Review: The Pastor’s Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry
The Pastor’s Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry by Jared C. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an overall good book. Wilson is readable and relatable, maybe those are the same. His background and journey may not resonate with all, but I think his primary aim was to help pastors apply the Gospel to their own hearts and ministries. This book can be helpful, but you probably need a few bruises to appreciate it.
Review: The Trellis and the Vine
The Trellis and the Vine by Colin Marshall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Disciples of Jesus make disciples of Jesus, who in turn make disciples of Jesus. I think you see where this is going. What is a church? A church is a called out assembly of disciples joined together in making other disciples. More could be said, but this is vital. Pastors make disciples but are also tasked with training disciples to make other disciples, and so on. This is the Gospel work churches are called to do. It’s so easy to get off point and begin to be about many other things.
I wish I had read this book years ago. I cannot recommend it strongly enough. This is what pastors and church members are to be about.
Review: The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ
The Gospel: How the Church Portrays the Beauty of Christ by Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It sounds correct to speak of being Gospel centered. I wonder how well we understand what it actually means to be a Gospel centered church. The author makes a case for what it looks like to be Gospel centered in practice as well as profession. Every church has a culture, whether it is deliberately shaped or more organic. Having the Gospel correct in our doctrinal statement does not mean our church body is Gospel centered in practice. Ortlund brings out that Gospel centeredness can happen, but it doesn’t happen by a plan or program. A church must adorn the Gospel preached with a community of disciples who live out the Gospel in their lives.
Review: Work and Our Labor in the Lord
Work and Our Labor in the Lord by James M. Hamilton Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This brief book presents a biblical theology of work. It would be an excellent introduction to the subject if one is unfamiliar with the biblical teaching on work. Hamilton shows us what it looks like to faithfully bear the image of God in our work and not be idolaters. He does this by pulling out propositional teachings from Scripture and providing examples of faithful work. I always find it edifying and profitable to read him and I always come away with some things to think about I haven’t considered before.
Review: More Faithful Service
More Faithful Service by Albert Mohler Jr.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This short book is a helpful study in the pastoral ministry. Each chapter is contributed by a different author. It is more of a workbook with area for your notes and answering questions. The layout is done well and it’s overall useful. The study is divided into three parts pertaining to pastoral ministry–faithfulness, persistence, and excellence.
Don’t let the apparent simplicity fool you. It is worth working through.
