Customer Reviews

On Being a Pastor: Understanding Our Calling and Work

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While books on preaching abound today, books on the broader duties of pastoring are few and far between. Here is one to fill the gap. A revised and expanded version of Derek Prime's earlier book, Pastors and Teachers, this book is a comprehensive, yet remarkably personal, study of the art of pastoring.

Five basic convictions govern the content of the book, as outlined in the introduction:
(1) "Christ's special gift to His Church is the gift of pastors and teachers;"
(2) "The pastor and teacher is an elder among other elders in the local church" (regardless of whether the term elder is used or not);
(3) "The work of elders - by whatever name they are called - need to be encouraged and developed;"
(4) "Whatever the pattern is for shared leadership in the local church, there must be a leader among leaders;"
(5) "Both the pastor and teacher himself and the church fellowship of which he is a part need to be clear as to his function and place in the body of Christ" (p. 14).

The authors then devote close to three hundred pages to clarifying that function and place. Virtually everything is discussed: Call and Calling (chapter one), Life and Character (chapter 2), Goals and Priorities (chapter 3), Prayer (chapter 4), Devotional Life (chapter 5), Study (chapter 6), Preaching (chapter 7), Pastoral Care (chapters 8-9), The Conduct of Worship (chapter 10), Leadership (chapters 11-12), Family and Leisure (chapter 13), and "Perils Tempered by Privileges" (chapter 14).

One of the unique aspects of the book is the inclusion of personal insights from each of the authors. The chapters usually begin by laying out general principles, but then include personal testimony from either Prime or Begg (or both) on how they apply those principles in their own ministry contexts. Having perspective both from an older, pastor of a smaller church (Prime), as well as a younger pastor of a larger, urban church (Begg) gives the book a sense of balance, making it useful to any pastor, regardless of his context for ministry. One of the most valuable portions of the book is the discussion on "the special pressures that may be upon a pastor's wife" (p. 269-279).

Finally, the book is well laid-out, making it easy to navigate. The thorough table of contents (including sub-headings in the chapters) allows On Being a Pastor to function like an encyclopedia on pastoral responsibilities.

This book presents a bold and beautiful picture of the character and spiritual life of a pastor. Originally written by Derek Prime as Pastors and Teachers (1989), Alistair Begg's contribution serves as an incredible enhancement to the book. Both authors of this revised, expanded edition of Prime's work are seasoned pastors. And their wisdom is strewn throughout every page.

While it is a rich treat to be able to walk beside these men as they wander through what the Bible says a pastor is to be and do, it is an added privilege to be let in on the relationship that these men have with each other. At times, this reviewer felt as though he were transported into a living room with a warmly lit fire, listening to these old friends chat about the task that God had called them to give their lives over to.

While the book moves through the biblical descriptions of a pastor, it is laden with entire pages where it is either Prime or Begg writing, commenting on what has already been said, making current application of the principles in each of their own lives. In these special parts of the book (which occur throughout), it is the seasoned wisdom of godly pastors that readers are able to observe. Moreover, they speak as men who have lived out the principles they are writing about. It is not theoretical pastoral musings, these men are authentic shepherds who know their calling and want to discharge their duty to the best of their abilities, by grace. Most often when the writers interject their personal thoughts and comments, Prime is followed by Begg. The comments made in this order marvelously show forth a symphonic order, granting glimpses into the authors' relationship, showing Begg like a student, carefully learning from his former pastor and mentor. Begg was Prime's ministry assistant while the latter was pastoring at Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh, Scotland. The book shows how that early relationship made such an enormous impact on Begg's subsequent life and ministry.

This book is not a manual about the nuts and bolts of pastoral ministry. It is about the biblical principles that separate a godly pastor from a mere professional minister, while offering practical tips throughout. Therefore, I would highly recommend this work to any pastor who is seeking to grow spiritually in his role as a shepherd, or any seminary student on his way to becoming a pastor. - Jason Sexton, Christian Book [...]

Derek Prime and Alistair Begg share helpful information about how they conduct their pastoral ministries. They discuss their personal devotion habits, their commitment to regular reading, and the preparation of their sermons. They also talk about how the demands of pastoral ministry often rob them of valuable study time, and that some weeks are more hectic than others.

They also candidly discuss how they prioritize time with their families. There is even a helpful discussion of whether or not a pastor should study at home or at the office (Alistair works at the office, Derek works at home).

There is also a chapter about hospital and home visitation, though neither one does much of either unless there is a crisis. Alistair pastors a church where the members are scattered over a 60 mile radius, and finds that home visits would be an imposition for many busy families.

They also acknowledge that in their multistaffed churches, they do not make as many visits as they might be making if they were solo pastors of small country churches in the USA.

Before Alistair started pastoring at Parkside Church in Bainbridge, Ohio, he was Derek Prime's assistant, and Begg repeatedly mentions how amazed he is that his former mentor can be so well disciplined and organized. You get the impression that Alistair feels like a spiritual lightweight in the company of Prime.

But it is obvious by the compassionate and humble way Alistair writes that he has spent many hours basking in the presence of our great God. He and Prime are especially fond of the Puritans, particularly John Owens, D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, and modern Anglican pastors John Stott and J.I Packer.

Alistair in particular is quite fond of Charles Spurgeon (in fact, Alistair has published a modernized version of Spurgeon's classic devotional Evening and Morning).

I used to attend Parkside weekly during the years I was working on my Master of Divinity, and I know personally that he labors hard in the vineyard for Christ. I wasn't familiar with Derek Prime until I read this book, but he is equally impressive.

I found the book very helpful. I am fascinated by what others pastors say about their ministries, and you will be, too, when you read this book.

A Great book a must read for new and season Pastor. It's also a great read for people that are not Pastors

A great and valuable resource, for the pastor, elders, deacons, teachers or missionaries. The scope of application for this book is not limited to pastors and the underlying principles carry over very well to many facets of the Christian ministry.

Such wisdom, such weight of experience and even some humor permeate the pages. They cite their own systems or procedures while tapping into the experience and words of many a notable past leader of the church.

There is no pomposity, no waving around of Seminary degrees, no facade in what they present. This is a very practical book which looks to give both an explanantion of each topic faced in ministry, along with a Godly and efficient method for dealing with these, and the joys or pitfalls that may accompany these.

Of particular value to me was their chapter dealing with "the call to ministry". So many of us wonder if we are called, and how will we know? Will God open up the heavens and shine down upon us, or will members of the church know before we do? This chapter was so reaffirming for me on our call to missions, and yet still gave me suggestions about having others pray about it - and that those called should demonstrate already the interest and ability in serving in our local church.

Main chapters include: The Calling - Life & Character - Goals & Priorities - Prayer - Devotional Life - Study - Preaching - Pastoracl Care - Conduct of Worship - Leading - Delegation - Family life. And each of these has its own pertinent sub-topics.

The size of book, of print and spacing make this very easy on the eyes - and it fits nicely among your Bibles. Thanks be to these two men for offering us their thoughts.

This book is a good read and also a good reference for those who are starting out in pastoral ministry