Review: "40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry" (manuscript)

 

            I’ve read other volumes from the “40 Questions” series published by Kregel Academic, and this one is my favorite so far:  40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry by Phil A. Newton.

            As with the other volumes of this series, it is written by a Baptist.  I say that just to make the reader aware that the book will be coming from a Baptist perspective – with the requisite denunciation of paedo-baptism.

            The book is divided as follows:

            Part 1: Foundational Considerations; questions 1-5

            In this section, Newton answers the definition of a pastor, the definition of pastoral ministry, the qualities of a Christian pastor, how this relates to Jesus, and whether it is better to have a plurality of pastors.

            In the final section of this part, Newton answers whether there ought to be a plurality of pastors.  By this he means, should there be and elder who functions as the primary preaching and teaching elder as well as other elders who help the pastor not to go astray and be teachers themselves.  The answer is “yes.” And it seems to me it would be “yes” in many denominations, but with different terminology.

            Part 2: Pastoral Development and Health; questions 6-13

            In this section, Newton answers questions about how the pastor can care for himself and his family spiritually and in relation to one another.

Part 3: Pastoral Practices; questions 14-20

Here, Newtons gives the answers to how a minister begins his ministry and is sustained in ministry, both in self-care and in dealing with others who may cause problems for the pastor and the congregation.

Part 4: Pastoral Preaching; questions 21-28

Newton then addresses how a pastor should preach, including arguing for lectio continuo over against the lectionary or topical series.  He also looks at how a pastor should conduct worship, funerals, and weddings.

Part 5: The Church and Pastoral Ministry; questions 29-40

In the final section, Newton defines the Church, looks at the authority of Scripture, how and when to make changes, how to practice church discipline, polity and membership practices, and church revitalization.  He also answers how to help a church face suffering, support missions, and he considers when a pastor should leave a church and why having a long pastorate is a best practice.

Each chapter ends with a summary of the chapter and several questions for personal or group reflection.

The book ends with a selected bibliography and a Scripture index.

I am impressed with this book and the answers Newton gives.  He is thorough, yet very readable and useful for the pastor and the board of elders (if not others).

Throughout the book and second or third to the Scripture, Newton quotes from Puritan writers.  I highly value the Puritan writers as godly and biblical people and am thankful when I see their work used by others.

I consider this a tremendous book.  One that would well be given to seminary students for them to work through before graduation or receiving a call to a church.  These are issues that need to be thought through before walking into a church and working with them.  So, I recommend it highly.

            [This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]