Excellent Theology of Ministry
920856
This is an excellent book assessing and guiding the way that we do ministry to youth.  I am the director of a campus ministry and found the book to be very helpful for my context as well.  The authors take an in depth look at how we have done ministry, solid theology to back up a new approach and offer helpful ideas for how this might look in real life.  This is a book that every person working in youth or campus ministry should read.  Not necessarily an easy read, but well worth your time.
1753036
I found this work very applicable to pastoral leadership. Of course, there are differences between ministry and business leadership, but this little book contains several nuggets of truth for ministry. I was especially challenged to reconsider our mission statement every few years. Has our mission changed? Should it change?
2063215
Flynn was a pastor for 45 years.  The last 40 he served one church, Grace Conservative Baptist Church in Nanuet, NY.  His advice on how to survive in ministry is an easy read with very little in it to cause offense.  His tone throughout is tempered with kindness, and only rarely with a pinch of superiority.
His first chapter should be required reading for anyone considering a vocational ministry.  Flynn does an exceptional job of conveying the pitfalls, stressors, church demands and challenges associated with ministry.  He may be retired, but he is not completely out of touch.
The rest of the book deals with topical advice from Flynn's own ministry:  delegation, sermon planning, church celebrations, hobbies and relaxation, family, etc.  Pretty mundane stuff really, but he does a good job of covering all the bases.  Flynn's wife contributes a delightful chapter on family life that I highly recommend.  I think it may communicate the pace and stresses of ministry better than the balance of the book.
The biggest problem I have with Flynn's approach is that his church was so atypical.  He freely admits that three quarters of all Protestant churches have less than 150 in attendance on Sunday morning.  Even if the church was small when he went there, his stories seem to come from when he had a full-time secretary and additional staff members. He authored one book a year during that time, taught part-time in a small college, and maintained a daily radio broadcast.  His church was in the upper quartile for most of his tenure.
Many of his suggestions are completely impractical in a small church.  Small church pastors are lucky if they can avoid mowing the church grounds on Saturday!  Delegation, vacations, visiting speakers and radio ministries are way beyond the possible.
I suppose that I would have to add one chapter to Flynn's book - Getting a Bigger Church.  Both my personal experience, and Flynn's, seem to indicate that survival in ministry has a great deal to do with finding a church large enough to provide the asistance and financial support a pastor needs.
Few seminarians today are likely to imitate Flynn's pattern in full.  He was too quick to embrace the sacrifices involved in ministry, and he was too vulnerable to problems that could have occurred.  Toward the end his book becomes nostalgic, and the closing chapter in praise of humility, while an excellent sermon, is quite out of touch with contemporary occupational goal-setting.
Flynn may only imply that the old days were better, but he might be right.
910517
I'm currently using this text as the curriculum for our adult Sunday School class and it has been outstanding. It's a concise, rich, and compelling articulation of the unique role the covenants play in the meta-narrative of Scripture. I had read through most of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Kingdom-through-Covenant-A-Biblical-Theological-Understanding-of-the-Covenants/dp/1433514648/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Kingdom through Covenant: A Biblical-Theological Understanding of the Covenants</a>&nbsp;and have found GKTGC to be a very helpful summary of its contents. I would, however, highly recommend purchasing the larger volume (KTC) as a resource text.

The one drawback of this book is its less than accessible language. The subject matter doesn't naturally lend itself to readability; add to that the fact that the book is a distillation of some 800+ pages and it shouldn't be any surprise that not everyone will be able to pick up this book and read it without the help of additional theological resources. For this reason, I would highly recommend this book to any pastor and theologically well-versed lay person desiring to grow in their understanding of the biblical covenants.
2001168
Packer has written an excellent text on evangelism alone in this book. That he deals with the intersection of the practice of evangelism with the concept of a completely sovereign God is a bonus.

Though he's not a C.S. Lewis, Packer does write very well and is very readable, though sometimes his notations and quotations seem more along the style of a half-century ago. But the issues and mindsets which he is addressing are active and attractive to many in this day, and thusly this work is very relevant.

I recommend this to all Christians, but especially pastors and those who have any questions about evangelism. This isn't a 'how to' book, and it doesn't really have a practical application section - but what Packer is dealing with here is more theological than anything else.

And it is a great encouragement and challenge to spread the Gospel. It's not too long and the reading isn't too heavy, so it is accessible and understandable by most anyone.
296582
Young clergy are thrust into the ministry from seminary with a solid foundation in Biblical exegesis and systematic theology. This foundation is rudimentary to their work. However, the practical demands of congregational social dynamics, denominational bureaucracy, family/work boundaries, and lofty expectations to grow dormant congregations often overwhelm young clergy within months, if not weeks. In this book, experienced pastor Mark Conforti contends that the crucial supplement to a solid seminary education for young clergy is a healthy relationship with an experienced, respected clergy mentor.

Conforti offers here a thorough and comprehensive, albeit brief, read on the necessity of clergy mentoring in today's church. He examines every aspect of what he calls the "mentor-mentee" relationship from issues of nomenclature, to its theological and Biblical roots, to case studies, to potential pitfalls, to practical resources for implementing a mentoring program. His presentation is thoughtful and engaging, and it will not take long for a busy pastor to read. I highly recommend this book for both potential mentors and mentees seeking to grow in their ministerial effectiveness.
1870561
this is a great book that every ministry leader and pastor should read.
1031702
Really worth the read. Complex theology made simple.
3399532
Ministry is hard but necessary work.  The Christian lives with the daily tension of being in the world while not being of the world as they are adopted by a King in Jesus whose kingdom is never ending. To help equip the saints for the work of ministry, Pastors are charged with feeding the flock through the preaching of the Word, giving pastoral care and overseeing the flock of God. Young Pastors especially need guidance and mentors to help navigate the many difficult situations that ministry brings not to mention guidance on how to navigate their own lives.

One of the more encouraging themes I've noticed in recent books coming out is to help the Pastor with his own spiritual growth. This theme continues in the helpful new book Pastoring the Pastor Emails of a Journey through Ministry by Tim Cooper and Kelvin Gardiner.  This book chronicles the journey of Daniel Donford into ministry and his ministry as a Pastor. Daniel as a new pastor is excited filled with bright dreams and a big future for his new church. Discouragement lies just around the corner as opposition and obstacles lay ahead of him threatening to end his journey into pastoral ministry before it has even begun. Thankfully Dan has his Uncle Eldon:  a wise, experienced firm, but understanding Pastor. Eldon as an experienced pastor helps Dan to navigate through his trials and disasters. The wisdom Eldon offers through a series of emails help Dan to see himself as he really is, in need of the mercy of God and helps Dan transform into a mature, selfless, loving pastor God wants him to be.

Pastoring the Pastor is a book I whole heartedly recommend. This heart-warming and at times heart-wrenching story of the ups and downs of ministry gives not only a realistic but also all kinds of practical and godly wisdom that will help pastors (and those they shepherd) toward understanding and an appreciation of what really matters as we serve Christ and His people. This would be a good book for the Bible College, or seminary student to read who is thinking and praying hard about entering pastoral ministry as this book will help these students to have realistic expectations about pastoral ministry. This book will help young Pastors also who are facing the same struggles Daniel is facing but with wisdom.  Either way this book will help seminary students and young Pastors to begin to learn how to deal with opposition and obstacles in life and ministry.

Title: Pastoring the Pastor: Emails of a Journey Through Ministry

Author: Tim Cooper and Kelvin Gardiner

Publisher:  Christian Focus (2012)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Christian Focus 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."
3159319
An essential tool for any theology student, whether layman or in seminary training
4787133
J. I. Packer's strength, I am convinced, lies in his understanding of sanctification. His depth of Biblical insight and practical counsel makes this an excellent volume on Christian holiness. Various areas of the subject are discussed at length. Packer shows how sanctification relates to the entire salvation process, putting the pursuit of holiness in the context of God's overall saving purposes. He also provides some excellent bounderies in his discussion, which will keep us from many an extreme.
Of particular value is a chapter called "Holiness: The Panoramic View" which focuses on six different strands of teaching regarding sanctification that are often presented in isolation from each other, taking part for whole. Packer shows that each tradition emphasizes aspects of truth - and when they are all taken together, a very comprehensive, Biblically-oriented, and well-rounded theology of sanctification emerges.
The seven propositions concerning holiness developed in Keep In Step with the Spirit (see my review) are gone over more briefly here. But there is much which is new. An excellent chapter focuses on repentance as a lifestyle, using the saintly English Reformer/martyr John Bradford as a model. There is also a sustained focus on the necessity of God's empowering us in our pursuit of holiness - and of our need for endurance - thus, a balance between a life of dependence and a life of perseverance is maintained.
As is so characteristic of Dr. Packer, this book combines deep theology with lucid style, simple illustration, and Biblical exposition, leaving us with a very readable rediscovery of a vital biblical truth. I highly recommend it!
4237459
One of the best books on theology I have ever read.  I agree with other reviewers that the chapter on the Trinity is outstanding.  Frank Sheed is a master at explaining Christianity in a thoughtful, easy-to-read and understand manner.  Now that I have finished reading it I am sure to use it as a great reference.
2557885
Having studied in Bible college, and now teaching in one, it is the experience of many students and I, that theology makes better sense when set in a historical context, and told in a narrative form. Olson ought to be congratulated and highly commended for doing just that in this book.

It is no mean feat to tell the story of twenty centuries of theology in an interesting, insightful, and informative manner: capturing sufficient details of key Christian doctrines, yet without being tedious; presenting and discussing major disagreements, yet without being sectarian.

Olson's genius is shown in both the breadth and depth of the topics covered. All the major theological doctrines and issues through the twenty centuries are covered - from Christology to Trinitarian theology, Socinianism to Calvinism, Liberal to Fundamental. All the major figures were as well: from Athanasius to Luther to Zinzendorf. I enjoyed most his treatment of the rise and decline of liberal theology, where he demonstrated his depth of understanding through linking its pedigree back to Schleiermacher, Kant, and Spinoza.

In his effort to be even and fair, there sure will be some readers who would quibble with perceived lack of clarity in some cherished doctrine or tradition, or particular Christian era. Some may even protest the focus on human action, at the expense it seems of God's. Would these excise the book of Esther from the Bible for its lack of the word "God"?

I commend this book to lecturers and students of theology and church history. I believe this book will greatly open Christian theology to a wider audience, further enquiry, and greater appreciation for Christ.
3534472
This is truly a great book for those who want a concise history of the development of Western Theology. What makes it truly outstanding is that it's not just a history lesson, but it explains the discussion's implications/relevancy for contemporary theology. You won't need to be an expert to follow the discussion (though some knowledge of church history might be helpful, though not necessary).

As an evangelical, I have been rather frustrated with evangelicalism's view of salvation as simply a door into heaven. It has left me despairing of relevancy considering the fact that I'm not in heaven yet but still living in the here and now. This book explains how much of traditional Christian theology (including evangelicalism but also Catholicism and liberal Protestantism) is based on a specific interpretation of the Bible and theology originally based on Tertullian's legalistic theology (what the author calls type A theology: the Bible is a set of laws to be obeyed). This theology has been mixed with Augustine's Neo-Platonism (type B theology) resulting in the theology dominant in the West:a theology that interprets Scripture as a set of fixed, universal truths that need to be followed. God is the Judge that will punish any deviation herefrom.

But the author shows that there was an early theology, originally from Syria and probably closest to the tradition of the New Testament. The author calls it type C theology and considers Irenaeus its main exponent. This type of theology has disappeared due to social and political circumstances. But it's a theology that considers the Christian faith not a set of rules to be obeyed, but God's active participation in the history of mankind. In this theology history is the stage where His purposes will unfold, where His kingdom of justice will be established. This Christianity is not just relevant for the individual Christian who wants to "change his bad behavior" but for the whole Christian community fighting evil in all its forms and manifestations (including society's). And thank God this theology is experiencing a revival thanks to the end of modernity, the fight for social justice (for blacks, women, the poor) and the resurgence of the younger churches from the Third World (and I'm a woman from the Third World).

Anyways, a book that has made me think extensively and is helping me free myself from more traditional theology that IMHO has immasculated much of the liberating, earth-shaking, life-transforming, yes, even politically subversive elements of the gospel.
2455713
Excellent. I haven't read a lot of theology, but this is highly readable and highly recommended for any person who wants to understand these crucial Christian doctrines.
2431559
This is a wonderful little book that ministered to me greatly.  The author Christopher Ash in the beginning of the book did a good job establishing the need of why this book is important in tackling the subject of ministry burnout.  Ash quoted statistics of how some 1,500 people leave pastoral ministry every month for various reasons including burnout and moral failure; even among those that remained many more admit to feeling burnedout within five years of starting ministry (18).  This shows how important the book is.
I appreciate the care that the author gave in his treatment of this topic.  Ash is quite nuanced and this is something I am glad to see given the sensitivity of the subject and possibility for misunderstanding.  Early in the book Ash notes the distinction between sacrifice for the Lord and burnout.  There is a big difference between serving the Lord sacrificially and foolish heroism.  I love the books analogy of the firefighter who ended up being counterproductive when he himself ended up needing to be rescued and thus draining resources for people to rescue him because of his folly rather than it being dedicated to the main mission of fighting fires.  Very appropriate illustration.  Another great example of the authors nuance is his discussion about there are times to give it your all, and facing moments that are unpredictable as part of ministry while also acknowledging ones limitations and need for rest and recovery.
The bulk of the book feature seven keys to a lifelong ministry of sustainable sacrifice in which the author tells us that the first four are important truths that are often neglected followed by three questions about motivations (27).  Actually when one reads the book the last three were more on motivations rather than questions of motivation in which the author gave a warning about celebrity syndrome, an encouragement and a delight.  I don't want to give the whole book away but these seven points were very helpful and biblically driven.  I was quite edified by them.
Besides the main content of the book this work was further enhanced by several helpful testimonies of burnout and what God taught these individuals.  I liked how each story was not the same and there were other ministries examples besides pastoral ministry.  I love how the book concluded with very practical advice and a self-check lists that allows readers to engage in a self-inventory.  The ending section of the book includes a short essay by Dr. Midgley on identifying more carefully as to what burnout is.
Again a good work, one that ministers should have in their personal library and read from time to time.  Those who are not in full time ministry but serve the Lord will also benefit from this book.  This is a great book to give to leaders of the church.  I think this book should also be used for doctorate of ministry programs as well since those seasoned in ministry would benefit the most.
NOTE: I received this book for free from the publisher The Good Book Company through Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest opinion. The thoughts and words are my own and I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
1791439
I am a pre-med college student taking the course "Theology and Spirituality of Ministry." I found this book very helpful since I am involved in parish ministry. I also think much of what it discusses can be applied to other ministries, such as those in the medical field where I hope to work one day. I strongly recommend this book.