The Uniqueness and Danger of Ministry

""There are ministry books which every preacher should read. Certainly, Steve Hall's newest book is one of those. It is, beyond that, a book every churchgoing, church-loving believer should read."" -Mark Rutland, President, National Institute of Christian Leadership and Global Servants ""Dr. Steve Hall is a friend and respected colleague. His book The Uniqueness and Danger of Ministry is a wonderful treasure trove of resources for nurturing the soul health of ministers and their families. Two things from this book stand out in bold font: first, it is a practical resource that flows from the author's thirty-eight years of experience as a pastor and a pastor to pastors; secondly, he has wisely chosen to focus on preventative, 'up-stream' resources, more so than 'after the flood' post-crisis treatment."" -Gary W. Moon, Founding Executive Director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center ""It has been said that a pastor's spouse is the loneliest position there is. I would agree. Who do we talk to? Not the church members. Not our colleagues, for fear of sending the message that we are not qualified for our position. Do we talk to our spouse? Often, that answer is no because they are dealing with enough already. This book will teach pastors and spouses how to guard not only their ministry, but also each other and their family."" -Teresa Holder, President, Empowered Florida Women ""This book is long overdue. Denominations and local churches often excel in rescuing and restoring ministers who suffer spiritual failure, but so often fail in proactive soul health strategies that prevent burnout and failure. I pray for the wide distribution and implementation of the incredible principles described by Dr. Steve Hall."" -Lamar Vest, Former President and CEO, American Bible Society ""Wow! And about time! As one who is listed in the categories of professional minister, pastor's wife, and soul care practitioner, I am elated to read a book that speaks to the heart who cries silently for revelation and restoration. Dr. Steve Hall, along with his wife, LaDon, are true-to-the-core people. I appreciate how they incorporated their multiple years of ministry experience to excellently explain the highs and lows of ministry life and provided suggested solutions."" -Sharon D. Jones, Human Resource Pastor, New Hope Church of God, Waldorf, Maryland ""Every career comes with its challenges, but those in everyday ministry know the extra, unique level of 'danger' that comes from following a vocation that involves the pitfalls associated with Kingdom service. Steve Hall looks through the lens of experience and integrity from a lifetime of pastoral leadership to bring a forthright and sincere approach to the all too familiar dangers of full-time Christian ministry."" -Gary Lewis, General Overseer, Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee ""Ministry is holy work. But it is also heavy work. It can bless you one moment and burden you the next. It demands presence, empathy, courage, and spiritual discernment. Yet amid the preaching, planning, praying, and pastoring, we must ask ourselves: How is my soul? Too many ministers serve faithfully while silently suffering. The pace, pressure, and pain of ministry can take a toll on our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. And when our soul health deteriorates, everything else begins to suffer. Take good care of your soul and the souls of your family by reading this book."" -Stan Holder, Administrative Bishop, Florida Church of God ""There are ministry books which every preacher should read. Certainly, Steve Hall's newest book is one of those. It is, beyond that, a book every churchgoing, church-loving believer should read."" --Mark Rutland, President, National Institute of Christian Leadership and Global Servants ""Dr. Steve Hall is a friend and respected colleague. His book The Uniqueness and Danger of Ministry is a wonderful treasure trove of resources for nurturing the soul health of ministers and their families. Two things from this book stand out in bold font: first, it is a practical resource that flows from the author's thirty-eight years of experience as a pastor and a pastor to pastors; secondly, he has wisely chosen to focus on preventative, 'up-stream' resources, more so than 'after the flood' post-crisis treatment."" --Gary W. Moon, Founding Executive Director, Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Center ""It has been said that a pastor's spouse is the loneliest position there is. I would agree. Who do we talk to? Not the church members. Not our colleagues, for fear of sending the message that we are not qualified for our position. Do we talk to our spouse? Often, that answer is no because they are dealing with enough already. This book will teach pastors and spouses how to guard not only their ministry, but also each other and their family."" --Teresa Holder, President, Empowered Florida Women ""This book is long overdue. Denominations and local churches often excel in rescuing and restoring ministers who suffer spiritual failure, but so often fail in proactive soul health strategies that prevent burnout and failure. I pray for the wide distribution and implementation of the incredible principles described by Dr. Steve Hall."" --Lamar Vest, Former President and CEO, American Bible Society ""Wow! And about time! As one who is listed in the categories of professional minister, pastor's wife, and soul care practitioner, I am elated to read a book that speaks to the heart who cries silently for revelation and restoration. Dr. Steve Hall, along with his wife, LaDon, are true-to-the-core people. I appreciate how they incorporated their multiple years of ministry experience to excellently explain the highs and lows of ministry life and provided suggested solutions."" --Sharon D. Jones, Human Resource Pastor, New Hope Church of God, Waldorf, Maryland ""Every career comes with its challenges, but those in everyday ministry know the extra, unique level of 'danger' that comes from following a vocation that involves the pitfalls associated with Kingdom service. Steve Hall looks through the lens of experience and integrity from a lifetime of pastoral leadership to bring a forthright and sincere approach to the all too familiar dangers of full-time Christian ministry."" --Gary Lewis, General Overseer, Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee ""Ministry is holy work. But it is also heavy work. It can bless you one moment and burden you the next. It demands presence, empathy, courage, and spiritual discernment. Yet amid the preaching, planning, praying, and pastoring, we must ask ourselves: How is my soul? Too many ministers serve faithfully while silently suffering. The pace, pressure, and pain of ministry can take a toll on our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. And when our soul health deteriorates, everything else begins to suffer. Take good care of your soul and the souls of your family by reading this book."" --Stan Holder, Administrative Bishop, Florida Church of God ""It is no secret that ministry is tough--in fact, numerous studies show it is one of, if not the most, stressful professional endeavors. Worse, other studies reveal minist