The past three decades have witnessed a growing body of literature on pastoral health and longevity in ministry. However, little attention is devoted to the connection between educational expectations formed in seminary and ministry realities experienced in and among congregations. Clearly, pastoral ministry is a difficult, tiring, and sometimes thank-less work which requires unique preparation. This study explores the lived experiences of seven graduates of a particular seminary who were ordained to pastoral ministry. The participants, while grateful for their theological preparation,...