Includes bibliographical references (pages 283-284) and indexes.

Introduction: The pastoral craft: one farm boy's story -- Chapter One: What is a pastor? The classical model -- Chapter Two: The Word of God: ministry's source and norm -- Chapter Three: The cure of souls: attentive diagnosis -- Chapter Four: The cure of souls: intentional treatment -- Chapter Five: Sheep-dogging and shepherding: the noble task -- Chapter Six: Guilt and shame -- Chapter Seven: Holiness and the cure of souls -- Chapter Eight: Drawing near to God: proximity and holiness -- Chapter Nine: Invisible powers: spiritual warfare -- Chapter Ten: Christ's "other sheep": Mission and the care of souls -- Chapter Eleven: The shepherding of shepherds -- Chapter Twelve: Always be steady: equilibrium in ministry -- Conclusion: Joy in office.

In a time when many churches have lost sight of the real purpose of the church, The Care of Souls invites a new generation of pastors to form the godly habits and practical wisdom needed to minister to the hearts and souls of those committed to their care. Harold Senkbeil helps remind pastors of the essential calling of the ministry: preaching and living out the Word of God while orienting others in the same direction. And he offers practical and fruiful advice-born out of his five decades as a pastor-that will benefit both new pastors and those with years in the pulpit. Drawing on a lifetime of pastoral expeience, The Care of Souls is a beautifully written treasury of proven wisdom which pastors will find themselves turning to again and again.