THE PASTOR WITH A THORN IN HIS FLESH
Edited by Stephen Kneale
Grace publications. 144 pages. £7.99
ISBN 978 1 912 154 319
It’s not always easy for pastors to open their hearts to the spiritual battles that they have to face in the Christian ministry. Stephen Kneale has persuaded seven of them to open their hearts to the battles they have had in overcoming depression. Most of us will recognise some of the issues that we have had or may have to cope with as we preach the gospel.
Normally, we would start reading at the beginning of a book, but I found it more helpful to start at the chapter titled ‘Conclusion’ at the end of the book. The reason being that we are given six reasons for reading the book in the first place! This will give you an overview of the ground that he is going to cover before you get down to the individual issues detailed.
He points out that mental health issues – particularly those associated with depression and anxiety – are incredibly common and that one in four people in England will experience some form of these health problems in a year. Pastors are not excluded, as the seven short biographies will show us.
In most of the cases dealt with, medical help was needed in both the short term and long term. The book seeks not only to analyse the various problems pastors face but also give practical advice on how a church can, and should, look after its spiritual leaders; both what they should do, and should not do, to help in the process of healing.
Oh, I nearly forgot to say that Stephen Kneale, the author of the book, is the first of the pastors to share his first-hand experience, so he knows what he is talking about! This is a book which, when you have read it for the first time, you will want to keep handy for the next time you have to battle with depression.
