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The Pastor's Justification: Applying the Work of Christ in Your Life and Ministry
Ministry can be brutal. As leaders, we face discouragement, frustration, and exhaustion―and many times we face it alone. Helping us to refocus our gaze on the gospel, pastor Jared Wilson offers here practical insights, real-life anecdotes, and in-your-face truth related to the ups and downs of pastoral ministry. Honest yet hopeful, this creative fusion of biblical exposition and personal confession will help pastors weather the storms of ministry by rooting their identity in Christ.
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
77 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Jared C. Wilson
58 books940 followersJared C. Wilson is the Director of Content Strategy for Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Managing Editor of For The Church (ftc.co), and Director of the Pastoral Training Center at Liberty Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books, including "Gospel Wakefulness," "The Prodigal Church," and, most recently, "The Imperfect Disciple." Wilson blogs regularly at gospeldrivenchurch.com, hosted by The Gospel Coalition and is a frequent speaker at conferences and churches around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
January 31, 2017
This is my favorite book on the work of the pastor, and one of my favorite books of all time.
I try to re-read it once a year along with the men who are training to be pastors at our Church. I was able to read it for the third time this year. The third time through I was struck with the same wonder and awe I was the first two times. Through his writings, Wilson has a way to push the gospel into corners of my soul I didn't know existed. He speaks to fears no one else is and address worries that I'm too ashamed to admit I have. Though the author is a friend now, even before this was true, reading this work felt like reading the advice of a friend whose known my deepest insecurities for years. More importantly, it's like talking to a friend who not only knows my problems but knows the deepest solutions to all my problems are found in Christ.
I couldn't recommend a book higher than I do the Pastor's Justification. If you're a pastor, it's imperative that you read this work.
I try to re-read it once a year along with the men who are training to be pastors at our Church. I was able to read it for the third time this year. The third time through I was struck with the same wonder and awe I was the first two times. Through his writings, Wilson has a way to push the gospel into corners of my soul I didn't know existed. He speaks to fears no one else is and address worries that I'm too ashamed to admit I have. Though the author is a friend now, even before this was true, reading this work felt like reading the advice of a friend whose known my deepest insecurities for years. More importantly, it's like talking to a friend who not only knows my problems but knows the deepest solutions to all my problems are found in Christ.
I couldn't recommend a book higher than I do the Pastor's Justification. If you're a pastor, it's imperative that you read this work.
October 11, 2024
Excellent. So timely for me!
February 17, 2018
I read three books this year, all published by Crossway, on pastoral ministry: Dangerous Calling (Tripp), The Imperfect Pastor (Eswine), and now The Pastor's Justification, by Jared Wilson. All fairly similar. I only gave this book 3 stars, not because it's poorly written or conceived, but because it was last on my list. And because I felt there was no new ground covered here. I probably would have had the same reaction to Dangerous Calling had I read Wilson's book first. All three books are attempting (Eswine doing it best, imo) to convey a very critical message to our generation of pastors: 'you don't have to be more than what you are.' Relax, breath, trust in God, pray, love people, and be faithful... and, whatever you do, don't get caught up in chasing after what our culture deems to be "success." These books are detox for the frazzled pastor.
November 7, 2024
One of the most relatable books of Christian ministry I have read in a long while. This is the first I have read of Jared C. Wilson, and I appreciate his direct and unashamedly "normal" approach to exhortation. I leave this book encouraged and convicted in near-equal measure. Encouraged probably tips the scale ultimately, as Wilson continually draws the reader to the cross and the redemption won by Jesus for His beloved.
February 10, 2024
A genuine must read for every pastor who has been laboring for any amount of time. Would be good for those aspiring but is going to be more “felt” by those who have already been to the frontlines and are currently in the trenches.
Incredibly encouraging and heart-level practical.
Incredibly encouraging and heart-level practical.
February 3, 2025
Easiest 5 stars I have given a book. This is probably the best book I have read on Pastoral Ministry.
Here are a few thoughts I took away from the book...
Wilson shows that 1 Peter 5:1-11 helps us have a “shift of vision” regarding what it means to be a pastor. He says “...we need (daily) a practical “shift of vision,” but this daily process begins and ends with – and is held together throughout – by the ultimate vision of how God sees the Christian: with approval and delight, as one clothed in righteousness of Christ. It is only from the grounding of the gospel of Jesus that the evangelical pastor is set free to pastor freely.” This is rooted in the idea that “Our lack of knowledge in practical pastoring is not for lack of divine revelation about the matter. The New Testament gives us plenty to work on (though never master).” He also points out that the problem is not the flock, often “It’s you. You are your biggest problem.”
Relating to 1 Peter 5:3 (in the chapter, “The Holy Pastor”) he says, “Holiness is Christlikeness, and 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:5-9 are sketches of what Christlikeness looks like in the ministerial context.”
“The pastor who views grace as an idea or philosophy is headed to hollow success in the best cases, or weakness and burnout in the worst.” He quotes Peterson before this and shows how we often say we are Calvinists and believe in sovereign grace, but then out of the pulpit, in day to day life, we are Arminian. In this chapter, Wilson highlights the importance of sola gratia and how all aspects of our ministry need to be filled with God's grace. The main way in which we do that is by creating a “gospel-centered” culture. I appreciated how Wilson explained that in this chapter. Pastors need to focus on preaching and praying, and not necessarily on program building. Wilson points out that this gospel centered culture “arrives not out of processes and programs but out of preaching and praying.”
Here are a few thoughts I took away from the book...
Wilson shows that 1 Peter 5:1-11 helps us have a “shift of vision” regarding what it means to be a pastor. He says “...we need (daily) a practical “shift of vision,” but this daily process begins and ends with – and is held together throughout – by the ultimate vision of how God sees the Christian: with approval and delight, as one clothed in righteousness of Christ. It is only from the grounding of the gospel of Jesus that the evangelical pastor is set free to pastor freely.” This is rooted in the idea that “Our lack of knowledge in practical pastoring is not for lack of divine revelation about the matter. The New Testament gives us plenty to work on (though never master).” He also points out that the problem is not the flock, often “It’s you. You are your biggest problem.”
Relating to 1 Peter 5:3 (in the chapter, “The Holy Pastor”) he says, “Holiness is Christlikeness, and 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:5-9 are sketches of what Christlikeness looks like in the ministerial context.”
“The pastor who views grace as an idea or philosophy is headed to hollow success in the best cases, or weakness and burnout in the worst.” He quotes Peterson before this and shows how we often say we are Calvinists and believe in sovereign grace, but then out of the pulpit, in day to day life, we are Arminian. In this chapter, Wilson highlights the importance of sola gratia and how all aspects of our ministry need to be filled with God's grace. The main way in which we do that is by creating a “gospel-centered” culture. I appreciated how Wilson explained that in this chapter. Pastors need to focus on preaching and praying, and not necessarily on program building. Wilson points out that this gospel centered culture “arrives not out of processes and programs but out of preaching and praying.”
July 8, 2024
A book I’m sure will only sweeten with time in ministry. A blessing to read and be pointed to Jesus time and again.
October 30, 2017
I am not a pastor. I read this book for a reading challenge. However, I would recommend this book to other non-pastors. Why read a book about being a pastor if you aren't a pastor or seminarian? Two reasons. Much of this book is applicable to all Christians - I learned a lot for my own walk with Jesus. Also, you get a better idea of the kind of challenges your pastor faces and how to pray for him.
January 25, 2021
This is a Gospel hand grenade of a book. Wilson writes in a thought-provoking, soul-stirring manner that brings the focus of ministry back to where it should be: the finished work of Jesus Christ. To the Bible college freshman with stars in his eyes or the pastor who is close to logging his 80th hour for the week, read this book. May it remind you of the beauty, power, and glory of Jesus Christ.
September 9, 2020
Outstanding book. Comforting, convicting, confronting. I need to read it again (and again and again).
April 6, 2022
A good word on biblical pastoral ministry.
June 28, 2016
From the start to the finish this book is powerful. A reminder to the pastor of the biblical imperatives and promises God gives to pastors. It's a book that expertly rebukes and teaches men to rest in the power of God, and serve based in His sovereign power. I found it encouraging, challenging, and useful. I expect to revisit it for years to come, and I expect to call it a must-read for years to come. Buy this book for your pastors. They will appreciate it.
November 21, 2022
Man I love this book. Heavy dose of truth and reality. Heavy dose of grace. Wilson, with wit and humor, kicks down the door of insecurity that plagues many in ministry. In a grace-filled, Jesus-exalting way, he points to the many pitfalls facing down pastors, starting with themselves while in turn pointing to Christ at every turn- our only justification! This is the FIRST must-read book in my opinion for those seeking a career in full-time ministry. I felt known, convicted, comforted, and encouraged in just about every chapter.
February 27, 2017
A really helpful book for all pastors to read. Pointed application, great encouragement.
How much of your sense of right standing before god actually comes from how well your ministry is going? It's a subtle pressure where we shift from leaning on Christ and glorying in him to leaning on our ministry and wanting glory in it.
Brothers, this must not be.
How much of your sense of right standing before god actually comes from how well your ministry is going? It's a subtle pressure where we shift from leaning on Christ and glorying in him to leaning on our ministry and wanting glory in it.
Brothers, this must not be.
April 13, 2020
Gift from Michael Abraham.
Read with Interns 2019-2020.
Helpful work on pastoral ministry. Wilson is perceptive in ways pastors are tempted and err. Wilson expresses humility while encouraging and challenging the reader to faithfulness to Scripture, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all for the glory of God. Recommended, especially for those in ministry or considering it.
Read with Interns 2019-2020.
Helpful work on pastoral ministry. Wilson is perceptive in ways pastors are tempted and err. Wilson expresses humility while encouraging and challenging the reader to faithfulness to Scripture, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all for the glory of God. Recommended, especially for those in ministry or considering it.
August 9, 2017
This is one of those books that hits you right in the gut in a good way. It was hard but refreshing to look at the role and reason to pastor God's flock. I highly recommend this book for anyone in ministry or desiring to be a pastor.
March 16, 2019
Everything he writes blows me out of the water. Love how he doesn’t try to use flashy words but simply attempts to align everything he writes and says with what the Gospel says about shepherding His flocks.
February 20, 2017
This is a wonderful book on pastoral ministry throughout. But it's part 2 (the final 65 pages) that really is absolute gold. The subject matter (and manner) is so Christ-exalting, faith-inducing and hope-inspiring that I could camp out in one of these chapters every day on repeat and be continually the better for it.
May 20, 2024
Helpful book on pastoral ministry. First half is on 1 Peter 5:1-11, second half is on the Five Solas applied to being in ministry.
August 12, 2017
This book review was very special for me. I am in the middle of beginning the process of actually putting my call to ministry into action. I pursued a degree in Audio Production in college, only to pretty much abandon my drive for a studio job to get in the thick of pursuing pastoral ministry.
Needless to say, when I had the opportunity to review this book via Crossway, I was very excited to get into the wisdom of Jared C. Wilson. If you aren’t familiar with Wilson’s style of writing and teaching, he brilliantly balances wit, personal conviction, and application as a seat for the gospel to sit upon. He is at times hilarious, and other times he makes you want to curl in a ball and cry at how lousy you are (all done out of grace). Without question, the Lord has certainly blessed him with an ability to be an edifying pastor to pastors and laymen alike.
Oftentimes, books written by pastors for pastors can be tough to read. If the gospel isn’t made the central point, such books can sound demeaning or self-glorifying, or can offer church leaders empty promises of success if they stick to a system or guidelines. In The Pastor’s Justification you are not getting a book that sketches out the steps to excel in ministry. This is no “keys to success” model. Jared C. Wilson isn’t interested in helping us grow our church numbers, but helping us glorify God and enjoying Him forever, both in our lives and through our ministries. This book is a map to the treasure box; not the treasure of church attendance, giving, or happiness, but Christ alone (solus Christus).
As someone who is yet to enter into the pastorate, The Pastor’s Justification has given me a gospel-centered perspective to making the ministry about Christ, not me. Instead of inflating my confidence, it has taught me what it means to have true pastoral confidence—a confidence only Christ can work out. The book addresses various issues such as church membership, church discipline, hospital visits, taking vacation time, and a whole host of other topics that men like me especially need to hear before entering the ministry. But more than that, this book clearly provides the Biblical basis and understanding for these things. The book is split into two parts: Part One expositionally breaks down 1 Peter 5:1–11, and Part Two is a closer look at the Five Solas of the Reformation.
Lord willing, if I step into the pastorate one day, I am thankful to know that men like Jared Wilson have been passionate and honest enough to share such rich insight through their works. The Pastor’s Justification is a book I absolutely recommended to anyone in ministry, anyone not yet in ministry, anyone who is a Christian, and anyone who is not a Christian. How does this book serve non-Christians, especially when the intended audience is pastors? Wilson does nothing more in this book than share the gospel message, a message each of us need more than we know. We’re not getting steps for success, we’re getting the awe of Jesus Christ, and that’s what matters in life and in ministry.
Thank you Jared, and Crossway, for providing such an honest, practical look at how to do ministry with Christ in the pulpit. This book has made me less confident in myself and more confident in my Savior. Exactly what I needed.
Stars: 5.0/5.0
Needless to say, when I had the opportunity to review this book via Crossway, I was very excited to get into the wisdom of Jared C. Wilson. If you aren’t familiar with Wilson’s style of writing and teaching, he brilliantly balances wit, personal conviction, and application as a seat for the gospel to sit upon. He is at times hilarious, and other times he makes you want to curl in a ball and cry at how lousy you are (all done out of grace). Without question, the Lord has certainly blessed him with an ability to be an edifying pastor to pastors and laymen alike.
Oftentimes, books written by pastors for pastors can be tough to read. If the gospel isn’t made the central point, such books can sound demeaning or self-glorifying, or can offer church leaders empty promises of success if they stick to a system or guidelines. In The Pastor’s Justification you are not getting a book that sketches out the steps to excel in ministry. This is no “keys to success” model. Jared C. Wilson isn’t interested in helping us grow our church numbers, but helping us glorify God and enjoying Him forever, both in our lives and through our ministries. This book is a map to the treasure box; not the treasure of church attendance, giving, or happiness, but Christ alone (solus Christus).
As someone who is yet to enter into the pastorate, The Pastor’s Justification has given me a gospel-centered perspective to making the ministry about Christ, not me. Instead of inflating my confidence, it has taught me what it means to have true pastoral confidence—a confidence only Christ can work out. The book addresses various issues such as church membership, church discipline, hospital visits, taking vacation time, and a whole host of other topics that men like me especially need to hear before entering the ministry. But more than that, this book clearly provides the Biblical basis and understanding for these things. The book is split into two parts: Part One expositionally breaks down 1 Peter 5:1–11, and Part Two is a closer look at the Five Solas of the Reformation.
Lord willing, if I step into the pastorate one day, I am thankful to know that men like Jared Wilson have been passionate and honest enough to share such rich insight through their works. The Pastor’s Justification is a book I absolutely recommended to anyone in ministry, anyone not yet in ministry, anyone who is a Christian, and anyone who is not a Christian. How does this book serve non-Christians, especially when the intended audience is pastors? Wilson does nothing more in this book than share the gospel message, a message each of us need more than we know. We’re not getting steps for success, we’re getting the awe of Jesus Christ, and that’s what matters in life and in ministry.
Thank you Jared, and Crossway, for providing such an honest, practical look at how to do ministry with Christ in the pulpit. This book has made me less confident in myself and more confident in my Savior. Exactly what I needed.
Stars: 5.0/5.0
December 15, 2022
Pastoral ministry can be hard, but it is fulfilling. The horrifying stats about pastors show ministry is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, God does not leave a person to pastor alone. The Pastor’s Justification by Jared Wilson helps to apply the promises of Scripture to both personal life and pastoral ministry. The call to pastor is a heavy burden. Though they are not expected to be perfect, they must strive to live worthy lives while they trust in God’s promise for them.
First, he focuses on the pastor’s heart. Pastors experience the highest highs, and the lowest lows. They see people come to faith in God, and the same people hold grudges for years. They see petty conflicts that nearly divide churches, and they see overwhelming unity and love shown for a family in need. They experience great generosity and biting words condemning their life. God has given pastors a congregation to shepherd. When a pastor remembers that God is the one working out all things as the head shepherd, he can be freed from the need to please everyone, and freed from shameful expectations that he is owed anything as the undershepherd. For me, this is a reminder that I have a church to love right now. Not a hypothetical church in the future.
Pastors are called to be holy, as God is holy. It is hard to cultivate a life of holiness. It is hard to take blame or criticism with grace. Pastors are called to examine what has been brought before them and humbly seek God to grow in godliness. Pastors want to see their congregation grow in holiness. They must, alongside their elders, set the example they wish to see their people grow into. This is a reminder to me that I must continue to grow in holiness.
Humility must be exhibited. Pride so easily works its way into pastors, who are there to spiritually nourish their people. Pastors must point their people to truth, but have that truth wrapped in love. They must see they are not always the smartest or most godly person in the room. God also humbles pastors through suffering, messy churches, prayer, and his word to grow them and remind them of their great need for him. I can trust that he does things through me, and that I can rely on him.
Pastors must also have confidence, but many do not. They must ground their confidence in God. They may not always be the best with people, the best at preaching sermons, or the best theologian in the room, but they must have confidence in God and that he has given them what they need. That is hard for me to do, sometimes. Self-esteem is difficult. But knowing God is with me and cares helps to know that I am secure and am chosen by him to do what I am called to do.
We are called to be watchful. Watchful for ourselves. Satan’s schemes are everywhere. Our sin is constantly present. We must also be watchful for, and be accountable to, others. Heresies infect the church. We must graciously and lovingly correct others and teach the truth. We can, and should, have righteous anger against wickedness while being properly proportioned in our anger and our rationality. We should be on alert for those who slide away from the faith, and for gossip and division that erode church families.
Pastors are not perfect, which is a relief for me. I know I am far from perfect. Fortunately, pastors are not saved by being perfect, nor are they expected to be perfect. They are expected to seek Christ, point others to him, and become more and more like him. When people look at me, I hope they are looking at Christ in me. I will not satisfy what they are looking for. Christ will. The ministry does not belong to a pastor; the ministry belongs to God, who is the justifier.
Next, Wilson moves on to the glory of pastoring. The number one catalyst for spiritual growth is studying the Bible. The Scriptures are central to knowing about God and teach how you can know God. This is a great reminder to me that the words I preach are important when they are grounded in what God says first. Faithfulness to the text is how God’s church grows.
Preaching in the pulpit and living beyond the pulpit are entirely different things. We can preach the gospel before others, but we need to believe it and live consistently with that message. We want to put our best foot forward. I try to do so all the time. But I cannot use that as a benchmark to justify myself. I must depend on Christ no matter how I live through the week. What comes out should flow from me because of the gospel and not from how I try to live pleasing God. Not only does this remind me I need to preach the gospel to myself over and over, but that I must preach the gospel constantly to those around me too.
The chapter on faith had a quote by Michael Horton and the desire to celebrate the minister over celebrating the ministry. This idea alone could fill this entire reflection paper. I love this distinction Horton draws because it is a reminder again that ministry is not meant to serve me. I want to be a pastors to serve God and to help other serve God by serving them. I do this through how I preach, how I write communion messages, how I prepare for small groups and will prepare for Sunday school classes, or when I make food for others, or spend time with the young adults. I do this as an outflow of serving God. Not, like the last chapter was saying, justifying myself by doing good things, but by loving what I have first received and giving that hope to others in the ways I can give to others (even when I get nothing, or less, in return).
“Inspiration sells, but only Jesus transforms” was one of the best comments on the chapter about talking of Jesus as our king. The church belongs to Jesus, not us. It is only properly fitting to declare his name in his church, and to keep him. I am curious about Wilson’s recommendation for pastors to not attend every meeting. I understand everything else. I can see reasons a pastor would benefit the church by attending and letting others take charge, and reasons it would be good to not be there as well.
Wilson concludes with an eye towards eternity. Soli Deo Gloria is the call that we share. To God alone be the glory. Everything a pastor does in his life and his church must focus on being with God forever. He is not saved by his ministry, or his works, or his wit. He is saved by the Lord. He is saved by Jesus Christ, who has done everything for him. That is the salvation I have confidence in. Not my ministry, or future ministry, but my God who has justified me.
First, he focuses on the pastor’s heart. Pastors experience the highest highs, and the lowest lows. They see people come to faith in God, and the same people hold grudges for years. They see petty conflicts that nearly divide churches, and they see overwhelming unity and love shown for a family in need. They experience great generosity and biting words condemning their life. God has given pastors a congregation to shepherd. When a pastor remembers that God is the one working out all things as the head shepherd, he can be freed from the need to please everyone, and freed from shameful expectations that he is owed anything as the undershepherd. For me, this is a reminder that I have a church to love right now. Not a hypothetical church in the future.
Pastors are called to be holy, as God is holy. It is hard to cultivate a life of holiness. It is hard to take blame or criticism with grace. Pastors are called to examine what has been brought before them and humbly seek God to grow in godliness. Pastors want to see their congregation grow in holiness. They must, alongside their elders, set the example they wish to see their people grow into. This is a reminder to me that I must continue to grow in holiness.
Humility must be exhibited. Pride so easily works its way into pastors, who are there to spiritually nourish their people. Pastors must point their people to truth, but have that truth wrapped in love. They must see they are not always the smartest or most godly person in the room. God also humbles pastors through suffering, messy churches, prayer, and his word to grow them and remind them of their great need for him. I can trust that he does things through me, and that I can rely on him.
Pastors must also have confidence, but many do not. They must ground their confidence in God. They may not always be the best with people, the best at preaching sermons, or the best theologian in the room, but they must have confidence in God and that he has given them what they need. That is hard for me to do, sometimes. Self-esteem is difficult. But knowing God is with me and cares helps to know that I am secure and am chosen by him to do what I am called to do.
We are called to be watchful. Watchful for ourselves. Satan’s schemes are everywhere. Our sin is constantly present. We must also be watchful for, and be accountable to, others. Heresies infect the church. We must graciously and lovingly correct others and teach the truth. We can, and should, have righteous anger against wickedness while being properly proportioned in our anger and our rationality. We should be on alert for those who slide away from the faith, and for gossip and division that erode church families.
Pastors are not perfect, which is a relief for me. I know I am far from perfect. Fortunately, pastors are not saved by being perfect, nor are they expected to be perfect. They are expected to seek Christ, point others to him, and become more and more like him. When people look at me, I hope they are looking at Christ in me. I will not satisfy what they are looking for. Christ will. The ministry does not belong to a pastor; the ministry belongs to God, who is the justifier.
Next, Wilson moves on to the glory of pastoring. The number one catalyst for spiritual growth is studying the Bible. The Scriptures are central to knowing about God and teach how you can know God. This is a great reminder to me that the words I preach are important when they are grounded in what God says first. Faithfulness to the text is how God’s church grows.
Preaching in the pulpit and living beyond the pulpit are entirely different things. We can preach the gospel before others, but we need to believe it and live consistently with that message. We want to put our best foot forward. I try to do so all the time. But I cannot use that as a benchmark to justify myself. I must depend on Christ no matter how I live through the week. What comes out should flow from me because of the gospel and not from how I try to live pleasing God. Not only does this remind me I need to preach the gospel to myself over and over, but that I must preach the gospel constantly to those around me too.
The chapter on faith had a quote by Michael Horton and the desire to celebrate the minister over celebrating the ministry. This idea alone could fill this entire reflection paper. I love this distinction Horton draws because it is a reminder again that ministry is not meant to serve me. I want to be a pastors to serve God and to help other serve God by serving them. I do this through how I preach, how I write communion messages, how I prepare for small groups and will prepare for Sunday school classes, or when I make food for others, or spend time with the young adults. I do this as an outflow of serving God. Not, like the last chapter was saying, justifying myself by doing good things, but by loving what I have first received and giving that hope to others in the ways I can give to others (even when I get nothing, or less, in return).
“Inspiration sells, but only Jesus transforms” was one of the best comments on the chapter about talking of Jesus as our king. The church belongs to Jesus, not us. It is only properly fitting to declare his name in his church, and to keep him. I am curious about Wilson’s recommendation for pastors to not attend every meeting. I understand everything else. I can see reasons a pastor would benefit the church by attending and letting others take charge, and reasons it would be good to not be there as well.
Wilson concludes with an eye towards eternity. Soli Deo Gloria is the call that we share. To God alone be the glory. Everything a pastor does in his life and his church must focus on being with God forever. He is not saved by his ministry, or his works, or his wit. He is saved by the Lord. He is saved by Jesus Christ, who has done everything for him. That is the salvation I have confidence in. Not my ministry, or future ministry, but my God who has justified me.
September 2, 2019
This is one of the best books on a gospel-centered pastoral ministry I’ve ever read. Wilson goes from writing heart-penetrating sentences of conviction to life-giving words of hope. This book made me thankful to serve as a pastor, but even more thankful for Jesus.
August 16, 2013
This was a wonderful read that treads old, but often forgotten ground of how ministry is about faithfulness flowing from grace and not success flowing from strategic-catalytic-entrepreneurial-visionary-leadership. Renewed my focus on the glory of God and my willingness to labor faithfully regardless of outward success.
November 9, 2018
Loved this offering of Wilson’s even more than his previous works. He’s a pastor-writer, a wordsmith, and comes across as very real. I love that. There was much hearty food for my soul. Chapter 10: The Pastor and the King was gold!
February 28, 2020
Awesome! Just what I needed! This was a perfect book for me as I potentially step into a pastoral position in the coming months. Highest recommendation
November 12, 2018
Really solid helpful book. Be faithful to preach the gospel in the freedoms that your justification is all from Christ and not from you. You aren’t aiming for more than the faithful preaching of the gospel. Nothing needs to be added to that. You don’t need to be flashy or change it up it it’s not “working.” Stay faithful to preach the gospel in and out of season. Your success as a pastor is not on if your church is growing or if your people like you - it’s on if you are preaching the gospel faithfully. God does the rest. Jesus is the great high priest and shepherd of his church. It’s not your church it’s his. He bought it with his blood. You’re the faithful undershepherd.
So helpful and freeing and biblical.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (ESV)
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
So helpful and freeing and biblical.
1 Corinthians 2:1-2 (ESV)
1 And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom.
2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
October 7, 2017
Life changing encouragement
I'm thankful to my pastor recommending this book because it opened my eyes to how I'd slipped into service without joy. I'd grown discouraged in my efforts to become a pastor, and eventually gave up. Turns out the reason I got burned out, and likely failed in my ministries, was because I was serving to be recognized. Yes, I wanted others to come to Christ, and I wanted others to learn to be more like Christ, but I was blind to the connection between service for results and a lack of the joy I needed to persevere through the hard times. I wish I had read this in seminary, but I'll take it now, ten years later, and rejoice in my Savior and how he gives me complete joy. Now I serve out of thankfulness knowing that is what really matters.
I'm thankful to my pastor recommending this book because it opened my eyes to how I'd slipped into service without joy. I'd grown discouraged in my efforts to become a pastor, and eventually gave up. Turns out the reason I got burned out, and likely failed in my ministries, was because I was serving to be recognized. Yes, I wanted others to come to Christ, and I wanted others to learn to be more like Christ, but I was blind to the connection between service for results and a lack of the joy I needed to persevere through the hard times. I wish I had read this in seminary, but I'll take it now, ten years later, and rejoice in my Savior and how he gives me complete joy. Now I serve out of thankfulness knowing that is what really matters.
May 18, 2022
The aim of this book is to encourage pastors in their calling. I read this book as a nightly devotional during my first year of ministry and, while I have not encountered some of the situations Jared was writing about, the book really spoke to my heart as a pastor, addressing insecurities and discouragement, along with temptations to view ministry in ways God never intended. The second section of the book, where he walks through the Five Solas was especially good. I would recommend this book for pastors. I was given mine by my family and it was a great gift to me. This book and Reset by David Murray would make a good set of books for a pastor who is headed for burnout. As a bonus, the writing was very good.
May 30, 2019
Written by a pastor for pastors.
Wilson writes simply and has a knack for being quotable. There are lots of little statements he would make that would draw me into deep reflection. But I love this book because it essentially takes our systematic theology and applies it to our ministry in the Church. It seeks to answer the question of what a pastor is not by what he does, but by how his theology impacts his approach to ministry. We are to be humble, confident, free, etc. And we are those things because of Christ, which Wilson does a great job of building Christ as the foundation for those attributes.
Very practical, very pastoral. Challenging, yet encouraging. Quick, easy read.
Wilson writes simply and has a knack for being quotable. There are lots of little statements he would make that would draw me into deep reflection. But I love this book because it essentially takes our systematic theology and applies it to our ministry in the Church. It seeks to answer the question of what a pastor is not by what he does, but by how his theology impacts his approach to ministry. We are to be humble, confident, free, etc. And we are those things because of Christ, which Wilson does a great job of building Christ as the foundation for those attributes.
Very practical, very pastoral. Challenging, yet encouraging. Quick, easy read.
October 11, 2019
Jared Wilson has once again given us another clear-eyed help filled book. This one should be added to the pastor/elder training must reads in the first five years of ministry. If your a seasoned elder/pastor who is working through the real life struggles of how your ministry often drives or deprives your worth and how you function in home and church- WILSON'S INSTRUCTION WILL BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL. It is written in an interactive compelling and often times prophetic way. There is plenty of convicting moments that come out of reading 'The Pastor's Justification' but the straight line to the fullness in Christ secured for us at the cross.
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