The Art of Prophesying AND THE CALLING OF THE MINISTRY

Few things are more evident in contemporary churches than the decline in the importance attached to what is said from their pulpits. The deeper tragedy is that in many places the church has become a valley of dry bones. Something is needed to waken the dead and to breathe new life into the people of God. William Perkins (1558-1602) provides basic guidance to help all Christians to read and use the Bible intelligently. He has a particularly powerful message for those who lead God’s people and especially those who preach. The Art of Prophesying carries sparks capable of igniting a preacher. It should be beside every minister’s desk as a book to turn to again and again.

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780851516899

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The great Puritan preacher and theologian William Perkins was born in 1558 in Marston Jabbet in Warwickshire, and received his formal education at Christ's College, Cambridge. He graduated B.A. in 1581, but remained at Christ's as a fellow until 1595; he served as lecturer (preacher) in the church of Great St Andrews from 1584 until his death in 1602 at the age of forty-four.

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William Perkins is arguably the giant of Puritanism and understanding him is crucial to understanding that enormously influential movement. This very readable book is typical Perkins: practical, devout, and Biblical. It has been excellently revised for a modern readership. I might have preferred a bit more of that early seventeenth century flavor to be retained but I'm a doctoral student in Puritanism. Even the lay reader will find it easy going. Perkins (1560-1602) wrote this book about the ministry. It contains insights about what the church is to do and be drawn especially from Job and a few other unlikely places. Perkins especially focuses on the need for Biblical practice in all of the Church's life. This book should be required reading in all seminaries and Bible colleges. It makes a great gift to any pastor or missionary. And its good for any serious Christian. Highly recommended