Pastor as Person †A Review Essay

As the title itself suggests, the whole thrust is on the personhood of the pastor. At the start (Chapter Two), stress is given to highlight the need for new approach in ministry. Although it was not directly stated, the idea was pointed out when Tom, a pastor, received a letter from his alma mater concerning the seminary’s plan to include into its curriculum a subject called The Person in Ministry. As the conversation of the characters progressed, and at the same time their personalities somewhat introduced briefly in chapter one, the theme of the entire book becomes more in focus. Indeed, as Gary L. Harbaugh was trying to highlight from the very outset, even the person behind the pulpit Sunday after Sunday is a real person with the characteristics of a normal human being with almost the same things to cope in life, if not exactly identical. The way the five pastors were presented – Tom Daniels, Joan Russel, Paul Denning, Chris Campbell, and John Jeffrich – in the first chapter seems to stress the fact of the human side of ministers in general. Although the tone of the author, all along, was to paint an honest appraisal of the pastor, and at the same time with the intention of helping his readers realize the impossibility for those among the ordained clergy to perform their lifetime duties effectively without comprehending their frame as human beings, more often than not, the overall expectation from the ministers is very unrealistic. And so, Harbaugh, in this book, incorporated all necessary studies/sciences which for him might yield a more comprehensive and more accurate portrayal of the minister as human specie. Through the lenses of philosophy, theology, psychology, and anthropology, the pastor was presented – not as someone who is above the rest, but someone who is very much like those considered rank and file (Harbaugh, 1985). At the last paragraph of the book, Dr. Harbaugh expressed his hope that upon reading, the reader (presumably, a minister) is â€Å"affirmed† and now having gained valuable insights into his/her personhood, with fresh outlook, the remaining years of ministry will not be anymore burdensome but promising instead. In Chapter Two, Harbaugh highlights the reality that the pastor is not only a spiritual person but physical as well. He experiences stress and at times may be subjected to bouts of â€Å"burnout. † King Hezekiah of the Old Testament was mentioned as an object lesson of a person dealing with stress. The author pointed out that there are correct responses to stressors and pressures, although unfortunately, pastors usually opted for what Dr. Harbaugh called as the pastor’s â€Å"common reactions† to stress. To really experience growth in life and in faith, one has to face his/her responsibilities and do everything within his/her ability to do, and at the same time, one has to accept his limitations that he/she cannot possibly do everything even while doing and employing the best possible means within his/her ability. As Dr. Harbaugh said, using the well familiar hymn, â€Å"Christ is the solid rock on which† ultimately, our â€Å"holistic response to stress can stand. † Moreover, the pastor also is an intellectual being. He thinks. This is the emphasis of the third chapter. While it is true that there are similarities, or things common among those in the clergy, Harbaugh maintains the individuality of the pastor (Harbaugh, 1985). This means that each pastor is different and hence must be dealt with individually. A right balance must be maintained between the pastor’s vocation and his personal/family life. Dr. Harbaugh, in Chapter Four, introduced Ptr. John Jeffrich. Through Jeffrich’s personality, Harbaugh presented a pastor just like anybody else reacting and full of emotions. Indeed, one cannot empathize with others without having gone through the same griefs which other people have gone through. â€Å"Weakness is strength† (Harbaugh, 1985). The remaining chapters – 5 and 6 – are expansions, further explorations of previous chapters. How the pastor should deal with different issues as he/she relates to other people. In summary, the pastor should learn to accept everything that he/she is – with strengths and weaknesses. As a pastor, he/she is chosen by God for the people of God.