Reprint. Originally published: Phillipsburg, N.J. : Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1980.

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Part 1 : Pastoral life. Theology and pastoral work -- Pastoral theology -- Counting the cost -- Areas of adequacy -- Five vital factors -- Family and social life -- Repossessing time -- Other factors to consider -- Candidating -- Going to and fro -- The shepherd visits -- House calling -- Specific congregational ministry -- Personal ministry : counseling -- Visiting the sick -- The hospital call -- Visiting in special situations -- Appendix A : Grief as a counseling opportunity -- Part 2 : Pastoral counseling. Pastoral counseling -- Mutual ministry in counseling -- Conducting a congregational counseling program -- Counseling members of other congregations -- Evaluation and upgrading of pastoral counseling -- How to take pastoral initiative -- Premarital counseling -- Care in counseling women -- Counseling older persons -- Educational counseling -- Instruction in counseling -- Counseling disabled persons -- A final note on pastoral counseling -- The shepherd's equipment -- Appendix A : A personal word to women -- Part 3 : Pastoral leadership. Shepherds lead -- Leadership in the church -- Leadership means equipping others -- Delegation and sharing -- Working with the eldership -- Working with another pastor -- Congregational meetings -- Communication in the body -- Communication links -- Enlisting and training -- Setting up a program -- Organizations in the congregation -- A church school for adults -- Leading children and youth -- Making the church library work -- Church buildings -- Finances in the local church -- Publicity -- Conclusion -- Appendix A : Evangelism and the pastor -- Appendix B : Check list -- Appendix C : The five-year plan.

Shepherding Gods' Flock is both a textbook for students of pastoral ministry and a handbook for pastors. The book is divided into three parts. Pastoral life deals with the pastor, his calling, and the general care he provides the flock. Pastoral counseling provides an overview of the task and a general approach for pastoral counselors. Pastoral leadership offers a perspective on the ways the pastor can lead the church in its many tasks and responsibilities. In its three parts most of the tasks of a pastoral ministry are outlined, and a practical approach to those tasks is developed. - Back cover.