Book Review: The Care Of Souls

Cultivating A Pastor's Heart

Introduction

Harold L. Senkbeil’s The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart is a masterful and deeply nourishing work that speaks directly to the essence of pastoral ministry. In an age where many pastors feel burdened by the need to act as CEOs, visionaries, and cultural commentators, Senkbeil offers a refreshing call back to the roots of pastoral care—the spiritual tending of God’s flock. For the small church pastor, this book is both an encouragement and a guide, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of ministry. I do think there is something particularly encouraging for small church pastors in this book, so would highly recommend it for that context.

Rediscovering the Shepherd’s Role

Senkbeil’s main theme flowing through the book is that pastoral ministry is not primarily about programs, strategies, or numerical growth but about the care of souls. He emphasises that pastors are called to be shepherds, not managers, a truth that resonates deeply with those serving in small churches - when there’s sometimes not a lot to manage! In smaller congregations, where resources and personnel are often limited, the relational and spiritual aspects of ministry come into sharper focus. Senkbeil’s reflections remind small church pastors that our worth is not measured by attendance figures or budget surpluses but by our faithfulness in ministering Christ’s presence to people. I have found this true in our contexts when we might have more time in certain seasons, we tend to give it to distractions, planning or development rather than drawing nearer to the believers in our care.

One of the book’s strengths is its grounding in both theology and practice. Drawing on his years of experience in pastoral ministry, Senkbeil offers insights that are as practical as they are profound. He writes with a pastoral heart, addressing the joys and sorrows, the triumphs and failures, of ministry. His words encourage pastors to see our work not as a burdensome task but as a divine calling imbued with eternal significance.

The Pastor’s Formation

For small church pastors who often juggle multiple roles, Senkbeil’s emphasis on the pastor’s personal spiritual formation is particularly poignant and indeed incredibly relevant for those of us who feel that we are struggling to survive in smaller churches. He argues that effective pastoral care flows out of a heart that is rooted in Christ. This means that as pastors must first care for our own souls before we can care for others. Senkbeil’s chapters on prayer, Sabbath rest, and the use of the means of grace are invaluable reminders for those who may feel stretched thin by the demands of ministry. The unspoken pressure to ‘succeed’ is often upon our shoulders, yet not placed there by Christ.

Senkbeil also challenges the tendency to view ministry through the lens of activism. Instead of constantly striving to “do more,” he calls pastors to embrace our identity as servants of God, trusting in the Holy Spirit to bring growth and transformation. For small church pastors, this perspective is liberating. It allows us to focus on the depth of our ministry rather than its breadth, investing in meaningful relationships and long-term discipleship.

A Sacramental Vision

One of the book’s central themes is the sacramental nature of pastoral ministry. Senkbeil’s Lutheran background shines through as he eloquently describes the ways in which God’s grace is mediated through Word and Sacrament. While pastors from other traditions (like me) may not fully share this theological framework, they will still find much to appreciate in his emphasis on the centrality of Scripture and the means of grace. I only know a little of Lutheran theology (to my shame), and did feel a bit uncomfortable at how he explained a few things, but his reasoning lines up with his theology and he explained it in really beautiful terms. I still very much remain non-Lutheran though…

For small church pastors, who often have the privilege of knowing their congregants intimately, this sacramental vision can enrich ministry. Senkbeil’s reflections on baptism, communion, and pastoral absolution highlight the profound ways in which God works through ordinary means to bring extraordinary grace. These moments of ministry—standing at the font, distributing the bread and wine, speaking words of forgiveness—are reminders of the holy and eternal work entrusted to pastors. As I mentioned before, this will not fit the theological frameworks of many, but Senkbeil’s warmth when explaining his beliefs is very evident, particularly in some really difficult circumstances.

Addressing Common Struggles

Senkbeil is unflinching in his acknowledgment of the challenges pastors face. He addresses burnout, loneliness, and the temptation to measure success by worldly standards. For small church pastors, these struggles can be especially acute. It is easy to feel isolated or discouraged when serving a congregation that may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world. Yet Senkbeil’s words are a powerful reminder that no ministry is insignificant in God’s kingdom.

He also speaks to the tension between pastoral care and administrative responsibilities. While small church pastors often find ourselves wearing multiple hats, Senkbeil encourages us to prioritize the spiritual over the administrative. This does not mean neglecting necessary tasks but approaching them with a mindset that places people and their spiritual well-being at the center.

Practical Takeaways

While deeply theological, The Care of Souls is also immensely practical. Senkbeil offers concrete advice on topics such as preaching, counseling, and spiritual direction. His wisdom is particularly relevant for small church pastors, as we often engage in these activities on a deeply personal level with the proximity of relationships being inevitably closer. He emphasizes the importance of listening, empathy, and patience in pastoral care, qualities that are essential for building trust and fostering spiritual growth.

Senkbeil’s guidance on preaching is especially valuable. He encourages pastors to view their sermons not as performances but as opportunities to deliver God’s Word with clarity and conviction. For small church pastors, who often preach to the same small group of people week after week, this perspective can renew our commitment to faithful and diligent proclamation.

A Word of Encouragement

Perhaps the greatest gift of The Care of Souls is its encouraging warmth. I do find little glimpses of Eugene Peterson’s influence in this. Senkbeil writes with a tone of grace and compassion, understanding the unique burdens and joys of pastoral ministry. His book is a reminder that pastors are not alone in their calling. God is present and at work, even in the smallest and most struggling congregations. For small church pastors, Senkbeil’s message is profoundly reassuring. It affirms the value of our ministry and challenges us to see our congregations not as problems to be solved but as souls to be nurtured. Senkbeil’s reflections inspire confidence in the sufficiency of God’s Word and Spirit, encouraging pastors to remain steadfast and faithful in their work.

I do admit that at times I felt ‘hugged’ by him, although he might find this a bit creepy! I have found this sage-like, grandfather figure often absent among my known ‘tribes’ in the last few years - and wonder how we can develop this further. I know that Ray Ortlund and others have been much in demand in these tribes, and I wonder if the case is that we crave this type of grand-fatherly guidance in our lives.

Conclusion

Harold Senkbeil’s The Care of Souls is a treasure trove of wisdom for pastors, particularly those serving in small churches. It calls readers back to the heart of ministry, emphasizing the spiritual care of God’s people over programs and performance. Through its blend of theological depth and practical insight, the book offers a vision of pastoral ministry that is both challenging and refreshing.

For the small church pastor, The Care of Souls is more than just a book—it is a companion and guide, offering encouragement, perspective, and hope. In its pages, pastors will find a renewed sense of their calling and the assurance that their labor in the Lord is not in vain. Whether you are a seasoned minister or just starting out, this book will deepen your understanding of what it means to shepherd God’s flock with faithfulness and love.

Link to buy: https://amzn.eu/d/ejOcVQY