The fact that there are countless Christian books on the market it not a new phenomenon, and the fact there there are so many books on pastoral ministry being publishing regularly is not a new phenomenon. So how do you, as a busy Pastor, decide what to read? I would encourage you to read helpful, practical and real-life books about the ministry. Let me highlight just a few that have come across my desk lately.
The Kingdom Minded Pastor by Joel Littlefield
Local church ministry can be a lonely place at times. Church members trying to push their own agendas, geographical limitations, interpersonal difficulties and so much more – the obstacles to a healthy kingdom-based ministry model aren’t always easy. This book stresses the importance of having fellow brothers in the ministry who will encourage, challenge and equip you to better serve Jesus Christ in your own local context. I think that this book could be helpful because it stresses a deeper connection with other Pastors and churches for the spread of the gospel. Too often evangelicalism has put up with fractures that do not need to exist and hostility that is contrary to Scripture. This book will challenge you, but it might just be the challenge you need!
Fulfil your ministry by Lee Gatiss
In the complexities of the world we currently live in and in the cultural wars that we call home, Evangelical Christians must ask ourselves – how do we keep on keeping on in the midst of such difficulty and turmoil?
Gatiss comes in with an exposition of the Pastoral Epistles that focus on the necessity to stand firm in Christ, to continue to preach the gospel faithfully and to endure all hardships that come our way. The thing that I find most interesting about this book is that Gatiss writes as someone within the Church of England, a denomination that had departed from, and continues down the path, away from God’s Word. One of the things that I like about this book is that Gatiss focusses on the character of a person, rather than their competencies. Too often churches have focused on so-called ‘gifting’ and therefore refuse to serve the Lord’s people well and disciple the entire flock. This book gives you, the reader, a good understanding of the basics of local church ministry in a way that will challenge and enthuse you to serve the Lord.
A Pastor’s Heart by Derrick Brite
This book is a series of essays written by pastors and professors in honour of Harry Reeder, a Pastor who loved the Lord and his people. This book honours Reeder’s life, ministry and care whilst also giving new pastors a view into gospel ministry. I think this could be a helpful book for those in ministry to reflect on their years of service. It isn’t necessarily a book that I would give to a new Pastor.
Pastoral Perseverance by Brian Croft and James Carroll
The length of time a Pastor stays at a church seems to be on the decline, in years gone by it would not be uncommon for a Pastor to dedicate and marry the same person in one church family. However, in today’s world pastors seem to be going in the front door of a church and almost straight out the back door (exaggeration obviously, but somewhat true). So the question is – how can a Pastor persevere in ministry? In this little book Croft and Carroll bring practical wised, biblical knowledge and examples and experience of the ups and downs of ministry to the table so that you feel equipped and enabled to serve the Lord longer and more fruitfully where he has placed you. I’ll be honest, I don’t think this book presented anything new, but it was a helpful and to the point reminder of the fundamentals o local church ministry.
The Unhurried Pastor by Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin
The job of being a Pastor has massively changed over the years, many books on pastoral ministry now seem to have bought into the idea of a Pastor more as a CEO who leads a company rather than a shepherd who leads a flock of God’s people. This book is down to earth, written by two men who have ministry experience and the scars to prove it. I’ve read plenty of Croft’s work before but this was my first time reading Martin’s and it’s really good. I like how both authors don’t just give you advice or tips on how to set limitations, to care for yourself, to be in the moment with your family and your church and to be humble. Instead of just giving advice these two guys give examples from their own ministries, positive and negative examples, which I found really help you see the book lived out. I don’t think that there was anything groundbreaking in the book, in all honesty, but it was a helpful reminder and different angle. If you’re in ministry, or training to go into ministry, I’d recommend this to you.
*** I received a copy of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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