Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor
From the beginning of his ministry, Jesus called and equipped individuals who would serve his community of followers. These "shepherds" are called to preach, pray, and care for the needs of God's people. But what does it mean to be a pastor? And what is the nature of this ministry, according to the Bible? In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson begins by looking at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how an individual--and a church community--can best identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In each chapter, Wilson looks at one of the core practices of pastoral ministry, including:
• Preaching Sermons
• Developing a Vibrant Prayer Life
• Caring and Counseling
• Pastoring Married and Single
• Gospel-Centered Leadership
• Fighting Sin and Spiritual Warfare
• Resolving Conflict
• Passing on the Ministry to Others
In addition, Wilson provides practical resources including theological insights on baptism and the Lord's Supper, guidance for wedding and funeral sermons, outlines for leading elder and deacon meetings, tips for interviewing new pastors, questions to ask at ordination, and advice on knowing when and how to leave a pastor role. This is a comprehensive, practical guide to pastoral ministry that prepares new pastors and equips those currently serving for long-term, healthy ministry.
Publisher: Zondervan
Type: Hardback
ISBN: 9780310111566
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Jared C. Wilson?is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary, and director of the pastoral training center at Liberty Baptist Church, all in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including Gospel-Driven Church, Gospel-Driven Ministry, The Imperfect Disciple,?The Prodigal Church?(which won?World Magazine's Accessible Theology Book of the Year), and?The Gospel According to Satan. He is the host of the?For the Church?podcast and cohost of The Art of Pastoring?podcast.?
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Current and future pastors--and those who love them--need to read this book. Jared Wilson opens up the pages of Scripture and his heart as well to give us the inside scoop on pastoral work and identity. Clearly he has a heart for ministry. With a quarter century of pastoral experience under his belt, he has much to share. Writing in a warm and personal style, Wilson explores most every aspect of ministry you can think of. Replete with scriptural references and personal examples, this is a volume of practical wisdom by which every pastor can chart a voyage through the tempestuous seas of contemporary ministry with confidence. Christ-centered and gospel-focused, this book is devoid of the platitudes and easy answers found in similar pastoral guides. Jared Wilson bares his soul in this book to share not only his profound insights into shepherding but also his anxieties, fears, and failures. In other words, he points not to himself but to Jesus, who is the great shepherd of the sheep and--thank God--of every pastor as well.' Harold L. Senkbeil, executive director emeritus, DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel, author of The Care of Souls