Though Scripture is timeless and unchanging, the world in which pastors must minister is never the same. Pastoral Ministry in the Real World applies the enduring truths of the Bible to the pastor’s work in messy situations where the old categories no longer apply and typical responses are not always effective.
Wilson presents the nature of pastoral ministry by exploring its three major functions: loving, teaching, and leading God’s people. In the course of his wise exposition he does not avoid addressing the hard questions head on. What are the disqualifiers for the pastoral ministry? How should Bible-believing pastors minister in a culture that has embraced same-sex marriage? How can pastors help others without hurting themselves? How can pastors teach during seasons of conflict and lead the church during anxious times? How can they lead a church to change without destroying the church’s personality or their own spiritual health?