience perfectly. Can't believe it's fiction!
January 19, 2021
Poignant and personal. Musings on pastoral ministry that will make you think while you cry and laugh out loud. Beautifully written and compelling.
February 8, 2023
Absolutely loved these vignettes
January 29, 2024
Classic Barnes ... poetic and unputdownable. New twist with the fictional form.
May 27, 2024
Very enjoyable read. Laughed out loud a couple of times. Shed a tear a time or two as well. Encouraging, real and transparent look at the joys and struggles of ministry.
Read
November 26, 2024“Rather than expectations, I’ve learned to maintain expectancy, which is a sense of awe at the divine-human encounter that is breaking in on everything we call ordinary and routine.”, p. 31-32
March 10, 2020
An insightful look into the inner life of a pastor. Written as a diary of the pastor’s last year in ministry before retirement, the book deals with all aspects of the life of a pastor of a small church. From domineering parishioners, Saturday nights devoted to final sermon preparation, to the reality of being visible to the world, emotionally and spiritually, the book is a jewel of introspection.
When I read the biography of the author, it was apparent that this book is fiction. My pastor once told me that he wanted to write a novel, but he feared that everyone would see themselves in the characters and resent his use of their life stories. Barnes has avoided the obvious comparison with real parishioners, but the conflicts and characters he describes are very realistic. I assume there was a real Mrs. Parker during his ministry—or several of them.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the biography of the author, it was apparent that this book is fiction. My pastor once told me that he wanted to write a novel, but he feared that everyone would see themselves in the characters and resent his use of their life stories. Barnes has avoided the obvious comparison with real parishioners, but the conflicts and characters he describes are very realistic. I assume there was a real Mrs. Parker during his ministry—or several of them.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2020
This novel is set up as a weekly diary. It begins in July as the pastor decides to retire the following June. While this is a fictionalized story, no doubt many of these stories have been reworked from Barnes life, as well as life of other pastors he has known. In this book, one gets to see into a soul of a pastor. You see how much of ministry is mundane. But there are also those special times that the minister is called into special times in the life of parishioners.
In this book you will see:
• The pastor’s struggle within his own family as well as confessions of things that didn’t work out as planned.
• The pastor wrestling with what he can tell and not tell his congregation, including whether to let them know he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• The difficult decisions about staff and how sometimes the pastor finds themselves in a no-win situation.
• The hurt pastors feel when they are betrayed by members of a congregation who move elsewhere, often give false reasons for the move.
• The pain pastors feel over the death of parishioners.
• How parishioners attempt to pull pastors into awkward situations, such as attempting to use the pastor to encourage a son to go to a particular college.
At the end of the year, it’s over. There is a retirement party and its time to move on. Not everything has been wrapped up neatly.
This is a very honest novel. I recommend it for anyone wanting to know what it is like to be in ministry. I have read most of Barnes book and have enjoyed them all. His book, When God Interrupts, is my favorite. I have probably given out 50 copies of this book over the years (and my parish associate in Michigan gave out more than I did!). Barnes wrote it shortly after surviving a cancer when he was a young pastor called to his first large church. All his books contain significant theological and pastoral insights.
In this book you will see:
• The pastor’s struggle within his own family as well as confessions of things that didn’t work out as planned.
• The pastor wrestling with what he can tell and not tell his congregation, including whether to let them know he’s been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
• The difficult decisions about staff and how sometimes the pastor finds themselves in a no-win situation.
• The hurt pastors feel when they are betrayed by members of a congregation who move elsewhere, often give false reasons for the move.
• The pain pastors feel over the death of parishioners.
• How parishioners attempt to pull pastors into awkward situations, such as attempting to use the pastor to encourage a son to go to a particular college.
At the end of the year, it’s over. There is a retirement party and its time to move on. Not everything has been wrapped up neatly.
This is a very honest novel. I recommend it for anyone wanting to know what it is like to be in ministry. I have read most of Barnes book and have enjoyed them all. His book, When God Interrupts, is my favorite. I have probably given out 50 copies of this book over the years (and my parish associate in Michigan gave out more than I did!). Barnes wrote it shortly after surviving a cancer when he was a young pastor called to his first large church. All his books contain significant theological and pastoral insights.
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