The Art of Pastoring Contemplative Reflections

by Katherine Martin and William Martin

Book Overview

Eighty-one reflections that offer refreshment to pastors. Scores of pastors from numerous denominations have found these reflections a pungent reminder of who they are as ministers of Christ. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931551014
• ISBN13: 9781931551014
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Vital Faith Resources
• Length: 108 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A book to quiet the noise.

This is a book that I have used, loaned, lost, bought and loaned again. Now I just give it as a gift to any friend in pastoral ministry that seems to be giving too much. It is a book that will quiet the noise of constantly trying to be more than God calls one to be. I highly recommend it to anyone beginning their ministry.

The Word on the Way

I have used this book for personal as well as community meditation ever since its first publication by CTS several years ago. As many others, I sincerely wish it were required reading in seminary and by corporate-type lay leadership who want a pastor to be a CEO rather than a pastor. I must disagree with the reviewer who faulted the book (modestly) for its lack of stress on the prophetic aspects of ministry. After all, wasn't Thomas Merton a contemplative who had a great deal to write concerning the prophetic issues of peace and justice, let alone racism? This book has been formative in enabling my continuation in ministry.

A Lifeline for Pastors

This simple book has been an important tool in helping me recover a sense of peace and serenity in parish ministry. The challenges and struggles of ministry are intense. The answer for me has been found in returning to a place of quiet, listening, and trust. The Art of Pastoring is a MUST READ for anyone in full-time parish work.

Art of Pastoring Should Be Required Seminary Reading

I use the Art of Pastoring as part of my meditation/devotion. I find new aspects to contemplate on the simple, yet powerful words and thoughts every time I read them. I would have liked this to have been required reading for my supervised ministry courses.

An invitation to contemplative leadership

I use this book of 81 Thoughts as part of my daily devotional and find that it helps me be how I desire to be in my relationships with others -- in family, church, job, friends, organizations. It is a book that takes time to enter one's habbits. It is based upon the Tao Te Ching and, while applied to pastors by the author's title, I find it applies to a person operating out of any role. I have shared it with those I thought open to this way of being in the world.