As I type this review, I’m just five years away from
retirement…and I’m only 42 years old. As
expected, I have been in much prayer about what will follow. A sense of deep longing/desire (some might
call it a “calling”) has been churning within me for several years to enter
pastoral ministry. Along with speaking
with other godly men about this, I decided to read some books pertaining to
ministry, how to discern if this is a call or simply a fanciful dream, etc…which
is I why I selected “On Pastoring” for review.
And I’m thankful I picked this up!
The book wasn’t overly theological or scholastic, as it
wasn’t much of an exposition of scripture about the role and responsibilities
of pastors. However, it was saturated in
experience and practicality. In just 30
brief chapters spanning 189 short pages, H.B. Charles Jr., pastor-teacher at
the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Florida, opens up about
many of the ins-and-outs, ups-and-downs, good-and-bad about pastoring…from personal
preparation to sermon preparation, from ministering during meetings to godly leadership. Obviously, many suggestions he made might not
suit some, while other insights may very well bless the reader.
While it appeared the intent of the book was to challenge
and encourage pastors (by use of such phrases as, “we must…”), I found the book
to be helpful as a way of gaining insight to help determine if this was a
pursuit for which I am/would be prepared and suitable. I found myself asking, “Would I be able to do
this-or-that?” and “Could I be committed to such-and-such?”
I certainly was challenged and encouraged by insights. As a result, I long even more-so to continue
this pursuit…in spite of its various challenges. I guess time will only tell what the Lord has
in store.
Rating: I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
Disclaimer: I received this book free of charge from Moody Publishers in exchange for my unbiased
review of it. All opinions are mine, and
I was not required to provide a positive review.
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