The issue of the challenges and struggles faced by pastors is old story, and many books have been written on the subject. So what makes this one different and how will it help Malaysian Christians?
Firstly, the book is written by a local Christian who not only understands the local culture and oriental nuances but is also the wife of a former pastor. It is a collection of her observations and research, personal encounters and interviews over a period of at least a decade.
She discusses the identity crisis facing the modern-day pastor as a result of the many roles he is expected to play – administrator, CEO, fund raiser, church-growth strategist, et cetera. Even pastors in traditional churches – whose traditional roles were preaching, visiting and liturgical duties – are beginning to face similar pressures.
This ‘pressure cooker’ situation is brought about by the paradigm shift where lay leaders are beginning to exercise more influence over the pastor’s job description (and unwritten expectations) and the church’s direction and ministry.
Not all problems of the pastors are caused by the church board though; the author observes that overuse of authority can be a pitfall of some CEO-orientated pastor. She also recommends some practical steps to overcome some of the problems of the modern-day pastorate. Besides challenging board members to understand the life and ministry of pastors, she also urges them to re-examine the ways the local church choose, train, affirm and care for full-time pastors.
Typical of her other books, she has a smaller section at the end of each chapter, consisting of soul-searching questions for readers to reflect on and pray over.
In reading this book, pastors (and their families) will be able to interact and identify with similar experiences of other pastors, and be encouraged to know that there are people who share their pains and cries.
On the other side, the book is an eye-opener to the congregation members into the personal lives and ministry of full-time workers and pastors.
The layout, especially the shaded parts, is a bit confusing, though not entirely her doing but that of the typesetter and artist. Nevertheless, it has not taken the oomph out of the book.
Hopefully, this book will build bridges between pastors and church boards/congregations, where, together, the forces of darkness will find them a mighty force to reckon with. After all, that is what we are all called to do in the first place – to destroy the domain of Satan and release many more people into the kingdom of light. – Reviewed by Patrick Cheng
(Note: Behold Your Pastor! is available from Glad Sounds at RM25 per copy.)
