Pastors, and those who aspire to pastoral ministry, are presented with a weighty and noble task. The Good Shepherd himself—Jesus Christ—instructs all ministers of the gospel to feed his sheep, preaching and protecting the flock as attentive undershepherds.

But what must these men of the gospel embody in their labours? This is where the book “The Pastor: His Call, Character and Work” presents serious categories for such a seriously glorious work.

This book has 9 chapters, written by the likes of Charles Hodge, Archibald Alexander, William Plumer and others. This is a banquet feast of godly experienced pastor-theologians from the era of ‘Old Princeton’. As a matter of fact, this is a condensed version of BoT’s 2 volume work “Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry”.

As Sinclair Ferguson notes in his introduction, the contents of this book are set above other ministry books in its combination of “theological acumen, a high sense of purpose, a vision of the privileges of serving Christ, and a recalibration of our whole vision for ministry” (p. ix, Introduction)

Here are the chapter titles and respective author:

There are two chapters that struck me most in this book: one and eight.

The first chapter gives concrete Biblical categories for sensing the Lord’s call on a man into pastoral ministry. Plumer then gives a list of reasons why some men resist the call to ministry, as well as a list of reasons why some men insist on entering the ministry without being called. A must-read chapter for determining one’s own calling.

The eighth chapter was powerful and recalibrating. Paul said he preached Christ crucified, but is that the defining attribute of most preaching in the last hundred years? Ashbel Green gives heart-stirring reasons for all preachers to align their ministry with the apostolic ministry of a Saviour and his cross. Here’s an excerpt: The Centrality of Christ Crucified In Apostolic Preaching

My wife and I both read this book and enjoyed it. She commented that though there is a great amount of helpful content in these chapters, she noticed some repetition between various chapters. Some might find that distracting, some might not.

The writing is a little dense at times, but not without its hard earned reward. Commit to reading this slowly and thoughtfully and it will prove to be a very useful book indeed. It might make for a good book to study with elders, or to help an aspiring pastor consider his calling and skillfulness for the kingdom.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Banner of Truth on exchange for an unbiased review.

The Apostle Paul emphasized the centrality and foundation of his teaching and preaching ministry: “But we preach Christ crucified” (1 Cor. 1:23)

Ashbel Green delivered a sermon entitled “Christ Crucified, the Characteristic of Apostolic Preaching” on May 19, 1825. Here is a short excerpt:

“In a word, the doctrine of Christ crucified, was the sun of the apostle’s theological system, which imparted lustre to every other truth, directed its course, and kept it to its proper orbit – the sun which threw off its beams of heavenly radiance in all directions, to warm, and cheer, and animate those who were already spiritually alive, and to waken into life those who were yet slumbering in the frost and death of sin; which gave vitality and productive energy to every evangelical principle and precept; and to which every ray of truth might be traced back, as to its proper source; and to whose full-orbed splendour every Christian eye was often directed, to catch some glimpses of a glory too intense for a full and steady vision, till mortality should be swallowed up of life.”

Ashbel Green, Christ Crucified, the Characteristic of Apostolic Preaching, re-published in “The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work” by Banner of Truth (2020)

The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC) series from Lexham Press is already making a name for itself by combining masterful exegetical rigor with biblical-theological insight. Take for example this helpful commentary by Andreas J. Köstenberger: 1-2 Timothy and Titus.

Paul’s letters to young Timothy and Titus are helpful guides for pastors especially, but very much needed for the church generally. Köstenberger guides the reader to see the emphasis of Paul’s letters within the greater plotline of God’s redemptive purposes. For those who are familiar with Greek, this commentary offers up gold-nuggets of insight in how the letters were crafted, though you don’t need to know Greek in order to understand most arguments he puts forward.

Now, some might remember Köstenberger had written an excellent commentary on 1-2 Timothy and Titus for the revised Expositor’s Bible Commentary from Zondervan. His commentary for Lexham Academic builds upon his former work and includes significant attention to the biblical-theological themes found in these Pauline letters (as you would assume for the EBTC series).

Since I own both, I compared them side-by-side, and notice that the expositional commentary is essentially the same (albeit with some refreshed wording and Greek lettering instead of transliteration).

However, there is a key new feature to the EBTC commentary, and that is the addition of a biblical-theological section that comments on themes such as:

• Mission
• Teaching
• God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and Salvation
• The Church
• The Christian Life
• The Last Days

Köstenberger offers expert handling of the text and the new Lexham Academic version is worth owning. The addition of the biblical-theological section, along with the refreshed wording may be enough incentive for a person to buy from Lexham, even if you already own the EBC.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Lexham Academic in exchange for an unbiased opinion.

“What’s at risk?” I asked the midwife, as my wife was being rushed down the hall for emergency C-Section. She was in labour and her uterus had begun to rupture.

She was silent at first, but then said weakly, “Mom and baby’s life.”

There I was, sitting outside the operating room, wondering if my wife and child would survive—and I wept. A tidal wave of fear and sadness came crashing over me.

The medical team acted quickly and skillfully. After just a few minutes, I was given the good news that they had caught it just in time. The obstetrician told me that had we waited just a few more minutes, they both would’ve died.

Providential Preparation

Why do I write all this as the introduction to a book review?

Because during those few short minutes of panic and fear, I was simultaneously convinced in the goodness of God, his ability to intervene, and his sovereign purposes which were governing every millisecond of my waiting.

Three months of reading John Piper’s Providence prepared me for the three minutes waiting outside the operating room.

The Book

At a towering 711 pages, John Piper has given a gift to the church in this book. The doctrine of God’s Providence is often misunderstood and under appreciated, and Piper has masterfully written a work that will stand the test of time. The reason I believe this is because of how biblically grounded his arguments and conclusions are. Piper is a Bible man, and this book on providence is drawn from the river of Scripture.

The book is divided into 3 parts:

1. A Definition and A Difficulty
2. The Ultimate Goal of Providence
3. The Nature and Extent of Providence

Part 1 lays the immense foundation of God’s providence, namely that God “sees to it that things happen in a certain way” (p. 30). Here, Piper stresses how providence and sovereignty are not interchangeable words. Sovereignty is God’s right to govern, and providence is God’s direct activity to “see to it” that all things happen according to his sovereign will, to the praise of his glorious grace.

Part 2 is a thematic Bible commentary, tracing the theme of God’s providence from Genesis to Revelation. In addition to a view of providence before creation and in the act of creation, Piper guides his readers slowly throughout the history of Israel:

• Overview, From Abraham to the Age to Come
• The Exodus Unfolds
• Remembering the Exodus
• The Law, the Wilderness and the Conquest of Canaan
• The Time of The Judges and the Days of the Monarchy
• The Protection, Destruction, and Restoration of Jerusalem

…and the Design and Enactment of the New Covenant:

• The Designs of the New Covenant
• Christ’s Foundational Act in Establishing The New Covenant
• The Entrance of Sin into Creation and the Glory of the Gospel
• The Glory of Christ in the Glorification of His People

Part 3 then addresses God’s providence over specific subjects such as

• Nature
• Satan & demons
• Kings and nations
• Life and death
• Sin
• Conversion
• Christian living

Why and How You Should Read “Providence”

This is a book for every Christian. Some buy big theological books to display on their shelf, with rare reference. But this is truly a book to turn to regularly. What is the driving power behind the events and people of the Bible? When a personal (or global) crisis arises, can we be assured that God truly is “seeing to it” according to his infinite wisdom and plans for human history? This book will increase your vision of God for who he truly is, and how he is purposefully sovereign in all things—from the molecular to the cosmic level.

There are two ways you can read this book, and both are very good ways. First, you can use this as a reference tool (i.e. in personal devotions, bible study prep, ad hoc encouragement when considering the events in your life). Secondly, you can read this book cover to cover. That may seem daunting, but it doesnt have to be. I brought this book to work and read 10-15 pages a day on my coffee and lunch breaks. Small and regular consumption will eat a giant elephant (or theological book).

Some of the payoff might come in the course of your reading, as Piper’s expert handling of the topic through the lens of Scripture edifies and encourages you. And maybe, just maybe, one day you’ll be in a situation like mine outside an operating room and desperately need a deep well of confidence in God. As D.A. Carson wrote in his endorsement, “This book will enlarge your vision of God and thereby strengthen your faith.”

8 Notable Quotes

“When we let our eye scan the galaxies at night, we should be glad that they were flicked out with God’s little finger (Ps. 8:3), and are totally dependent for every millisecond of their existence on his thought (Heb. 1:3).”

“The prizing and proclamation of God’s pervasive providence was forged in flames of hatred and love, deceit and truth, murder and mercy, carnage and kindness, cursing and blessing, mystery and revelation, and, finally, crucifixion and resurrection.”

“My sense is that in the twenty-first-century church, we are more likely to feel God’s mercy as a presumed right rather than a mind-blowing surprise.”

“It must infuriate Satan that God’s ways are so pure and brilliant that Satan not only fails to obstruct them but unwittingly serves them.”

On Jonah 4:7: “God governs the underground world of worms and commands them to be where he wants them to be for his purposes.”

“Things don’t just happen for God’s glory; they happen for God’s glory because the pervasive providence of God sees to it that they happen that way. This is the goal of providence.”

“The situation was not that Egypt deserved to be judged for its arrogance and Israel deserved to be saved for her righteousness. Neither deserved to be saved. But God freely chose to save Israel.”

“The purpose of God’s providence was that his glory be exalted as his people treasured and enjoyed him as their supreme portion.”

“Again, judge nothing before the time. The acts of divine providence, until finished, are holy enigmas; and some of them remain such through our whole lives. If, therefore, God seems for a while to frown on your purposes, be not hasty in inferring that he is about to defeat your plans; but wait, and learn the end of the matter. And if he shall so hedge up your way, as that for a time you cannot proceed, wait and learn whether he will not open it again.

When the hosts of Israel had the Red Sea before them and the Egyptians behind them, the unbelieving wished that they had remained in bondage, saying, they had only come out to ‘die in the wilderness’. You must learn to ‘stand still’ if you would ‘see the salvation of God’.

The obstructions of your way may only be intended as trials of your faith and patience.”

William Plumer, “Scripture Doctrine of a Call to the Work of the Gospel Ministry”, (republished in The Pastor: His Call, Character and Work [p.15], Banner of Truth)

During difficult times, “the righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4).

Pastor and theologian John Owen encourages us to appropriate our faith and be strengthened by God’s Spirit:

Faith will also remind the soul that God still has the fullness and portion of the Spirit, and can pour it forth when he pleases, to recover us from this sad state, and renew us to holy obedience to himself.

There are more promises with regard to God supplying us with his Spirit to deliver us from our inward weaknesses than there are those with regard to his putting forth acts of power to deliver us from outward enemies.

And God is able to do that inward work—reviving and renewing a spirit of faith, love, holiness, meekness, humility, self-denial and readiness for the cross.

He is able, by one act of his power, to destroy all his enemies and make them the footstool of Christ, when he pleases.

Live in the faith of this.”

John Owen, Searching Our Hearts In Difficult Times, p.141-142

Bobby Jamieson has written a helpful book to guide men considering pastoral ministry. Jamieson oversees the Internship Program at Capitol Hill Baptist Church (Washington, DC) where he also serves as Associate Pastor. He spends a good amount of his time mentoring men who aspire to be pastors in his role at CHBC, which makes him the ideal person to write this book.

In “The Path to Being a Pastor“, Bobby Jamieson does two things. Firstly, he encourages readers to move towards a more biblical way of finding the path to pastoral ministry. Secondly, he gives very practical advice to walking the path.

Finding The Path

The overwhleming tendency of those inclined towards pastoral ministry is to use the sense of “calling” as the ultimate guide. Is there a sense that God is calling you personally to become a pastor (internal calling), and is there some collective agreement of others in the church who think you should become a pastor (external calling)?

But in the first chapter of this book Jamieson encourages the reader to consider a more biblical way of determing the “call” to ministry. While these categories of internal and external callings have some merit, the Bible has one primary category for those considering ministry: aspiration. (“…If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” [1 Timothy 3:1])

According to Jamieson, not only is aspiration more biblical as a driving force behind persuing ministry, but it is also more freeing:

‘Saying “I aspire” shifts your focus from the subjective to the objective. You need not struggle to discern whether you have been struck by lightning from heaven. Instead, ask: Are you qualified to elder? How pastorally gifted are you? And who besides you says so? Saying “I aspire” relieves pressure and leaves freedom in its place. Your task is not to privately ascertain God’s will and then wait for others to catch up. Instead, strive for growth in godliness, and cultivate the gifts God has given you. Saying, “I aspire” is freeing because it reminds you that, as always, the result is up to God.’ (p.30)

The question this section provokes potential pastors to ask is not “Should I become a pastor?”, but “Do I want to become a pastor?”

Walking The Path

If the answer is “Yes, I want to be a pastor” then you have found the path to walk. The rest of the book is guidance for how to walk that path. Written succintly and richly, each chapter touches on a very specific aspect of ministry preparation. Walking the path towards pastoral ministry means cultivating the graces and character qualifications of a pastor.

My favourite chapter was “Elder Before You Elder”. As Jamieson so helpfully puts it: “Aim to be mistaken for an elder before you are appointed an elder” (p. 67). Instead of just waiting around until you are appointed as an elder, start eldering today! By discipling others, showing hospitality, evangelizing and offering wise counsel, a potential pastor doesn’t need the formal role in order to do spiritual good to others. And practically speaking – the kind of elder a church needs is an elder who elders naturally.

These chapters are thought-provoking, encouraging, and searching for anyone who is thinking seriously about persuing pastoral ministry. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and only wish it had been written and available to me years ago!

Many thanks to Crossway for providing a complimentary advance reader copy to read and review. “The Path To Being A Pastor” is set to be released August 17, 2021.

The Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, is Christian Scripture. Jesus himself taught that “the Scriptures…bear witness about me” (John 5:39). And after his resurrection from the dead, Jesus said to his disciples: “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

The Book of Psalms has been a precious gift to believers throughout all of church history. Yet, it seems as though many of us are prone to miss the Christological significance of the Psalms. That is why I am brimming with happiness that Reformed Perspective Press recently published a 4 volume commentary set on the Psalms: “Christ’s Psalms, Our Psalms“.

Written by sixteen individual contributors and edited by Peter Holtvlüwer, this resource was birthed to fill a gap in many Psalms commentaries. As the introduction explains, there is a lack of specific attention to the Messianic predictions and foreshadowing of the Lord Jesus Christ. In “Christ’s Psalms, Our Psalms”, the authors have done a great service to the church in filling that gap.

Now, this isn’t a verse-by-verse exegetical commentary of each Psalm. Rather, it is a comprehensive and convenient explanation of how each Psalm is connected to the Lord Jesus. After all, the Scriptures were written by men carried along by the Spirit of Christ (2 Pet 1:21) to bring about the revelation of the gospel of Christ. Taking efforts to avoid carelessly “jumping to Jesus”, the authors do diligence to the original author’s first meaning and identify proper markers left by Christ’s Spirit. From my reading, the authors have searched the Psalms like Bereans and have presented us with a rich treasure of Christ-exalting commentary.

I was pleased to find a lengthy introduction to the commentary in volume 1 where an overview of the Psalms is given with insightful clarity. The Biblical argument for a Christ-centered focus was compelling and would be a great resource for anyone wanting to learn or teach others about the Christocentric reading of the Psalms.

For each Psalm, the authors write according to a 16 category template:

• Author & Purpose
• Setting
• Type & Structure
• Poetic Elements
• Placement within the Psalter
• Key Words
• Unusual Words or Expressions
• Main Message
• Christ Connection
• Old Testament Links
• New Testament Links
• Confessional References
• Spiritual Themes
• Application
• Occasions For Use
• Questions For Further Study

Each Psalm is given roughly 4,000 words through the helpful categories. Not only can the reader can expect a thorough treatment of each Psalm, but also to find the template quite convenient for locating particular details quickly. For example, you might want quick insight on an unusual expression used in a Psalm, or perhaps some of the poetic elements being used. The format used is quite intuitive and useful for any type of study in the Psalms.

I am particularly impressed with the quality of the set. They are hardcover and sewn bound – sure to stand up to the test of time. The main graphic on the cover isn’t very attractive and seems a little dated in my opinion. It could use a more contemporary design if it gets reprinted. But most importantly, the font and layout inside is very easy on the eyes. Here’s a sample:

It must be highlighted that there are several valuable resources at the end of volume 4. Firstly, a bibliography which not only gives credit to the commentaries used in the writing of this set, but also gives the reader a categorical list to help inform future purchases for his or her library. Secondly, and more significantly, there are the following indexes which are worth their weight in gold:

• Select Scripture Index (OT and NT use of Psalms)
• Confessional Index (Belgic, Canons of Dort, & Heidelberg Catechism)
• Select Subject Index (grouped by explicit and implicit reference)

Overall, I highly recommend this 4 volume commentary for any Christian wishing to understand how the Psalms truly are fulfilled in Christ (Luke 24:44). Pastors, small group leaders, and Sunday School teachers would be particularly helped in their roles and labours by recognizing the pointers to Christ left by His Spirit in each Psalm.

Some smaller independent bookstores appear to be carrying this set, but you can view a sample chapter and order the set here. There is also a daily devotional book on the Psalms available that looks excellent.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this set from Reformed Perspective Press in exchange for an unbiased review. I thank them for their generosity and look forward to how this will bless the church.