How to Be a Pastor: Wisdom from the Past for Pastors in the Present
Ebook
In How to Be a Pastor: Wisdom from the Past for Pastors in the Present, Van Neste and Wainscott have revived the neglected yet needed wisdom of a forgotten pastor, Theodore Cuyler. While Cuyler is all but unknown today, he was a leading figure alongside the likes of Spurgeon and Moody in his own day. Moreover, he was looked to as something of an ideal pastor, and his reflections from over four decades of ministry speak to important issues that are too often ignored in contemporary discussions about the role and responsibilities of pastors.
While affirming the importance of preaching, Cuyler makes it clear that pastoral care of individual people is central to pastoral ministry. As he writes, "Set it down as a cardinal principle . . . that if you would interest people in the gospel and interest them in their salvation, you have got to interest yourself in them and all that belongs to them."
Whether you are just starting in ministry or have been a pastor for some time, the wisdom provided in this volume will be of immense help to you as you shepherd the flock of God that is among you.
“Previous generations of pastors excelled as doctors of the soul. They modeled the priority of not only word-ministry but congregational soul care. In How to Be a Pastor, nineteenth-century pastor Theodore Cuyler personifies the details of shepherding the local church. In a short, readable volume, Cuyler strips away the clutter that can distract pastors to identify specific, doable ways to genuinely shepherd the flock. I’ll be eagerly recommending this book to pastors and students as a short primer on faithful pastoral work.”
—Phil A. Newton, director of pastoral care and mentoring, Pillar Network
“In an age of the greatest de-churching movement in American history, we pastors need encouragement and guidance. This book gives us much of what we need. As popular as he was in the nineteenth century, Theodore Cuyler is not well known today. But he should be. His pastoral ministry had a profound, godly influence on his congregation precisely because of his godly character and his commitment to pastoral fundamentals. This book boils it all down to the basics. Pastors, get it. Read it.”
—Sandy Willson, interim president, The Gospel Coalition
“This profoundly heartwarming book will refresh the spirits of many pastors and aspiring pastors. It comes from another age and a different culture. But it breathes the love of the Savior through the affections of the pastor. I warmly commend this beautiful book to pastors and all who care about pastoral leadership in our churches.”
—Christopher Ash, writer in residence, Tyndale House, Cambridge
“How to Be a Pastor reminds every one of us with stunning clarity what the true timeless call of a pastor is—to care for souls. Every pastor and aspiring pastor should read this book and keep it close.”
—Brian Croft, executive director, Practical Shepherding
“There are two things every pastor must do: preach the word and tend the flock. This book is the story of one man who did both things well in the midst of a busy urban ministry marked by prayer, soul winning, and personal pastoral care. An inspiring read for every pastor and for every young minister preparing to become one.”
—Timothy George, distinguished professor, Beeson Divinity School
- Title: How to Be a Pastor: Wisdom from the Past for Pastors in the Present
- Authors: Theodore L. Cuyler, Ray Van Neste, Justin Wainscott
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385205141, 9798385205127, 9798385205134
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385205141
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-01-15T21:50:58Z
Ray Van Neste is dean and professor of biblical studies in the School of Theology and Missions at Union University and has served in pastoral ministry in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Scotland.
Justin Wainscott is associate dean and assistant professor of ministry in the School of Theology and Missions at Union University. Prior to his service in the academy, he spent two decades in pastoral ministry. He is also the author of Lost in Wonder, Love, and Praise: Hymns & Poems.