Ten Ways to Kill a Pastor - a review

Ten Ways to Kill a Pastor by Christopher Ian Thoma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pastor Thoma’s provocative title really means, “Don’t do these things to your pastor.”

In 10 short chapters, he depicts different, dangerous, potentially lethal situations. His wife is not supportive. The leadership doesn’t pay him enough. Members are too demanding of his time. Some of the "better" ways: the church or the pastor himself insisting that his children are picture perfect. And the whisper campaign where one or some members turn others against the pastor behind his back.

It’s beyond the scope of the book, but it could’ve used a section on how the pastor responds. How does he avoid self-pity? A victim mentality? Anger at the flock (think Moses!)? It is easy for the pastor himself to strengthen external attacks like these 10, with his own poor internal responses.

So this is a dangerous book to read, especially by a pastor in the midst of conflict. But it is definitely a helpful book.

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