Dr. Steve Hall, assistant professor of pastoral ministry at Lee University, has released a new book examining the responsibilities and often unseen risks of vocational Christian leadership. 
 
“The Uniqueness and Danger of Ministry: A Soul Health Manual for Ministers and Their Families,” published by Wipf & Stock, was released Dec. 1, 2025, and is now available through major booksellers, including Amazon. Drawing on nearly four decades of pastoral experience, Hall explores why Christian ministry is both uniquely vital and uniquely demanding, particularly when it comes to the spiritual and emotional health of ministers and their families. 
 
“The most important vocation on the face of the planet is Christian ministry, and the most important public speaking is gospel preaching,” said Hall. “That reality makes professional ministry both unique and dangerous, especially in this cultural moment when ministry is not getting easier; it’s getting harder.” 
 
The book addresses the distinctive pressures faced by professional ministers, offering insight into ministerial soul health, the work of nurturing resilience, and the importance of intentionally including a minister’s family in that process. A particular emphasis is placed on the often overlooked role of the minister’s wife, whom Hall describes as an “unsung partner in ministry.” 
 
Hall said the book was born out of both personal experience and concern for fellow ministers. 
 
“As a 38-year veteran of professional ministry, a licensed professional counselor, and someone who has struggled with burnout, I’ve watched too many of my ministry colleagues burn out,” said Hall. “I had to write this book. If ministry is the most important vocation on the planet, then a minister’s soul health and resilience are among the most important elements of faithful ministry.” 
 
In his book, Hall also seeks to clarify and demystify the spiritual formation movement, presenting it as one of the most comprehensive and sustainable approaches to Christian soul health. He writes that professional ministers often feel isolated in their struggles and hopes the book will reassure them that they are neither alone nor failing. 
 
Gary Lewis, general overseer of the Church of God, praised the book’s honesty and depth. 
 
“Every career comes with its challenges, but those in everyday ministry know the extra, unique level of ‘danger’ that comes from following a vocation tied to Kingdom service,” said Lewis. “Steve Hall looks through the lens of experience and integrity from a lifetime of pastoral leadership to bring a forthright and sincere approach to the all-too-familiar dangers of full-time Christian ministry.” 
 
Endorsers say the book speaks not only to clergy but also to congregations. 
 
“There are ministry books which every preacher should read,” said Mark Rutland, president of the National Institute of Christian Leadership and Global Servants. “Certainly, this book of Steve Hall’s is one of those. Beyond that, it is a book every churchgoing, church-loving believer should read.” 

Hall joined Lee University’s School of Theology & Ministry faculty in 2023 after 37 years of local church ministry. In addition to teaching, he serves as executive director of the Paul L. Walker Center for Pentecostal Preaching. Prior to Lee, he served as a youth, associate, and lead pastor in both urban and rural contexts on the East and West coasts, with congregations ranging from 30 to more than 1,000 members.  
 
Hall holds a doctorate in spiritual formation from Ashland Theological Seminary, a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola University Maryland, and a bachelor’s degree in biblical education from Lee. 
 
Hall and his wife, LaDon Hall, also serve as executive directors of Ministry Oasis, a soul-health ministry serving ministers and their spouses. 
 
For more information about Hall or Ministry Oasis, visit ministryoasis.com. 
  
To purchase the book, visit amazon.com.