The Art of Pastoring: Ministry Without All the Answers

by David Hansen

Named one of the Top Ten Books of 1994 by the Academy of Parish Clergy!Hundreds of books, tapes, workshops and seminars promise to answer these impossible questions. Some offer a set of practical guidelines; others suggest a system or pattern to follow. Some stress various ministry functions; others feature case studies as models of success or failure. Some are helpful. Others are not. But in The Art of Pastoring, David Hansen turns pastoral self-help programs on their heads. He tackles the perennial questions from within his own experience.From the Inside OutHansen's fresh, bold narrative grows from nearly a decade of ministry. He draws you into his life and into the lives of Florence-Victor Parish in the mountains of Montana, including unforgettable encounters with unforgettable people--a stubborn pioneer woman who still chops her own firewood though she's blind and 90 years old, a championship rodeo cowboy who was baptized in his boots, and many more.Hansen's goal is to help you discover "that pastoral ministry is a life, not a technology . . . [that] life as a pastor is far more than the sum of the tasks I carry out. It is a call from God that involves my whole life."From Calling to Living ParableEvery pastor has encountered those who struggle to hear God's voice in a hospital room, who reach for Jesus in the sacraments. No systematic answers can meet their deep, eternal needs. What can touch them, Hansen contends, is a life itself, a life lived as a parable of Jesus. "As a parable of Jesus Christ," Hansen writes, "I deliver something to the parishioner that I am not, and in the process I deliver the parishioner into the hands of God."It is this knack for getting to the heart of things that makes The Art of Pastoring valuable for pastors in any setting--rural, suburban or urban. Parachurch workers, missionaries, church leaders and ministry volunteers will also find inspiration here.In this significantly revised new edition, Hansen includes new insights into his view of pastorate as parable and adds a new postlude in which he comes clean on his "constant attempts to leave the ministry."

Genres: Leadership, Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, School, Church, Christianity

180 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1994

Reviews

[Buddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title says, David Hansen doesn’t give all the answers for ministry but helps us understand how to approach ministry. David describes pastors as parables of Jesus, which is such a useful lens to view ministry through. I found the chapters on temptation and friendship especially helpful.

[Nathan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any book pertaining to ministry, I don’t agree with everything Hansen writes. However, this is one of the best books I’ve read on pastoring. The content is great and his writing style exceptional.

[Brad Sarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great pastoral gems in this one. Very similar to everything Eugene Peterson has written on pastoral ministry. Some great quotes:

"The problem is that when I fine-tune my week, tweaking it like a piano tuner to a perfect A440, I am out of harmony with the kingdom of God. I experience fewer of those serendipitous, perfect opportunities to talk to people about Christ." p21

"Jesus never climbed any first-century ladders of success... He rejected ladders and consistently chose the downward road of sacrifice." p30

"Of all the sins of all God's servants recorded in the Bible, perhaps the one that angers God most is fear." p60

"Every pastor must chose between ladder-climbing and love. I've tried and tried, but I've never been able to mix ambition and love." p76

"Pastors, like therapists, evoke feelings in people that go way back into people's past." p138

"What must die in every pastor is the subconscious desire to please people. What must not die is the will to live. There's the risk." p140

"Most Christians like to theologize. Almost any Christian will be happy to give an opinion of what Jesus meant when he said, 'Enter through the narrow gate.' Far fewer will come and ask what it means specifically for them to enter through the narrow gate." p172

[Brandon Dobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great stories. Good book. I don't agree with everything Hansen discusses in the book however. Regardless, this is an eye opening read for someone considering going into the ministry.

[Jacob Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, solemn, joy-filled account of what it means to be a pastor.

[Will Standridge, II · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was provocative, raw, real, and powerful. This is an inside look at what it means to pastor. It is written in a way that will touch any pastor’s soul and challenge their mind as they look forward to what ministry should look like.

[Justin Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits you on a deep soul level. Though this book is intended for pastors, it is a book that can be read by any Christian especially if you want to know what a day in the life of a senior pastor is like. David has some unique perspectives from his ministry life. This book is so relatable and it spoke to my heart.

[Timothy Ebio · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the most honest and relatable books I've read on pastoring. Hansen's writing balances testimony and exposition. At points, his writing is poetic. At others, scholarly. Like other contemporary writers on the subject, he pushes against a reliance on programs, and he encourages a more personal approach to ministry. To call this book 'encouraging' would be an understatement. There are better resources for understanding the biblical role of a pastor, but for the purposes of devotion, this hits.

[Benjamin Alexander]

This sounds like a pragmatic book, but it's not. It's very good and very encouraging for both pastors and laypeople to contemplate what exactly a pastor is and is to do. He has gems and insights here that are crucial to understand.. Please, I urge you, if you are a pastor/one in training/or lay person read this book and support your minister. The Church suffers because pastors are not supported (sometimes) to be men of reflection and depth--which requires prayer and meditation--time!

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that Hansen chose to use a format that focused on his own story, and not on some proscription for all pastors. His theology is very different from my own, and I might not have read this book if it were written as a manual, instead of as personal journey. As it was, I got a lot inspiration out this book.

[Jerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful and realistic view of Pastoring. I find it one of my three favorite books on Pastoring. I highly recommend for anyone who wonders what pastors do or anyone interested in going into the ministry. The book is a good antidote to the managerial model prevalent. I find some of those books helpful but this book hits the essentials of friendship, preaching, and eternity before us.

[Glenn Wishnew III · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hansen is slow, prayerful and Christ-centered in this book which fittingly encapsulates the art he depicts.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hansen shares how much love changes things and just how much love is the thing that holds the art of pastoring together. What makes it effective. Loving the Lord and letting that overflow into the interactions and lens with which we view other people.

I have read this book for the internship at my church, I don't have any intention of becoming a pastor myself. I do think that this book should not only be read by those poised for pastoring but for people who want to walk as an effective leader.

I appreciated how gentleness and storytelling are the means by which Hansen shares his heart. I appreciated the story about preparedness and nervousness being broken by the reality of God's love and intention for His people.

Something that I have never thought about, and now that I have had it's important pointed out cannot imagine not being aware of, is the importance of eschatology for pastors and those in leadership. I remember being in school and studying eschatology and claiming that I was a "pantheist", that it was all going to pan out in the end. Laughingly those that shared that opinion with me thought that we were focusing more on others in doing that and not on the theology of things that we don't know about, and can't know about. Instead, Hansen brings to light the necessity of having a firm stance on Hell and eternity. Without it there is not much that a pastor can stand upon. If he believed that every person was free from Hell because of a loving God then what was the point of his pastoring now? Couldn't he just let everyone go their own way and then let God do the forgiving at the end? His life and experience of walking through a season where he learned first hand the real importance of a firm stance will, and is, allow for others to skip over the difficult mistake of unpreparedness and walk a little faster into loving people well because of who God is.

[J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Pastoring by David Hansen is essentially a story of pastoral ministry. The author uses beautiful colours to paint an intricate picture of the pastoral vocation. This book is not your ordinary ‘how to do ministry’ book. It doesn’t tell you about new tricks and techniques nor does it export business ideas and adulterate pastoral calling. Instead, it steers away from pragmatism to a biblical vision of ministry. That is to say, pastors are meant to be a ‘parable of Jesus’. As Hansen puts it, the ‘thesis of this book is that people meet Jesus in our lives because when we follow Jesus, we are parables of Jesus Christ to the people we meet. This book is a description of the pastor as a parable of Jesus Christ’.

A significant highlight of this book was its chapter on prayer, containing many hidden gems of wisdom. I especially appreciated that prayer is more than merely presenting petitions to God. Instead, ‘through prayer, we learn to believe in God and not just a theory but as a friend who is present, a friend who listens and loves’ (p.117).

The author is a clear and clever writer who uses stories from his life to teach valuable lessons. Stories are given more weight than didactic sections which might be a strength or a weakness depending on your preference. While my preference is generally for didactic content, this book’s clarity and wisdom gained from the author’s personal life story made it a valuable read.

This book is written for pastors primarily. Nonetheless, it would be a great resource for lay people. It helps everyone understand and appereciate the calling and work of pastoral ministry.

Overall, The Art of Pastoring is a refreshing book. It would be an admirable gift for new pastors.

This review first appeared on my blog (https://thereadingrevd.com)

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pastor David Hanson shares his life and pastoral experience from the time he arrives in Montana on a cold January day in 1983 to begin his first pastoral charge of a small country church to the time he felt called to leave in 1992 and begin a new chapter of his ministry. He shares early on that a man is inadequate to be a pastor without God providentially carrying him through. He shares personal details throughout the book in relation to his struggles, his mistakes, his routines, and his thoughts about people, life, and ministry. His writing is authentic and relatable. His valuable insights about pastoral life are drawn from the crucible of experience. As an avid fisherman, he draws not a few life lessons from his pursuit of fish and the people who accompanied him. He ministered to lonely elderly folks, to unbelievers, to the dying, and the bereaved. He is good at bringing out the human emotion that we all experience, but no one knows but us. His main theme is pastors become a parable, a picture or glimpse of Christ, to the people he shepherds, in a similar way as Jesus was a parable of the Father and revealed Him to mankind.

[Olly Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminiscent of Eugene Peterson’s reflective, non-prescriptive, narrative style of writing and pastoring.

Filled with reflections and insights from nature, fly-fishing, and encounters with everyday people through his life and ministry.

A humble, very down to earth and grace filled book.

Hansen portrays a loving style of pastoring attempting to tune into God’s guidance. He doesn’t offer quick fixes, easy solutions or a template for success. Instead he offers a way of life and learning following the way of Jesus and drawing others in on the adventure with all its beauty and brokenness.

Some lovely, inspiring and thought provoking quotes:

‘When I follow Jesus in my everyday life as a pastor, people meet Jesus.’ (p.13)

‘A pastor is a parable of Jesus.’ (p.40)

‘There are two parts to the pastor’s heart: love for people and love for God.’ (p.40)

‘Every pastor must choose between ladder climbing and love.’ (p.76)

[Bob Wolniak · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine devotional reading with some unique perspectives on the various roles, theology and responsibilities of being a pastor. When I went back over it after finishing, I noticed I had highlighted something on most pages. I didn't always identify strongly with some of his musings and experiences, but I'm glad I pondered his perspective(s), especially about temptation and how easily the pastor makes him/herself into an idol. The book is full of fishing analogies and experiences in the wild that are brought to bear on the ministry of being a pastor. I liked best the appendix on ministering to those with Alzheimer's, as well as his practical advice on prayer life and dealing with difficult congregants with God's heart.

[Josh G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Hansen’s book is a good manual/memoir for pastoral ministry. Some of his insights are very good and the overall tone of the book is personal, friendly, and resonant with everyday life.

A few drawbacks for me personally were:
• The equivocation of entertainment with manipulation in Sunday services (a frequent offender in pastoral theology literature)
• The false dichotomy between entertainment and worship.
• No mention of the role of friendship in the pastors life
• Very little mention of his family and their relationships to each other

Even with these drawbacks, Hansen’s insights are worth reading and pondering. This will not be a book a donate to the used bookstore in a month :)

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful. It is not a typical pastoral leadership book filled with tips and tricks. It is an honest portrait of what the ins and outs of ministry are like. It felt like reading a poem. I was emotionally moved and encouraged throughout much of it. It's one of the best book son pastoring I've ever read.

I think this book will be more meaningful to those who have been in ministry for a few years. Those preparing for ministry might read it, but not understand it until they experience it for themselves.

[Gil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life Changing Reading

Whether you're considering going into the ministry or just volunteering for your church, The Art of Pastoring is a must read. Hansen uses his stories and experiences to open the door of what it means to take on the pastoral ministry, and to present the ups and downs that come with it. Hansen's voice is soothing and comforting, yet it conveys the stern, theological conviction that made him such a successful pastor.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a “how to” or a manual, really. Just a delightful encouragement about pastoring. Maybe the best thing about it is how often you find yourself smiling because you’ve found someone who can commiserate with you and puts into words stuff you feel regularly in pastoring. Must read for pastors, others would likely enjoy it to.

Now...back to what Hansen says pastors are to be doing: being a parable of Jesus Christ; reading, praying, being a friend.

[Scott Bach-Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Pastor, I appreciated David’s writing. The title can be somewhat misleading if you don’t read the subtitle. He is not providing a “how to for new Pastors” and he shares right on the cover that he doesn’t have all the answers. If you go in with that understanding, it’s a good read that weaves in his personal stories and connects them to various areas of being a Pastor. Nothing earth shattering here, just a good book about Pastoring and we need more of those.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this. The style is a bit meandering at times but all good rivers have bends! If you want "church growth" principles and snappy leadership soundbites, forget reading this. But if you want depth, spirituality, honest reflection and encouragement to keep embracing calling, then this is a timely read!

[Benjamin Clow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not an instruction manual nor a how to guide, nor a pop theology book, but instead a memoir of a pastor that comes across as genuine and humble. The lessons to be learnt here are key. Ministry is an art, not a technique. It's the practice of being a parable of Jesus Christ. Lot of key points I hadn't thought of before. Very helpful.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on pastoring I have ever read, and I have read it three times. I also gain new wisdom and insight every time I read it. This is not a how-to book, but the stories that Hansen tells will resonate with every pastor.

[Nicholas Audas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for those whose hearts burn

Hansen presents pastoral ministry in a way that speaks the secret groans of our inward man, resonating beyond just the mind. A necessary book. The last 2 chapter and appendices are worth the price of the book alone.

[Tyler Eason · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Hansen comes from a different church perspective than myself, I found this book so encouraging and refreshing. His main thing of pastors being a parable of Christ serves as a great tool to explain the work of shepherding.

[Jordan Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book, Hansen has such a way of bringing a refreshing vision of what it means to pastor. Through personal experience, wisdom and Biblical insight, this book will give fresh wings for anyone in ministry to keep going.

[Jenny Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know that I have ever been touched so deeply by a book on ministry and leadership. David Hansen is a shepherd speaking to all those who are shepherding, feeding, and caring for God's sheep. I have finished reading this, but only for the first time.

[Ryan and Sara Wendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and genuine perspective of the life of a pastor!