Sustaining Pastoral Excellence: Persevering in Ministry

By Lis Van Harten

(First appeared in the January 2005 issue of Ministry Reports to Classes and Councils)

“No one said life would be easy.” How often haven’t you heard that? Does it help to hear it when things aren’t going well in your life? Probably not but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a true statement.

There are certain professions that result in more difficult situations than others. Pastoring is one of them. In June 2004, Persevering in Ministry was published as part of the Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program.  This book gives the reader an up close and personal look into the lives of ten Christian Reformed pastors.

Each pastor candidly tells of a time when they needed to persevere in ministry.  Pedro Aviles writes, “I…passed through a time when the weight of pastoring the church seemed unbearable. Somehow I had thought that after all my seminary training I would be able to handle whatever came my way. I was wrong.”

In chapter one Louis Tamminga says, “Someone asked me whether, if I could live my life over, would I choose the ministry again. I had to think for a moment. I said, yes, I thought I would. I have found the ministry truly fascinating and not without rewards. I have also found it difficult and demanding.”

Len Vander Zee writes, “I wonder whether there should be a few people in any congregation who know their pastor in those deeply troubled times when their faith and calling are hanging by a thread.”

Editor Joel Kok writes, “Perhaps you’re wondering how and when and whether you may or must leave a particular situation. There are, of course, no ironclad rules of procedure. Perhaps I can simply relate what happened to me. I wanted to leave; I truly wanted to leave often.”

These pastors faced trying times. Nevertheless, they found refreshment in unexpected places and were able to persevere.

Persevering in Ministry is available through Faith Alive.