The Effective Pastor - the key things a minister must learn to be

THE EFFECTIVE PASTOR -
The key things a minister must learn to be
By Peter White
Christian Focus. 260 pages. £10.99
ISBN 1 85792 120 8

An effective pastor is what a godly minister wants to be. It is also what a serious-minded church member desires for his own pastor. This book, though primarily for ministers, is of value to all Christians. In the space of some 17 chapters, arranged under five main headings, the author seeks to provide a biblical understanding of the work of the ministry.
Peter White, one time principal of the Glasgow Bible College, and currently the minister of a Presbyterian church in Glasgow, ably and graciously introduces us to what a minister is to be before God, among the people, and with individuals. In two further sections, he also provides guidance in the practical spheres of development and outreach (evangelism), and organisation (both personal and corporate). Each chapter begins with either two or three Bible texts or with a Bible text and a quotation or two from an appropriate source. All are judiciously chosen to introduce the theme covered in the pages that follow.
It is evident that White is well read. Authors, old and new, are referred to and quoted. His aim throughout is to inform, encourage and advise. He is always practical and relevant. Moreover, he is not afraid to challenge. To that end, the author frequently highlights matters for reflection and, at the end of some chapters, provides some concluding exercises. But above all, and herein lies the strength of this work, White endeavours to be true to the Bible. In doing this, he follows in the footsteps of men like Richard Baxter (The reformed pastor) and Charles Bridges (The Christian ministry). Certainly this volume represents a valuable contemporary supplement to those classic texts on the work of the Christian ministry.
It is to be seriously hoped that this volume will be found not just on the library shelves of pastors, but also in their hands. If your minister does not have a copy, buy one for him.

George Curry,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne

© Evangelicals Now - August 1999
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Main Articles

• Lords' reform - the people's house
  An analysis of Labour's reform of the House of Lords
• The state of nannying
  The story of Shawndene - a new college providing professional training for nannies in a Christian atmosphere
• Coping with the threat of unemployment
  Encouragement and advice for those facing the stress and pressure of redundancy or early retirement
• Christianity for pragmatists
  How to lead people to consider the claims of Jesus and the benefits of Christianity from a purely practical point of view
• The faith in France - any future?
  Paul Wells surveys the spiritual landscape of this traditionally Roman Catholic country

Other articles

• Hildegard von Bingen - CD review
• Why Lord? The book of Job for today
• The King and I
• God's Way of Reconciliation - An extract from a sermon on Ephesians taken from the book God's Way of Reconciliation
• The Testament
• In the Grip of the Druids
• Thrones, Dominations
• The Art of God and the Religions of Art
• Is There a Meaning in This Text? - The Bible, the Reader and the Morality of Literary Knowledge
• A Faith to Live By - Studies in Christian Doctrine
• Evangelical Truth - A Personal Plea for Unity
• Don't Call Me Sister!
• The Ascension - The Shout of a King
• The True and Living God
• Beginning at the Beginning
• Trend: A Pattern of Life
• The Effective Pastor - the key things a minister must learn to be
• A Faint Streak of Humility - An Autobiography
• Crossway Classic Commentaries - Galatians
• Crossway Classic Commentaries - 1, 2, 3 John