The First Five: Beating the Odds and Thriving as a Ministry Leader

by Kyle Worley, Joseph Worley

240 pages, Paperback

Expected publication November 10, 2026

About the author

Kyle Worley is a pastor, author, teacher, podcast host. He is the host of the Knowing Faith Podcast, alongside Jen Wilkin and JT English. He is a teaching fellow and partner for Training the Church. He holds degrees in theology and philosophy from Dallas Baptist University, Redeemer Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. You can find him online @kyleworley on X and Instagram.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several years ago, in a fit of madness, my wife and I agreed to pastor a small church. I’m kidding. We actually loved every minute of our time there. But I didn’t know what I was doing. I wish I would have had a book like this handed to me before I agreed to ever pastor.

Kyle and Dr. Joseph Worley lead us through a time of self-reflection. Why are we doing this? Is it what we are supposed to do? They also guide us through some Biblical principles in the role of a pastor, and in practical helps for those first 5 years.

This is such a good book for anyone that feels called to pastor a church. Buy it. Read it. Then keep it handy until the day you retire or take your last breath.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing an ARC for an unbiased review.