Any pastor genuinely concerned for faithfulness in his calling will glean not only a deeper understanding of
the fertile terms that define his vocation but will discover insights that reveal the unique standing a pastor has
as
both under-shepherd and sheep to the one true God who has an intense burden of love for His flock. This love
leads through the valley to still waters that restore. But this isn’t just happening on Sunday morning. It extends
into the parish’s daily life through humble but confident leadership.
—Rev. Christopher I. Thoma, Senior Pastor of Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church and School,
Hartland, Michigan
This book is a mature and winsome exploration of what life in the ministry looks like when God humbles His
broken servants under spiritual attacks to sharpen them in the practice of faithful and effective spiritual care.
Dr. Hardy draws powerful lessons from biblical narratives depicting leadership mishaps and blessings and his
own pastoral ministry in the school of the Spirit we call the church.
—Rev. Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M., Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary, St.
Louis
The most important aspect of Reverend Hardy's insightful book is that he recognizes upfront that pastors are leaders and
to be truly effective, must embrace and implement principles of leadership in their ministry. As a former parish pastor,
student of leadership, and District President, Reverend Hardy provides a unique perspective as to how leadership
principles are at the forefront of one's pastoral vocation. He expertly describes how a pastor who embraces his role as
a leader will have a more significant impact on his congregants and community then those who do not. Pastoral Leadership
provides a wealth of techniques and strategies for pastors and their lay leaders to wrestle with and learn from. I
highly recommend this book to all pastors, seminarians, congregational lay leaders, and those prayerfully discerning
whether the Office of Ministry is their calling.
- Kurt Senske, Author of The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage
