Shepherding the Pastor helps new and upcoming pastors understand the common challenges and pitfalls that arise in the early years of ministry and to face difficulties with faith, wisdom, and patience.
Many pastors feel isolated and helpless, especially those beginning pastoral ministry. Phil Newton and Rich Shadden know what this road is like, and they want to share what they have gained from pastoral mentoring-Rich, a young pastor receiving support and guidance from Phil, an older, more experienced shepherd.
Using real life examples, they identify four key practices that will help pastors thrive despite the stresses of ministry: a deepening walk with Christ, faithful exposition of Scripture, continual learning from mentors, and growth in skillful patience with their flock.
- Pastors will learn from the real-life struggles of a young pastor and the grace-filled help of an older pastor.
- Common ministry struggles are identified and listeners will learn how to live with faith and wisdom as they shepherd a church.
- New and more experienced pastors will be encouraged that mentoring relationships are an antidote to pastoral burnout and are vital to thriving in ministry.
Many Christians are familiar with The Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan's (1628-1688) famous book written from a prison cell, which portrays the Christian life as one traveling from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. During Bunyan's life, however, he produced nearly sixty books and tracts. Roger Duke and Phil Newton, with Drew Harris, trace the significant events that shaped Bunyan's life and thought in a biographical introduction and, in thirty-one excerpts from a variety of this great man of faith's writings, give us a glimpse of his piety, which flowed from his desire to venture all for God.
Bring Gospel Hope in the Midst of Death
The phone rings: "Pastor, can you do my mother's funeral?" Or, "Please help us-our baby just died." Death comes unexpectedly, giving you two to three days of time to prepare a sermon-in the midst of caring for a grieving family. This helpful book walks a pastor through the logistics of memorial services, burials, and working with funeral homes-using the four P's: Plan, Prepare, Preach, and Perform. It shows how to magnify Christ and the gospel in the midst of all the details, demands, and sorrow that surrounds the death of a loved one.
The Practical Shepherding series of books provides pastors and ministry leaders with advice and practical help to do the work of pastoral ministry in a local church. In Conduct Gospel-Centered Funerals, experienced pastors Brian Croft and Phil A. Newton offer readers a concise guide to conducting funerals that glorify God and offer a timely message of hope.
Appendixes including examples for music and funeral service order are included in the audiobook companion PDF download.
