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In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson looks at the qualifications for the pastorate, addressing the notion of a call to ministry and how to identify the marks of maturity and affirm a call. In addition, he unpacks the eight core practices of pastoral ministry and offers guidance to prepare pastors for long-term, healthy ministry.
About the author
Jared C. Wilson is assistant professor of pastoral ministry and author in residence at Midwestern Seminary, pastor for preaching and director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church, and author of numerous books, including The Gospel-Driven Church, Gospel-Driven Ministry, and The Prodigal Church. He hosts the For the Church podcast and cohosts The Heart of Pastoring podcast.
Summary
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.
Additional text
'We're in a pastoral ministry crisis. Evidence abounds--from pastors who are disqualifying themselves, to those who are burning out. Not to oversimplify matters, but I wonder if one reason for this crisis is a pastoral ministry that has become unmoored from the gospel. In Gospel-Driven Ministry, Jared Wilson, with clarity and the requisite pastoral experience, seeks to bring us back to the gospel roots that drive faithful pastoral ministry. If you are considering pastoral ministry or are in the habit of training gospel ministers, pick up this book and use it as a 'gospel primer' for ministry. If you've been in ministry for some time and are doubting yourself or your ministry, struggling to press on, pick up this book as a 'gospel refresher' for ministry. A ministry rooted in the good news of all that God is for us in Christ will magnify our triune God and encourage his people.'
