"A practical, thoughtful (and exceedingly thorough) resource no pastor should be without! Noren offers the kind of help many (new) pastors have longed for." — Jana Childers, professor of homiletics, San Francisco Theological Seminary

"A remarkably thorough and helpful resource. Noren offers valuable theological reflection, contextual analysis, and pastoral guidance for ministry in times of crisis and sorrow. I wish I had had this book when I was a pastor." — Charles L. Campbell, associate professor of homiletics, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia

"In the year 2020, when ministers are asked which books in their library they depend on most often, Carol Noren's book will be in the top five. It addresses the most difficult area of ministry-with strong historical and theological roots, with relevance, clarity, warmth, and good humor. Indeed, the growing array of laity who give pastoral care will find their way in reading, and rereading, this book." — George G. Hunter III, dean, E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism