That's a great question. And you are right. Some books for pastoral leadership seem to be driven more by sociology than by the Bible. Let me also mention that this section will soon be revised so any member of the site can wade in and to answer questions posted here. I'd like to hear from others about what books have been helpful to them on this subject. I think that will be a rich resource for members. I also must say I am always a little reluctant to mention books in settings like this because it is almost always possible to find things in them with which I disagree. So none of the books I'll mention are without shortcomings. But, over time, they have proved helpful to many.

A couple of older classics that have been widely used over the years are: Charles Spurgeon, Lectures to My Students and J. H. Jowett, The Preacher: His Life and Work. These are focusing on preachers who are starting out in ministry but have some sagely wisdom within them. Another book my father gave me at the outset of my ministry that deeply impacted me was The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter. It is also an older book but it takes a Puritan view of the ministry and I found it extremely challenging. Of course with older books the writing style is more difficult to read (perhaps that's why it sounds more profound!), and of course they are dated in the methodology it describes (They try to describe ministry before cell phones or the Internet!). Two other books I'd probably steer you to first. One is Ablaze for God by Wesley L. Duewel. It is newer, published in 1989. I thoroughly enjoyed this and felt inspired to be a greater man of God as a result. I think many of the truths and principles will challenge anyone, male or female, who wants to serve God with all their heart. Another book you might find helpful if you have not already read it is Brothers We Are Not Professionals by John Piper. In his typically thorough way Piper uses Scripture to examine the role of ministers.

There are of course other books that focus on leadership or public speaking or conflict resolution as well as other subjects that come within the sphere of pastoral responsibilities but these are some resources that I think could bless and encourage you in ministry.

Author: admin