What do you think?
Rate this book
Both/And Ministry: Living and Leading Like Jesus
Helps those involved in ministry to live and serve like Jesus.Gospel workers are called to be both/and
both patient and urgent,both confident and humble,both dependent on God and committed to hard work,both theologically driven and practically wise, and more.Often, these requirements feel as though they’re in tension. But this book shows that rather than leaning one way or the other, or seeking to strike a balance, authentic gospel ministry is found in pursuing both/and. To settle for less puts ourselves and our churches in danger.
Gary Millar has been involved in training hundreds of gospel workers at Queensland Theological College. Pointing to Christ as our supreme example, he helps readers to reflect on and refine their own ministry practice in a range of different areas—while also enjoying God's grace where they fall short.
As you look at all things through the lens of the gospel, you'll increasingly become the fully-formed follower of Jesus and servant of his church that you have been called to be.
Ideal for church staff and lay leaders, students preparing for ministry, and ministry apprentices and interns, as well as for any Christian who is heavily involved in their local church.
both patient and urgent,both confident and humble,both dependent on God and committed to hard work,both theologically driven and practically wise, and more.Often, these requirements feel as though they’re in tension. But this book shows that rather than leaning one way or the other, or seeking to strike a balance, authentic gospel ministry is found in pursuing both/and. To settle for less puts ourselves and our churches in danger.
Gary Millar has been involved in training hundreds of gospel workers at Queensland Theological College. Pointing to Christ as our supreme example, he helps readers to reflect on and refine their own ministry practice in a range of different areas—while also enjoying God's grace where they fall short.
As you look at all things through the lens of the gospel, you'll increasingly become the fully-formed follower of Jesus and servant of his church that you have been called to be.
Ideal for church staff and lay leaders, students preparing for ministry, and ministry apprentices and interns, as well as for any Christian who is heavily involved in their local church.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
28 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 7, 2025
Gary's a mate. Who I admire greatly. He's smart, personable, funny, kind, genuine, talented, humble and Irish. And he's been in Christian ministry for 30 years. What a package!
This book is an insight into the tensions that face all believers, especially when they seek to serve in their local church.
It would make a very good foundational book for people starting out in ministry of *any* sort, or a great book to share and discuss in a small group or one-to-one.
(It reminded me a little of Kevin de Young's Taking God at His Word - a key foundational book about its subject. Straightforward and true.)
In my nearly 20 years of friendship, I've found this to be true: Any time you spent with Gary Millar is sure to be a blessing. This book is no exception.
This book is an insight into the tensions that face all believers, especially when they seek to serve in their local church.
It would make a very good foundational book for people starting out in ministry of *any* sort, or a great book to share and discuss in a small group or one-to-one.
(It reminded me a little of Kevin de Young's Taking God at His Word - a key foundational book about its subject. Straightforward and true.)
In my nearly 20 years of friendship, I've found this to be true: Any time you spent with Gary Millar is sure to be a blessing. This book is no exception.
December 26, 2024
[Thank you to @thegoodbookcompanyusa for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.]
“From the beginning of the Bible, God reveals himself to us as a God who specializes in glorious contrasts. He’s a both/and God, in all three Persons of the Trinity.”
“Knowing who we are in Christ, and who we will be, and that God is in the process of changing us is the way to both humility and growth.”
“One of the most basic things about ministry is that it is profoundly personal. It is ‘people in need of change helping people in need of change.’ We don’t minister to people or on people. Instead, ministry involves speaking the gospel as forgiven sinners to forgiven sinners as we walk alongside each other. We do ministry as fellow sinful human beings.”
This book is profound and exceedingly helpful! I love the way that this book delves deep into theology while also providing a wealth of practical knowledge and applications. I’ve read quite a few books on ministry, but I’ve never read a book quite like this one. I think that this book tackles some tough ministry topics that needed tackling, and I’m grateful for this book.
I love how this book discusses complexities like being redeemed but still a sinner, leading but also needing lead, giving but also needing to receive, and more.
As the book helpfully points out, all Christians should be involved with ministry at some level. That being said, I would recommend this title to any believer, not just Christians on the pay-roll. :)
Highly recommend!
“From the beginning of the Bible, God reveals himself to us as a God who specializes in glorious contrasts. He’s a both/and God, in all three Persons of the Trinity.”
“Knowing who we are in Christ, and who we will be, and that God is in the process of changing us is the way to both humility and growth.”
“One of the most basic things about ministry is that it is profoundly personal. It is ‘people in need of change helping people in need of change.’ We don’t minister to people or on people. Instead, ministry involves speaking the gospel as forgiven sinners to forgiven sinners as we walk alongside each other. We do ministry as fellow sinful human beings.”
This book is profound and exceedingly helpful! I love the way that this book delves deep into theology while also providing a wealth of practical knowledge and applications. I’ve read quite a few books on ministry, but I’ve never read a book quite like this one. I think that this book tackles some tough ministry topics that needed tackling, and I’m grateful for this book.
I love how this book discusses complexities like being redeemed but still a sinner, leading but also needing lead, giving but also needing to receive, and more.
As the book helpfully points out, all Christians should be involved with ministry at some level. That being said, I would recommend this title to any believer, not just Christians on the pay-roll. :)
Highly recommend!
March 14, 2025
Easy, fun, profound, and refreshing.
May 8, 2025
Excellent. A must read for anyone in ministry.
Even as ministers/gospel workers we are still one part of the body of Christ. It's not all on one pastor to lead, but a plurality of elders/pastors to lead as their strengths dictate. (While still having many overlapping strengths and the qualifications of the office). This was a great reminder as I felt that if I felt called to the office I had to be above and beyond in all areas of ministry, but there will be areas that I don't naturally excel in that other pastors can help me in, and that's okay.
Chapter 7 on the example of leaders and the practicality of leading was great. Leaders need to be theological driven, but also shouldn't be struggling to organise a paper bag.
"We need to make sure we find our security in who we are in Christ, while also remembering we are never more than works in progress." - Gary Millar
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."
1 John 3:1-3
Even as ministers/gospel workers we are still one part of the body of Christ. It's not all on one pastor to lead, but a plurality of elders/pastors to lead as their strengths dictate. (While still having many overlapping strengths and the qualifications of the office). This was a great reminder as I felt that if I felt called to the office I had to be above and beyond in all areas of ministry, but there will be areas that I don't naturally excel in that other pastors can help me in, and that's okay.
Chapter 7 on the example of leaders and the practicality of leading was great. Leaders need to be theological driven, but also shouldn't be struggling to organise a paper bag.
"We need to make sure we find our security in who we are in Christ, while also remembering we are never more than works in progress." - Gary Millar
"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."
1 John 3:1-3
December 27, 2025
A clear and concise exploration of the apparent paradoxes in the Christian life, where 2 opposing things are true at the same time, and the challenge of achieving both. I assumed this was aimed at those in ministry; however, most of the book was intended for all Christians, except for a couple of chapters that were definitely for leaders.
November 17, 2025
Super important stuff in here. Maybe more like 4.5 stars.
January 15, 2026
The author, who for the past twelve and a half years, has been working to equip people for gospel ministry in Queensland, Australia, states that living a Christian life often involves embracing two practices, the “both” and the “and”. In this book, he looks at both/and with a number of different examples, such as God (transcendent and immanent), theology, relationships, salvation (chosen by God and the need to follow Him), the Christian life, leadership, repentance, etc. He tells us that there is a gap between what God calls us to and the actual shape of our lives.
The author tells us that in almost every case of leadership failure, both the person themselves and many of those closest to them had somehow managed to excuse clearly sinful behavior for a long time. Great giftedness—or great effectiveness—was valued over basic godliness.
He tells us that the book is written both for those who usually stand at the front and those who prefer to serve in the background.
He writes that the sad reality is that if there is no desire in us to be godly (to aim high) and no willingness to face the gap between what Jesus asks of us and the actual shape of our lives, and above all no repentance and faith, then our lives will never display the kind of authenticity to which God calls us.
The author states that living a both/and life leads to our joy. He tells us that the great goal of our lives is to keep growing and to keep going to the end, continuing to live a godly, consistent both/and life, continuing to grow in Christ-likeness as we live in repentance and faith.
At the end of each chapter, the author includes “mirror” sections. They are there to help the reader to reflect on the issues raised in the chapter.
Here are five helpful quotes about leadership from the book:
• The only leaders in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ are servant leaders.
• Gospel-shaped leaders are marked by both patience and urgency.
• As leaders, we are engaged in a lifelong battle against both pride and self-pity.
• Only God can help us live and lead like Jesus.
• If we want to follow Jesus in all the ways outlined in this book, it’s about both “me” and “us”.
The author tells us that in almost every case of leadership failure, both the person themselves and many of those closest to them had somehow managed to excuse clearly sinful behavior for a long time. Great giftedness—or great effectiveness—was valued over basic godliness.
He tells us that the book is written both for those who usually stand at the front and those who prefer to serve in the background.
He writes that the sad reality is that if there is no desire in us to be godly (to aim high) and no willingness to face the gap between what Jesus asks of us and the actual shape of our lives, and above all no repentance and faith, then our lives will never display the kind of authenticity to which God calls us.
The author states that living a both/and life leads to our joy. He tells us that the great goal of our lives is to keep growing and to keep going to the end, continuing to live a godly, consistent both/and life, continuing to grow in Christ-likeness as we live in repentance and faith.
At the end of each chapter, the author includes “mirror” sections. They are there to help the reader to reflect on the issues raised in the chapter.
Here are five helpful quotes about leadership from the book:
• The only leaders in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ are servant leaders.
• Gospel-shaped leaders are marked by both patience and urgency.
• As leaders, we are engaged in a lifelong battle against both pride and self-pity.
• Only God can help us live and lead like Jesus.
• If we want to follow Jesus in all the ways outlined in this book, it’s about both “me” and “us”.
July 7, 2025
Writing style: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Engagement:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 4.4/5
Engagement:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Overall: 4.4/5
March 7, 2025
In Both/And Ministry, Gary Millar teaches you how to live and lead like Jesus.
Millar teaches his readers how to pursue the tensions that are present in Christian life and ministry. While the subject matter is theological, Millar stays practical and writes with candor. Ministry is “the stuff you do at church,” and I appreciated his down-to-earth writing.
The book opened my eyes to see that this both/and reality is thoroughly biblical. Millar is nuanced, bringing various passages to light with thoughtful interpretation.
Both for the Glory of God and the Good of Others
I was most interested to read about both/and ministry. It is both dependent on God and committed to working hard. It is both confident and humble. I thought about how while I sought to be faithful with the gifts God has given me, he has also given me more opportunities to serve him and grow me as I want to be ready to do anything.
I was most surprised to read about both/and leadership. While I had heard of servant leadership, I was surprised to see that there is much more. It is both theologically driven and practically wise. It is both patient and urgent. In my own leadership, I saw how I can be perceived as both “one of us” and “set apart.”
The book ends by saying both/and ministry is the pathway to authenticity, joy, and lifelong growth. I came away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of how both/and ministry can be both for the glory of God and the good of others.
I received a media copy of Both/AndMinistry and this is my honest review.
Millar teaches his readers how to pursue the tensions that are present in Christian life and ministry. While the subject matter is theological, Millar stays practical and writes with candor. Ministry is “the stuff you do at church,” and I appreciated his down-to-earth writing.
The book opened my eyes to see that this both/and reality is thoroughly biblical. Millar is nuanced, bringing various passages to light with thoughtful interpretation.
Both for the Glory of God and the Good of Others
I was most interested to read about both/and ministry. It is both dependent on God and committed to working hard. It is both confident and humble. I thought about how while I sought to be faithful with the gifts God has given me, he has also given me more opportunities to serve him and grow me as I want to be ready to do anything.
I was most surprised to read about both/and leadership. While I had heard of servant leadership, I was surprised to see that there is much more. It is both theologically driven and practically wise. It is both patient and urgent. In my own leadership, I saw how I can be perceived as both “one of us” and “set apart.”
The book ends by saying both/and ministry is the pathway to authenticity, joy, and lifelong growth. I came away with a deeper appreciation and understanding of how both/and ministry can be both for the glory of God and the good of others.
I received a media copy of Both/AndMinistry and this is my honest review.
June 10, 2025
The Christian life is not complicated, it's just hard. Millar helps us navigates this both/and life from the foundation up. He points us to Jesus the only one who perfectly lived the both/and life as our model and draw us to the Scripture to help us to live that both/and life no matter how imperfect or stumbling we are. It's work all the sacrifices for that authentic, joyful and growing Christian life grounded on a both/and life.
January 14, 2026
A rich a special title for any believer, but those in ministry will especially benefit. Millar’s warmth, depth, and gracious approach allow him to cover some complicated issues with great sensitivity and genuine wisdom. The Christian life is a paradox at times, but that doesn’t mean it is confusing or that God has given impossible standards. The tension of the both/and approach means we must walk totally dependent on the Lord, and that we can experience the joy of abiding him.
January 14, 2025
This helpful book on Christian ministry is both encouraging and humbling. Like all Gary Miller’s books it focuses clearly on Jesus and the gospel and is well illustrated and concretely applied. At times the both/and theme carries too many disparate ideas in just two words, but the overall emphasis is clear and engaging.
Read
July 22, 2025This book helps the reader zoom out and strive for a more complete Christian life not falling into extremes. At the very least, you should see some blind spots and unhealthy emphases in your own life.
January 30, 2026
This book will be helpful for church members as well various ministry leaders. The author examines several “paradoxes” of the Christian life, with the point of living well-rounded and fully biblical lives.
May 15, 2025
Full of practical wisdom. A helpful read which encourages a groundedness in ministry.
July 24, 2025
Very enjoyable book to read, that has some great insights on how to live for Jesus.
September 10, 2025
Sensible, wise, and helpful.
November 17, 2025
Short, therefore not exhaustive, but helpfully pastoral.I recommend this book to any member of a church, not just ministry leaders.
November 18, 2025
practical and inspiring
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews