The tyranny of the urgent is a by-product of our fast-paced world. It affects many people, but when it impacts pastors they are often tempted to ignore the critical needs of the pastoral disciplines that ensure the effectiveness of ministry.

In Thinking, Listening, and Being: Wesleyan Pastoral Disciplines, Jeren Rowell offers theological reflections on what it means to live and work as a pastor. He examines different aspects of

pastoral thinking, practice, and work, and challenges pastors to continually pursue prayer, the study of Scriptures, and theological reflection. "Working in this way," he writes, "could not only be a gift of love for the church but also an important model for parish pastors who are tempted to surrender first things to the urgencies and temptations of contemporary life."

The work of a minister is mixed with the joy of serving the Savior and the frustration of leading people. In What's A Pastor to Do?: The Good and Difficult Work of Ministry, Rev. Jeren Rowell addresses the enjoyable and disagreeable aspects of pastoring. Sections such as Pastoral Identity, Pastoral Health, and the Pastor as Priest give insight and encouragement to ministers in need of spiritual refreshment and comfort. The chapters are short enough to be used as daily devotions and offer biblical insight, scripture, and illustrations that uplift and instruct. What's A Pastor to Do? is the perfect restorative tool for every minister who has asked, 'What am I to do?'