Part 1 Pastoral Life
I. Theology and Pastoral Work
II. Pastoral Theology
Section One: The Shepherd Life
III. Counting the Cost
IV. Areas of Adequacy
V. Five Vital Factors
VI. Family and Social life
VII. Repossessing Time
VIII. Other Factors to Consider
Session Two: The Shepherd's Call
IX. Candidating
X. Going To and Fro
Section Three: The Shepherd's Care of the Flock
XI. The Shepherd Visits
XII. House Calling
XIII. Specific Congregational Ministry
XIV. Personal Ministry: Counseing
XV. Visiting the Sick
XVI. The Hospital Call
XVII. Visiting in Special Situations
Appendix A: Grief as a Counseling Opportunity
Part 2 Pastoral Counseling
Introduction
I. Pastoral Counseling
II. Mutual Ministry in Counseling
III. Conducting a Congregational Counseling Program
IV. Counseling Members of Other Congregations
V. Evaluation and Upgrading of Pastoral Counseling
VI. How to Take Pastoral Initiative
VII. Premarital Counseling
VIII. Care in Counseling Women
IX. Counseling Older Persons
X. Educational Counseling
XI. Instruction in Counseling
XII. Counsling Disabled Persons
XIII. A Final Note on Pastoral Counseling
XIV. The Shepherd's Equipment
Appendix A: A Personal Word to Women
Part 3 Pastoral Leadership
Introduction
I. Shepherds Lead
II. Leadership in the Church
III. Leadership Means Equipping Others
IV. Delegation and Sharing
V. Working with the Eldership
VI. Working with another Pastor
VII. Congregational Meetings
VIII. Comunication in the Body
IX. Communication Links
X. Enlisting and Training
XI. Setting Up a Program
XII. Organizations in the Conregation
XIII. A Church School for Adults
XIV. Leading Children and Youth
XV. Making the Church Library Work
XVI. Church Buildings
XVII. Finances in the Local Church
XVIII. Publicity
XIX. Conclusions
Appendix A: Evangelism and the Pastor
Appendix B: Check List
Appendix C: The Five-Year Plan
Scripture Index
Index

Shepherding God’s Flock is both a textbook for students of pastoral ministry and a handbook for pastors. Jay Adams is well-known for his practical and thorough approach to the many issues of Christian counseling. That same practicality and thoroughness is found in this unparalleled handbook on pastoral ministry. Not only does it offer pastors one of the best resources in print, but it also provides church elders with an orientation and practical guide to aspects of ministry for which they have responsibility. It is truly a shepherd’s handbook. The book is divided into three parts. Pastoral Life deals with the pastor, his calling, and the general care he provides the flock. Pastoral Counseling provides an overview of the task and a general approach for pastoral counselors. Pastoral Leadership offers a perspective on the ways the pastor can lead the church in its many tasks and responsibilities.