[What is #OctTBR2022? I explain it here.]
What It Is: A “festschrift” (collections of essays to honor a scholar) about pastoral ministry, in honor of Sinclair Ferguson.
Why I’m Reading It: This beauty was another T4G acquisition (several on this list are, to be frank). I’m all-in on books about long, faithful ministries, and Ferguson is definitely on that list. Plus, the fact that it’s co-edited by Dr. Chad Van Dixhoorn and has people like Alistair Begg contributing? Sign me up.
[What is #OctTBR2022? I explain it here.]
What It Is: A sobering guide for how churches can address and prevent child abuse within the church community.
Why I’m Reading It: There’s no question that sexual abuse is a grievous sin and a serious stain on the name of the American church, most recently within my own theological circles (Southern Baptist). This is an issue that cannot be ignored or brushed under the rug, so resources like Reju’s are vital for protecting the most vulnerable among the flock. This is going to be a hard read, but a necessary one.
[What is #OctTBR2022? I explain it here.]
What It Is: Another work about the life of a pastor, but two recent examples of faithful ministry–one living and one recently gone to glory.
Why I’m Reading It: If Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones is my favorite past preacher, Alistair Begg may be my favorite living preacher (outside of my own fellow elders). The man’s preaching is a perfect blend of clear doctrinal fidelity and self-deprecating pastoral gentleness and good humor. I’ve heard countless sermons of his but haven’t really read his writing, so this will be a treat.
[What is #OctTBR2022? I explain it here.]
What It Is: A series of lectures from the “Prince of Preachers” to young seminarians looking to enter the ministry.
Why I’m Reading It: I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while. I’m most of the way through The Doctor’s excellent work Preachers and Preaching, and it’s only emphasized how much I need to learn about pastoral ministry. (In fact, several of the books you’ll see pop up in this list have to do with the office of pastor/shepherd/teacher.) I’m in my fourth year as a lay elder, but it feels like I still have so much growing to do. Reading good books from faithful ministers will only help that.
[This is Day 30 of #Booktober! Stay tuned for one more recommendation!]
What It Is: A short and very practical book about “one another” ministry within the Church.
Why You Should Read It: While God does give some as pastors and teachers to help build up the body of believers, the nuts-and-bolts day-to-day ministry of the church isn’t done by paid professionals, but by the everyday believer in the pews. Welch lays out practical encouragements to teach believers how to “build up one another in love” and minister to each other’s spiritual and emotional needs. If you want to know how to create a culture of love and service and discipleship in your church, whether you’re in a particular church office/role or just a healthy and active member of the body, get this book and put it into practice.
Happy Friday! I’m back today with some interesting and (hopefully) beneficial links for your weekend review (including some links pulled from my Feedly app’s “Read Later” list that I’m reading *much* later).
Let’s get to it!
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I hope this was a help to you. If any of these topics interest you, be sure to click through, and maybe drop me a comment below to let me know which of these interested you. Thanks!
Dr. MacArthur,
It’s hard to express how much your ministry has meant to me. I have been challenged by your preaching, aided by your commentaries, chastened by your books, and emboldened by your public comments. Your history of ministry faithfulness stands in stark contrast to generations of younger pastors who have shipwrecked their ministries in personal sin, public foolishness, or prosperity-gospel sell-outs.
If I were to consider the two or three theologians and pastors of the last century whose work has done the most good for the church, your name would be in that list. Your stalwart position during “lordship salvation” controversy would alone be enough for that honor. Beyond that, you have given the church dozens of books and commentaries that have been and will continue to be a blessing and a light for pastors and teachers (like myself) seeking to preach the Word faithfully and cut it straight.
Looking to the future, as the Christian church faces threats from within and without, books like The Truth War and Strange Fire will grow more and more relevant, as post-modern spiritualism and charismatic mysticism continue to spread. With each passing year, the people of God need pastors and teachers and writers to call them back to the Book, again and again. This is the hallmark of your ministry, and we praise God for you.
May God continue to bless you and guard you, so that you may finish strong. And by the grace of God, may you have many more years of faithful ministry before you step down from the pulpit for the last time. When that day comes, one fact will be undeniable: the church of Jesus Christ has been helped beyond reckoning by your work, and God will have used you mightily in the lives of thousands, if not millions. of believers. There is an entire generation of pastors who have been prepared to proclaim the Gospel boldly as they ought, because of your witness–following your example, as you follow Christ.
God bless you, Dr. MacArthur. Thank you so, so much for your faithfulness to our Savior.
–Dave Mitchell
The4thDave Blog 