Pastoral Care Under the Cross had been on this writer’s “need-to-buy-from-Parish-Ed-wishlist” for a number of years. And once it was purchased and read, the book did not disappoint. In the messiness of the world’s problems, pastors find themselves dealing with issues that leave them feeling overwhelmed and underequipped. What is your view of suffering? Is it a result of something I did wrong? Is God trying to teach me a lesson through it? Where is God in the midst of suffering? And what is my pastor’s role when I go through suffering? These questions, and many more, are handled with care in Richard C. Eyer’s book.

The book is divided into two parts: The first part lays the theological foundation for pastoral care, and the second part deals with practical issues, including chapters on homosexuality, grief, mental illness, and ethics.

The reader of this book feels like an intern pastor through each chapter, being in the same room with the senior pastor, quietly listening and observing his actions as he ministers to a member of the flock. Solid instruction is provided for the nuts and bolts of a healthy pastoral visit. “The pastor needs to learn how to move the visit from a superficial to a deepened level of discussion” (p.72). The tools needed to do effective pastoral care are gleaned through experience. This resource gives the theological foundation needed to navigate each new, unique pastoral care case study. The focus on the cross of Christ is central. Sound theology intersects with day-to-day living in the stories included.

A huge issue in today’s world is that of mental illness. There is quite a spectrum of perspectives on this issue, but Eyer takes the “Goldilocks” approach that Mike Emlet from CCEF (Christian Counseling Education Foundation) advocates: not too hot (accepting psychology wholesale and pushing Scripture aside) and not too cold (complete dismissing anything from the field of psychology and only using Scripture). This sentiment is expressed by Eyer in this quote: “I am not calling for the rejection of a psychological self-understanding or of the pharmacology that some pit against faith . . . we need to reintroduce to the world the deeper realities behind human thought and behavior” (p.120). It is vitally important for pastors and congregational members to think clearly about mental illness. While this resource does not provide a comprehensive plan for dealing with these difficult issues, it does provide a solid starting point from which to work.

One does not need to be a pastor to enjoy or benefit from this book. It may give insight into a pastor’s world that most don’t realize exists. Any lay person can benefit from the lessons gleaned from this grizzled, veteran pastor. And all pastors should have this book and read it. It will not benefit any pastor to bury his head in the sand on these vitally important issues. Don’t say “I’m not gifted in that area.” Read this book, and you will find yourself better equipped.

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store