Today is the official release of my newest book, entitled, “On Pastoring: A Short Guide to Living, Leading, and Ministering as a Pastor.” It is a companion, of sorts, to my previous book, On Preaching.
I have been a pastor all of my adult life, serving congregations in California and Florida.
I began my first pastorate in 1990 at the age of seventeen, succeeding my father’s 40-plus year ministry at the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. I was senior in high school. Yet this historic, established congregation called me to lead them. I served that congregation for almost 18 years. Eighteen blessed, wonderful, glorious years – troubles and all!
Since 2008, I have serve the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville. When I arrived, the church was going through a great storm. The congregation was shocked, hurt, and embarrassed. Yet this resilient congregation of Word-saturated believers stood on the promises of God and stood together to weather the storm. And over the past several years, we have moved forward by faith, in love, and on mission.
At this point, I have been a pastor for more than 25 years.
On Pastoring is 30 brief but meat chapters about practical lessons I have learned about pastoral ministry. The chapters reflect biblical convictions that shape my ministry, wise counsel I have received over the years, and my own personal experiences in ministry – both good and bad.
The book is divided into three major sections: (1) The Pastor’s Heart, (2) The Pastor’s Leadership, and (3) the Pastor’s Public Ministry. In the Introduction, I explain On Pastoring this way…
“This book is not a how-to guide for carrying out the various functions of pastoral ministry. Nor is it a theological reflection upon the essential nature of a pastor, although I’ll offer that naturally throughout… This book is more like a ministry compass to make sure you are heading in the right direction in the adventure of faith that is pastoral ministry.” (Page 13)
This volume is for pastors, associate pastors, and ministers in-training. Both seasoned men who have been a pastor longer than I have been alive and ministerial rookies will find material to help, challenge, and encourage them in their gospel work. Although targeted for pastors, those who serve in ministry in other capacity will find what I address in this book about personal devotion and spiritual leadership beneficial.
Please pray that this book will be used by God to strengthen those who have been called to this high and holy work of pastoral ministry over the redeemed flock of the Lord Jesus Christ to the glory of God!
On Pastoring is published by Moody Publishers. It is also the first of a series of book that will be published by the For The Church project of the Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
I hope you will pick up a copy of On Pastoring to add to your library. Pick up a copy for a fellow pastor. Or gift a book to your pastor to say “Thank you” for his ministry to you. You can find it at your local Christian bookstore or any online book site.