Gospel-Driven Ministry: An Introduction to the Calling and Work of a Pastor

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 SermonsDeveloping a Vibrant Prayer LifeCaring and CounselingPastoring Married and SingleGospel-Centered LeadershipFighting Sin and Spiritual WarfareResolving ConflictPassing on the Ministry to OthersIn 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.Review'I'd recommend this book to any pastor, especially those just starting in their ministry, and any others desiring to understand what faithful leadership in God's church looks like. Saturated in the gospel-depth that has characterized his other books, Jared Wilson shows us that a church leader is not just a defender of truth but a servant of people. I was particularly moved by Jared's challenge that we represent the love of God to people who walk through our doors. What an incredible and weighty privilege. May God use this book to raise up a generation of faithful servant leaders!' -- J. D. Greear, pastor, the Summit Church, president, Southern Baptist Convention 'There are certain books that pastors should read once a year to regain their gospel sanity, clarity of calling, passion for the Savior, love for their people, and a renewed sense of what their daily work is. Gospel-Driven Ministry is one of those books. It holds the gospel forward not just as preachers' core message but also as the model and motivation for who pastors should be and what they are called to do. Pastors, buy this book and put it in your yearly reading rotation.' -- Paul Tripp, pastor, speaker, author 'Whether you are new pastor or a seasoned veteran of many years, Gospel-Driven Ministry will educate, instruct, and encourage you in your service to the Lord and his people. Combining personal experience, theological understanding, and a deep love for Christ's church, Jared Wilson offers timely wisdom for those called, in these challenging times, to shepherd the flock of God.' -- Brian Brodersen, pastor, Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa, California 'Current and future pastors--and those who love them--need to read this book. Jared Wilson opens up the pages of Scripture and his heart as well to give us the inside scoop on pastoral work and identity. Clearly he has a heart for ministry. With a quarter century of pastoral experience under his belt, he has much to share. Writing in a warm and personal style, Wilson explores most every aspect of ministry you can think of. Replete with scriptural references and personal examples, this is a volume of practical wisdom by which every pastor can chart a voyage through the tempestuous seas of contemporary ministry with confidence. Christ-centered and gospel-focused, this book is devoid of the platitudes and easy answers found in similar pastoral guides. Jared Wilson bares his soul in this book to share not only his profound insights into shepherding but also his anxieties, fears, and failures. In other words, he points not to himself but to Jesus, who is t