3 Recommended Books for Gospel Ministers
Here are three books that revolve around aspects of Christian ministry, each covering a specific focus and approach – Scriptural; Historical & Biographical; and last but not the least, Practical.
"Sent by Jesus" focuses on the mission of the church from a New Testament perspective,
"The Pastor" delves into pastoral theology from the perspective of Old Princeton Theological Seminary, and
"Preparation for Ministry" provides practical guidance for those preparing for ministry, especially within the Reformed tradition.
"Sent by Jesus" by Dr. D. Broughton Knox:
– Author: Dr. D. Broughton Knox was a prominent Australian theologian and principal of Moore Theological College in Sydney, Australia. He was known for his conservative theological views and commitment to equipping ministers for effective service. Now in official retirement he is actively serving in the newly-founded George Whitefield College in Kalk Bay, South Africa.
– Focus: “Sent by Jesus” is centered on the concept of the church and its mission, particularly in the context of the New Testament. The book explores how the church is sent by Jesus to fulfill its mission in the world.
– Audience: This book primarily targets those interested in ecclesiology (the study of the church) and missiology (the study of mission), particularly from a conservative evangelical perspective.
Sent by Jesus
Christian ministers no longer have a recognized role in society; churches are no longer the…
ENDORSEMENTS
‘The volume is easy to read as the various aspects of ministry are brief but lucid in their treatment. Recommended reading to all and particularly for those who have responsibility for the pulpit ministry.’– EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE OF WALES
‘This is an excellent little book. Although many thorny matters are discussed they are dealt with in a way that makes for easy reading and much hard thinking. The climax he works to is that there is joy in the ministry in the name of the Lord: and we should all taste it. It is a book that should be read by those aspiring to, or training for or praying for the ministry of the gospel. Whom does that leave out?’ — DONALD K. MACLEOD
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Christian ministers no longer have a recognized role in society; churches are no longer the influence they once were; preaching is at a discount. In many denominations and groups, new strategies have replaced the old verities of the faith of the gospel. What is the way ahead?
Dr. D. Broughton Knox calls us back to biblical foundations as the only way of gaining clarity of thought and vision. He writes in the quiet confidence that those who are ‘sent by Jesus’ will never lack their Master’s presence, power and guidance.
Sent By Jesus will help to instil biblical sanity to discussions about the work of the Christian ministry; even more importantly, it will bring encouragement to those who have obeyed Christ’s call to serve him, wherever he sends them, whatever the cost.
Contents:
– The Nature of the Christian Ministry
– The Theology of Ordination
– The Mission of the Church and the Purpose of the Ministry
– The Ministry and Teaching
– Prepare and Preach Properly, or Perish
– Communicating the Gospel
– Repentance: Preaching that is Out of Favour
– Masculine Terminology concerning the Deity and the Consequences for Congregational Life
– ‘The Church’ and ‘The Denominations’
– The Joy of Ministry
– Appendix: Some Notes on Principles for Conducting Training for the Ministry
2. "The Pastor" by faculty and friends of Old Princeton:
The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work
The authors of The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work were all men closely associated,…
Authors: This book is a compilation of writings by various faculty members and associates of Old Princeton Theological Seminary. These contributors include notable theologians and pastors from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
– Focus: “The Pastor” provides a comprehensive exploration of pastoral theology and the role of a pastor. It addresses various aspects of pastoral ministry, including preaching, counseling, leadership, and pastoral care.
– Audience: This book is intended for pastors and seminarians to learn from the “cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us, and to heed the wisdom of these servants of God who were proven faithful and worthy of our close emulation.
BOOK DESCRIPTION
The authors included in this small clothbound collection:
William S. Plumer (1802-80)
W. Alexander (1804-59)
Archibald Alexander (1771-1851)
Charles Hodge (1797-78)
Samuel Miller (1769-1850)
Ashbel Green (1762-1848)
Nicholas Murray (1802-61)
The authors of The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work were all men closely associated, either as students, professors, or in one case a director, with Princeton Theological Seminary, which was established in 1812 by the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America. It was founded as a ‘nursery of vital piety as well as of sound theological learning…to train up persons for the ministry who shall be lovers as well as defenders of the truth as it is in Jesus, friends of revivals of religion, and a blessing to the church of God.’
A sample of the Princeton view of the ministry is contained in this little volume. Taken together its chapters form a small instruction manual on the key elements in the work of a minister of the gospel in any age and place.
These pages combine theological acumen, a high sense of purpose, a vision of the privileges of serving Christ, and a recalibration of our whole vision for ministry.
The chapters in this book have been selected from the two-volume Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry, also published by the Banner of Truth.
Certainly, here’s the list with the page numbers removed:
– Introduction by Sinclair B. Ferguson
– The Scripture Doctrine of a Call to the Ministry — William S. Plumer
– The Lord Jesus Christ the Example of the Minister — J. W. Alexander
– On the Importance of Aiming at Eminent Piety — Archibald Alexander
– The Character Traits of a Gospel Minister — Charles Hodge
– The Pastoral Office — Archibald Alexander
– Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth — Archibald Alexander
– Holding Fast the Faithful Word — Samuel Miller
– Christ Crucified the Characteristic of Apostolic Preaching — Ashbel Green
– The Ministry We Need — Nicholas Murray
– Biographical Sketches of the Authors
3. "Preparation for Ministry" by Allan M. Harman:
Preparation for Ministry
Unlock the wisdom and guidance you need for a successful journey into Christian ministry with…
Author: Allan M. Harman is a respected Reformed theologian and pastor who has served in ministry and academic roles. He is currently research professor of Old Testament at Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia, where he previously served as principal.
– Focus: “Preparation for Ministry” is a guidebook for individuals preparing for Christian ministry, particularly within the Reformed tradition. It covers a wide range of topics, including theological education, pastoral skills, character development, and pastoral ethics.
– Audience: This book is designed for those who are training for ministry in a Reformed context or those seeking practical advice on the various aspects of pastoral preparation and ministry.
ENDORSEMENTS
‘Here are first principles for those who wonder if they are being called to the ministry, guidance for those in training, and wisdom for those already engaged in the work. That Preparation for Ministry comes from the desk of Allan Harman—Pastor, Professor, and Principal—is all the recommendation it needs. First class!’ — SINCLAIR B. FERGUSON
BOOK DESCRIPTION
Preparation For Ministry deals with important issues relating to a call to the Christian ministry, theological training, and entry into pastoral work.
The author has written it out of his own rich experience as a student, a pastor, and a seminary teacher. Those contemplating entry into the Christian ministry will benefit greatly from his practical advice on such subjects as coming to faith, the call to the ministry, pre-theological study, and choosing a theological college or seminary.
Those already in theological training or who have recently entered into ministry will also find much to help them within these pages on such topics as the theological course, early ministry, and staying fresh.
Contents:
– Introduction
– Coming to Faith
– The Call to the Ministry
– Pre-Theological Study
– Choosing a Theological College or Seminary
– The Theological Course
– Early Ministry
– Staying Fresh
– Conclusion
– Short Bibliography
– Appendix 1: Suggested Preparatory Reading
– Appendix 2: A Short Guide to Sermon Preparation
– Appendix 3: The Minister’s Self-Watch by C.H. Spurgeon
– Appendix 4: The Religious Life of Theological Students by B.B. Warfield