The Perfect Pastor?

by D. Thomas Owsley

The Perfect Pastor? by D. Thomas Owsley, D.Min., is an engaging new book about the realistic, humorous, and poignant life experiences of a fictional pastor. More than just a wonderful story, the book is a tool for church members and pastors alike. It equips laypeople with the insights to relate to and support their pastor while providing pastors with a solid understanding for how to address the various expectations of church members. Dr. Owsley draws upon four decades of church experience, as both a member and pastor, to clarify the biblical requirements, roles, and responsibilities of a pastor. He taps into this wisdom to reveal what the Bible illuminates as a healthy, balanced relationship between pastor and church members. Through compelling anecdotes and profound observations, The Perfect Pastor? improves relationships between church members and their pastors and drives both groups to a greater proximity to God's purposes. D. Thomas Owsley (M. Div. Westminster Seminary California, D. Min. Geneva Theological Seminary) has been active with various lay ministries in local churches since he became a Christian in high school. He has served as a teacher, a deacon, and an elder before he walked the world of a pastor through service as youth director, pastoral intern, interim pastor, church planter, and senior pastor. These roles and the role of founder-principal of a Christian school paved the way for his "up-close and personal" view of the pastor. His search for "the perfect pastor" continues as he currently serves as senior pastor at Cornerstone Community Church (PCA) in Artesia, California. He and Lois, his wife of thirty years, have two precious daughters.

428 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2007

About the author

D. Thomas Owsley (aka Don) is an author, counselor & life coach, educator, leader, and public speaker. He earned an A.S. in biology, a B.A. in history and social sciences, a Masters of Divinity in theology and biblical counseling, and a doctorate in pastoral ministry.

He served in the U.S. Army for a number of years, after which he became involved in a number of business pursuits. With the help of some key people, he started a private school where he was both administrator and teacher. Upon graduating from seminary, Don went on to plant a new church, and then ministered in three other churches.

Over the years he has received training and experience in leadership, counseling, teaching, and public speaking.

His passion is to use his gifts, skills, and talents to mentor, serve, and bring value to others to help them flourish in life.

He keeps active counseling, teaching at a university and a seminary, bringing messages to various churches, speaking at conferences, and writing.

His first book, The Perfect Pastor? was published in 2007. His second book, ThanksLiving: How to Gain a Perspective to Enrich Your Life was published in 2015. He is currently working on a series for people and churches who are looking for a pastor, titled Searching for the Perfect Pastor.

Don enjoys fishing, gardening, landscaping, remodeling houses, and woodworking; but his favorite hobbies are blogging, reading, and photography.

He and his family live in beautiful Colorado.
He started Relavate! to coach people like you who have a desire to enrich their own lives and elevate relationships. Dr. O is available as a life coach and conference speaker. Feel free to contact him through Relavate.org.