The Pastor's Primer

by O.S. Hawkins

.

Genres: Christianity, Church

343 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[S. Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. I think Hawkins misses the mark from time to time and leans too much on his own planning from time to time but mostly he offers advice to young Pastors that I believe every Pastor should read -the sooner the better. There is excellent advice found throughout this very comprehensive book and although I may not find absolute value in every one of the 26 chapters in this book, someone else might. He discusses every financial, emotional, spiritual, ecclesiastical, and business experience that the average American Pastor might encounter. He argues his thoughts well by rooting his beliefs in Scripture. Hawkins even offers help through his organization toward the end of the book for those who are serious about planning their retirement from an early age. Just as the Book of Proverbs is profitable to any young man, I find this book profitable to any young Pastor. It's very simple to read and understand. There is no pretentious vernacular to make himself sound sophisticated and overly intelligent. The language is basic, the principles clear.

[Pamela Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book even though it says Pastor's Primer it's actually for anyone who needs it, it tells you the different in pleasing yourself or pleasing God, I first got this book as a gift and gave it away not thinking I would find another but I have bought two more O.S. Hawkins knows what he's talking about.

[Peyton Mansfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a 300-page handbook for the practical side of pastorship. Some is succinctly-put obvious aspects of ministry, some covers practical aspects I wouldn't have thought of, and some is hot takes that can be take it or leave it.

It reminded me of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, in a way, because a lot of his advice seems idealistic or like something provocative to chew on. But the book's not perfect. There's some faulty logic and misleading Greek studies in a few places. It really reads like an older minister giving you advice based on all his experience, stuck in some ways and repeating some truisms, but he's not afraid to go against tradition either. But he stays on topic and generally helps.

I may recommend it tentatively to its target audience. If you wanted a one-stop shop for starting in pastoral ministry without a lot of prep, the practicality of this book seems helpful, especially in a traditional baptist setting.

[Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. O.S. Hawkins provides a comprehensive overview of being a pastor in The Pastor’s Primer. Dr. Hawkins generously shares of his theological education, pastoral experience, and spiritual enthusiasm. We owe Dr. Hawkins a debt of gratitude for penning this very helpful volume. I highly recommend it!

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, pastor, teacher, mentor, writer, author of Sound Biblical Preaching: Giving the Bible a Voice

[Adam Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

OS Hawkins provides practical tips backed up by biblical principles. I got lost in all of the alliteration that he uses, but not so lost that I did not understand what he was getting at. A good read for all pastors.