The Pastor's Ministry: Biblical Priorities for Faithful Shepherds

by Brian Croft, H.B. Charles Jr.

 

 

Every pastor struggles with demands for his time, and how to determine priorities in ministry. Some choose to respond to the most urgent needs, while others seek a more balanced and intentional approach. But what determines these priorities? Where should a busy pastor look for wisdom in making decisions?

In the Pastor’s Ministry, pastor and author Brian Croft looks to the Scriptures to determine the top ten priorities for a faithful pastoral ministry. These biblically rooted responsibilities help pastors determine how to spend their time and with greater discernment respond to the demands of the church. Each of these priorities is rooted in a direct command of God’s Word,  

Guarding the TruthPreaching and Teaching the WordPraying for the FlockSetting an ExampleVisiting the SickComforting the GrievingCaring for WidowsConfronting SinEncouraging the Faint-HeartedIdentifying and Training Other LeadersTo be successful and faithful in pastoral ministry, every pastor needs to understand these core callings and make them part of his regular practice.  These ten responsibilities guide how a pastor schedules his time, helping him to lay the foundation for a biblically faithful ministry in his church.

Genres: Leadership, Church, Ecclesiology, Theology, Religion, Christian

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2015

About the author

Brian Croft is Senior Pastor of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Brian is the founder of Practical Shepherding, a non-profit organization committed to equipping pastors all over the world in the practical matters of pastoral ministry.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, foundational read that I would encourage any and every pastor to read. Also, this is the type of instruction manual that ought to be required reading for any ministerial student in training. In my opinion, there is a dearth of practical material when it comes to the ministry. There are many inspirational and other type of ministry related books.

Croft keeps the focus on biblical themes regarding ministry. Therefore, the subtitle, Biblical Priorities for Faithful Shepherds, is aptly named.

In my opinion, the conclusion of the book is worth the entire read and speaks to what I believe is often a neglected part of ministry: the pastor's heart. Here is what Croft says:

"Far too many pastors - even those who affirm and give priority to the responsibilities outlined in this book - spend much of their time, energy, and devotion keeping watch over their flock. Yet they do this to the detriment of their own souls. Pastors are not invincible, though many act as though they are. The failure to keep watch over your own life is not a minor matter; it is utterly essential. Failure in this area will lead to burnout, discouragement, exhaustion, and great struggles with sin. Further neglect can lead to decisions that wreck your ministry, your marriage, and your life. Many pastors have been disqualified from the ministry because they failed to watch over their own hearts; they failed to preach to themselves and neglected their own relationship with the Lord.

The most important area for a pastor to watch over is his relationship with God, his need to cultivate a deep, genuine, transparent, and heartfelt daily walk with Jesus. Pastors are first and foremost individuals who have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus. They need grace. They need forgiveness. They need peace in their soul.

This investment of time is not something a pastor does just to have a better ministry, though it will likely make him a better man, husband, father, and pastor of his flock. But walking passionately with Jesus every day is something every pastor needs, and it is an amazing and precious gift from the heavenly Father.

You as a pastor have the deep honor and joy of walking with Jesus, receiving his immeasurable grace, battling your sin in the power God provides, and fervently pleading with the Father in prayer. Be honest with God about your own sin and brokenness, and read his word for the sole purpose of feeding your own soul, not simply to have a word to share with others. Believe the promises in God's word. They aren't just true for your people; they are God's word to you!"

-pp. 178-179

[Nathan Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was okay for a general pastoral ministry book, but it shined brightest with it’s chapters on praying for the flock, visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and caring for widows. These chapters are often neglected in many books today. Often the private ministry of pastors is written only about their personal spiritual discipline. These chapters are great tools for these areas of ministry not discussed enough in today’s conversations.

[Flynn Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most eminently practical resource I have ever read on what it actually looks like to be a pastor. Croft avoids platitudinous placations and gets right into the grist of shepherding by outlining the exact processes of day-to-day caring for the flock, down to even how one should comport oneself at the graveside for a funeral. I will most certainly return to this book in years to come.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for walking through high-level pastoral ministry with potential elders. Very readable, and a good starting point. Some of the illustrations and applications are contextual. (Funeral proceses, for instance, differ across cultures, and much of that chapter is not as applicable in Spain, for instance.)

[Rodrigo Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que livro, meus amigos. Que livro! Excelente material, com pontos importantíssimos sobre o significado e afazeres do pastor. Apesar de não ser exaustivo, essa obra lida com 10 pontos específicos do ministério pastoral que são muito relevantes. Recomendo a leitura, principalmente aos pastores.

[Connor Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

The biblical theology that the author attempts to build in each chapter was not very helpful or necessary of aiding his points.

Everything is GOLD! This is a biblically grounded book along with insights from a pastor who you can tell loved his flock deeply and desires for all of God’s people to be shepherded well.

I will read this book many times in the years to come!

[Jonah Chitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Croft is a blessing to the church! His burden for Pastoral health and the revitalization of churches is inspiring! This book is a great resource and reminder of keeping the main thing the main thing in ministry.

[David Watson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everything in this book could, and probably should, be learned better by shadowing a pastor and watching his ministry first hand.

[David Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book on pastoral ministry. Very practical and the shepherd’s heart the author has shines through in this encouragement to fellow pastors. This is a work I’ll plan to return to when seeking counsel in future ministry.

[Rylan S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful introduction. Greatly appreciated the practical tips and that it was both biblical and concise.

[Kevin McCarthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While not particularly challenging or specifically encouraging, this book gives solid and clear definition to the practical realities of what a pastor IS and what a pastor DOES. I very much appreciate some of the really detailed chapters (precise conversational tips for a bedside hospital visit, for instance). Solid read overall.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read by Brian Croft for all pastors!! I have been in Croft’s class for new pastors since January and this book has been an incredible companion answering questions before I even knew I had them. Pastors go get the whole set!

[Tanner B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical resource on the role and function of a pastor. I read this with fellow pastors and elders and it has been beneficial for me as a young pastor.

[Christopher Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

From my blog at cdoylehughes.com:
Pastor Brian Croft of Auburndale Baptist Church in Louisville, KY and founder of Practical Shepherding wrote a trilogy of books for the pastor.  I read them completely out of order, reading The Pastor's Soul first (here is my review), then The Pastor's Family (here is my review), and now finally The Pastor's Ministry.  The others were good; I gave them both four out of five stars on GoodReads, but this book was stupendous. At only 180 pages, it is probably the most practical of all pastor-help books I have ever read (and I've read plenty).  Published by Zondervan in 2015, The Pastor's Ministry dives into the nitty-gritty details of, well quite frankly, a pastor's ministry.
Pastor Croft divided the book into three parts (as any good Baptist preacher will do). Part one: foundation; two: focus; three: faithfulness (it's even alliterated!). Seriously though, I found myself underlining wonderful truths to take away in every chapters.  The first three chapters that make up part one deal with the whys of ministry.  "Pastors are the appointed guardians of God's truth, and above all else they must hold firm to it, boldly refuting those who come against it and passing it on to the next generation of appointed guardians," (p. 27).  He reiterated, "If we lose the truth, we have nothing left. But if we guard the truth and make it the lifeblood of our ministry, we labor in the work that the Spirit empowers and through which he breathes life to our souls and the souls of our people," (p. 36).  Thus, preaching the word and praying for the flock are the foundation to any ministry.
By the time we get to the second part, the author has pressed upon the reader the importance of doing ministry correctly and faithfully.  The question is how does one do the ministry of the pastorate?  This is where things got good; as I said this is the most practical of all pastor-help books.  Parts two and three deal with the hows of ministry.  How are we to set an example? How should a pastor act and what should he do when visiting the sick? How can he comfort those who have lost loved ones?  And my personal favorite: how to care for widows.  In fact, this one chapter was so helpful, it gave me an overwhelming desire to read his book on this very same subject. Again, these are practical guides that are given and so he deals with spending time, sending notes, giving gifts, etc.  "Ministering grace to a widow with a gift is about more than just the gift; it is also about the message you communicate by giving the gift. . . .Such gifts can powerfully remind a widow that she is not forgotten," (p. 123).
Part three is still a continuation of how, but in a different scope. These are the hows of spiritual guidance.  How and why should one confront sin? How does encouraging the weaker sheep help them, the pastor, and the flock? "Compassion is most clearly displayed in our care in those moments when we are frustrated and ready to give up--but then we don't. We press on. We try again. We speak the same encouraging words we've spoken many times before in the anticipation that the Spirit of God will one day allow them to stick," (p. 155). And of course at last--because it is so important--how to find the next generation of appointed guardians?
I truly believe that any Bible College and Seminary should at very minimum use this trilogy as supplementary books for their pastoral students.  These books, if read and heeded, will save young (and old) pastors much heartache and a few headaches as well.  I wish these had been written earlier, but I am so happy to have them now.  One book reviewer on GoodReads gave this book two stars, claiming it was basic and what was written in these pages could and should be learned by shadowing a pastor. Perhaps so, but not everyone has the ability to shadow a pastor. That's why we have books. Face to face teaching is best, but when that is not possible due to time, distance, or ability, a book like The Pastor's Ministry is a good substitute.


[Ian Minielly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid pastoral ministry book with excellent pastoral anecdotes from the author's own experiences. I have read a number of his books and all of them have been enjoyable and light, which is nice. My only real problem is the sheer volume of "Sovereign God" insertions during his writing. It is almost as if he is writing to maintain/prove his bona fides within the reformed circles that keep many guys platformed and because he is one of the guys being platformed, he includes the favorite means of describing God's power/ability to satisfy the purse holders.

I decided to take one of his suggestions and apply it to my own ministry and look forward/expect positive results from the improvement.

[Luke Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple but profound & important little book. I read believing it would be simplistic & accessible, it was certainly accessible, but far from over simplified. Rich from the the author’s experience & deep biblical roots he bases his approach in, it was refreshing, challenging, encouraging, & affirming. The kind of things that are spoken to, but rarely practically presented let alone practiced. No contradictions in priorities either, just a well-presented biblical model for pastoring that I would hope many would benefit from. I have already begun applying some it’s practical advice & it’s tattered pages after one read through indicate I’ll need another copy soon enough!

[Nabaraj Thing · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book on pastoral ministry

I have been on a journey of church planting and am new to pastoral ministry. This book has helped me understand the biblical qualifications and character that a pastor should possess. Additionally, it covers many practical aspects that we often don't learn in seminary or classes, but rather on the field. These lessons are crucial for preparing ourselves for the work that the Lord has entrusted to us. If you're looking to gain insight into the pastor's ministry and the importance of being a faithful servant of God's flock, this is a great book to read.

[Steven Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book with a group of elders and aspiring elders I was quite challenged by this book. Much attention is given to commonly neglected priorities such as prayer, care for widows, encouraging weaker sheep, and identifying and training leaders. This book provides numerous practical tips such as developing a daily prayer and contact list to reach out the the congregation, ways to engage (and help the deacon ministry engage in) care for widows, and other practical considerations. I would definitely recommend this book, especially for small group elder training.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful! Croft goes into the nitty gritty details of various aspects of pastoral ministry. Each chapter begins with a Biblical foundation for a particular task to which pastors are called and concludes with practical advice on how to carry out that task that are easy to implement. I found it very helpful as a new pastor to read the "how tos" of things that I know I need to do, but didn't know how to do.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful and concise reading on the duties of a pastor/shepherd. This book is not written on everything that is necessary or expected of a pastor in every area of his Christian living, but is written to draw attention to all that God expects of his under-shepherds in the specific context of their church duties/responsibilities.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I wish I had read 2-3 years ago before entering into ministry. Croft is concise but very effective in presenting the basic elements that comprise a pastor's ministry. He also hits on some of the lesser talked about aspects and gives helpful advice which I especially appreciated. This is a book that every pastor should peruse at least once in the span of their ministry.

[Kyle Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Croft takes time to encourage the heart of the pastor in caring for both himself and his sheep in this short book. While there is nothing that should be new or profound in the book, there is much wisdom found in how to carry these out in day to day ministry. Whether new to ministry, in a rut, or in need of encouragement, this book would be a great help.

[Wood Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that helps those who want to be a pastor how to be a godly and Biblical pastor. This book also helps those who are pastors how to be a godly pastor. This book is a great help and easy read but pastors should read this book. For this book will help guide you on how to be a Biblical pastor.

[Nathanael Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully helpful book. Myself and a few from my church have been working through the book together week by week. It is a great book to challenge those who are looking at what it takes to be a Pastor, Croft covers almost everything there is and challenges the reader as they look at what it takes to Biblically lead a church. Highly recommend.

[Guilherme Reggiani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um dos melhores e, com certeza, o mais prático dos livros que li sobre ministério pastoral. A quantidade de dicas e instruções que ele fornece é tão poderosa que nos coloca lado a lado para ouvir de um pastor experiente no ministério. A cada página lida, era uma mudança prática na forma como tenho exercido o ministério até aqui.

[Doug Adamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains a good bit of practical advice for those in ministry. Croft seeks to lay out a biblical approach to ministry stressing what he believes is biblically most important for ministers to be doing.

[Daniel Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on being a pastor

The pastors ministry: biblical priorities for faithful Shepherd‘s it is well written and thought through. I think it definitely tends towards country churches But still has lots of relevant thoughts for all pastors

[Ben Clouston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this as apart from going through the practically trained pastor. I have found it very helpful in giving a focus on whom a pastor is and what a pastor should spend his time doing. Brian gives a lot of practical help as well.

[Dan Absalonson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book for any pastor to read. It speaks a lot on how we are to shepherd God’s flock among us, not just the also important things we do in church on a Sunday morning. I read it as part of the Practical Shepherding Pastor’s Cohort, which has been extremely helpful.