Ministry is very hard and demanding work. The Scriptures advise us to learn from the example of faithful ministers (Heb. 13:7). The Puritans were a group of such ministers whose teaching and living can be particularly encouraging to troubled and discouraged pastors today. They were steadfast in adhering to Scripture as the Word of God, in confessing the great truths of the Reformed faith, and in applying sound doctrine to the problems of life in an age and culture nearly as challenging as our own. In Encouragement for Today’s Pastors, Joel R. Beeke and Terry D. Slachter examine the writings of these pastors of a bygone era to consider how they can help struggling pastors today. Here pastors will find a helping hand, reminding them of the importance of cultivating personal piety, resting in God’s sovereignty, recovering clarity in their calling, discovering means of support God has provided, recognizing the dignity of their office, and the present comforting grace and glory to come.
This book really ministered to me a lot. Whether it was the quotes from the Puritans or just the Scriptural examination this book will help Pastors and ministry leaders. This book will minister to ministry leaders by helping them to understand that at root ministry is a privilege. Ministry is not the object of our affections, Jesus Christ is the object of our affections and our desire. This book will remind ministry leaders that their ultimate satisfaction comes in knowing, savoring and growing in the grace of God. Whether you are struggling with depression or burnout or doing well spiritually this book great encouragement.
This book is an encyclopedia of divinity drawn from the writings and lives of Puritan divines whom God raised up to be examples of excellence for His church. Those who want to be refreshed and renewed in the Lord should read and re-read this excellent new book as it will help the reader understand difficult concepts with ease and eminent practicality.
Title: Encouragement for Today’s Pastors: Help from the Puritans
Authors: Joel R. Beeke and Terry D. Slachter
Publisher: Reformed Heritge (2013)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Reformed Heritge book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Dave Jenkins is happily married to Sarah Jenkins. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021) and The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
