Resolutions of a Pastor: A Biblical, Theological, and Personal Vision for Ministry

by Michael E. Pohlman, Thomas J. Nettles (Foreword)

With the promise of numerical growth, pastors are annually bombarded with new leadership techniques and paradigms for ministry. Many of these are influenced more by secular business philosophy, pragmatic thinking, and homespun advice than the Bible. The church is left spiritually impoverished and ill-equipped to face the challenges of secularization for want of a biblical-theological vision for ministry. This book fills a gap in the literature by being exegetically vigorous and obviously informed by biblical, historical, and systematic theology. The result is a robust work of pastoral theology able to meet the ministry challenges of the twenty-first century. There is no more important institution in the world than the church. And the best way to strengthen the church is to strengthen her shepherds. This is the aim of The Resolutions of a Pastor.

Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2025

Reviews

[Daniel Taylor]

Sobering Reminder of the Priorities of a Pastor.

Dr. Pohlman does a fantastic job slowing down in the age of pastoral pragmatism and going back to the essentials of what it means to be a biblical pastor. Through 12 resolutions he reminds the reader that ministry is to be done for God by God’s Power according to God’s Word. This book is sort of of like a short systematic theology with deep pastoral implications that will not only serve pastors, but any believer who loves Jesus. This book left me in awe of our Savior! So pick this book up for you and your pastor and I promise you will encouraged and motivated to be faithful to Christ and his church.

[Saolomon Mouacheupao]

Read with pastoral staff. Generally good. He had too many block quotes and it often felt like reading a book of quotes. You could tell where he had a bone to pick, but in general he had good convictions. There are better books on pastoral ministry. Was generally helpful in introducing some ideas to my intern.

[Steven]

Wonderful pastoral challenge and encouragement from a pastor, to pastors and for pastors. How should pastors think about pastoring? how can they remain Biblically balanced and faithful? how does the truth that we believe from the Word of God shape and transform our pastoring? Dr. Pohlman simultaneously elevates and deepens the roles and commitments of pastoral ministry with 12 Biblically faithful commitments for pastors. As ambassadors and spokesmen for God through His Word shepherding the sheep, pastors must remain thoroughly grounded with the Biblical conviction that shepherding Christ's flock demands. Mike Pohlman helps us commit to these essential convictions with clarity and depth.

[Karson]

Read for class (listened to it actually). I really like Pohlman as a professor, and I think this book does a great job of taking our eyes off of trends in ministry and turning them to God's Word and faithful pastors of the past.

[Steve]

Very good book not only for pastors but for the whole church body.