The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life: Volume 1 of Pastoral Theology

by Albert N. Martin

From 1978 to 1998, Pastor A.N. Martin taught Pastoral Theology in the Trinity Ministerial Academy, a church-based ministerial training institution. Every Friday throughout the academic year, all the students would gather for two hours of teaching presented in a four-year cycle. Subsequently various series of the audiotapes were widely circulated. Many expressed their desire to see these lectures printed. As an intermediate step in responding to that desire, the Trinity Baptist Church eldership decided to encourage Pastor Martin to rework the original lectures and deliver them one final time, while professionally recording them. This project was begun in 2007 and completed in 2012 with Pastor Martin teaching his entire Pastoral Theology course “one more time” to 25 to 30 men. The transcriptions of these DVD lectures constituted the basis for the first draft of these edited lectures. Within these lectures there are very few issues faced by the ordinary pastor that are not addressed in one way or another. It is the author’s prayer that when all the volumes are nestled on the bookshelf of any pastor, that whatever his concern may be in conjunction with his pastoral labors, that he can expect that most likely, there is something in these volumes that would be of help to him. It is also the author’s prayer that even the most experienced pastor will find in these pages much that will provoke him to pursue greater personal godliness, increased preaching effectiveness, and expanded pastoral usefulness. This is Volume 1 of what is projected to be three volumes totaling more than 2000 pages. Every effort is being made to bring the subsequent volumes into print in a timely fashion.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Theology

520 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2017

About the author

Pastor Albert N. Martin shepherded the people of Trinity Baptist Church in Montville, New Jersey for 46 years. He was a Reformed Baptist at least a quarter-century before anyone considered it to be cool. Now retired from ministry, he has written this book for Cruciform Press to recount what he learned from the death of his wife, Marilyn, at age 73. Grieving, Hope, and Solace is his second book, and his first for a lay audience. To offer a sense of the depth of Pastor Martin’s ministry, the late John Murray, Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, and author of several classic books, including Redemption Accomplished and Applied, once said regarding an upcoming conference,“If Al Martin is to be there I really think he should be asked to take the three evening services proposed for me. He is one of the ablest and most moving preachers I have ever heard…I have not heard his equal.”

Reviews

[Michael Beck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin's work is a must read for the pastor and elder today!

I first heard of the famed "Al Martin Pastoral Theology" lectures on a blog around 2011. While the lectures were recorded in the 80s, very few people were mentioning them in Calvinistic circles by 2010s. At the time, I was thinking about going into pastoral ministry but did not have the full understanding of what that would entail. So I began my journey through the 80+ lectures which covered all the majors topics a pastor should know when embarking on the journey of leading a church. Then, when I arrived for my first year of seminary I listened to them again on my early morning walks. These lectures were such a blessing to me in thinking about the calling, spiritual growth, preaching, funerals, weddings, and more! I continued to recommend them to others over the years, but remained surprised at how little known they were.

Then imagine my joy in 2018 when Reformation Heritage Books began promoting this new 3-volume book set of Pastor Martin's lectures, re-taught and edited for print! Since then, I have recommended this set multiple times knowing the depth of biblical truth, historical theology, and God-glorifying ministry wisdom. Recently I lead a group of interns through volume 1, where we all profited greatly from marking up the book and discussing its profound teaching. Soon we will begin Volume 2 to gather from Pastor Martin his wide-knowledge of sermon preparation and delivery.

This book is highly recommended for any man in pastoral ministry or a man desiring to be an elder.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable tome. Remarkable in its depth, remarkable in its practical usefulness, and remarkable in its biblical fidelity, this book is a must-read for pastors and candidates for the ministry. As a collection of lectures, it does possess a measure of redundancy. But this is helpful for a measured pace of reading. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, and I look forward to the two subsequent volumes.

[Owen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been told that this work by Albert Martin is one of the very best in pastoral theology, and it is easy to see why after reading. A wonderful, convicting, practical, and insightful book (based off of his lecture series) written by a godly man. It is presented in an orderly manner - so it will be a very accessible reference for the future.

[Peyton Gunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author has so much wisdom and experience and provides a lot of helpful tips on being a Pastor. However, several of his anecdotes seemed arrogant to me. Especially in the section on overweight pastor, the author seems rude and comes across as a bully. The section where he talked about making people ask for forgiveness after they say “I’m sorry” frustrated me too.

All in all, there’s a lot of helpful wisdom in this book, but it would have benefited considerably if he was more gracious with his words.

[Grant Carter]

This man is a lot wiser than me and knows a lot more about the Bible but I can confidently say that he comes across as a bully in this book. At multiple points I cringed because of his harsh language, especially when talking about overweight pastors. He could make his points with a lot more grace and kindness. A good example of a book with lots of truth but very little grace.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! This is no doubt the best book on Pastoral Theology that I have read. It is clearly one of the best theology books published in 2018. A modern day "Lecture To My Students". This book should be in every pastors personal library and should probably be required reading for every seminary student, elder, and deacon who has a call on their life. I cannot wait for the next volume. Albert N. Martin is truly a treasure in the body, and the wealth and wisdom he has given us in his ministry is an invaluable resource.

[Andrew Krom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first volume in a three-part series on pastoral theology. Martin's work blends his own experience with many historical examples of faithful ministry to show what it means to be a pastor and faithfully minister God's Word. Every chapter begins with an axiom that is rooted in Scripture and then Martin expounds on the idea. Martin comes from a Reformed Baptist perspective and is an exceptional minister. Volume 1 made me want to keep reading and start Volume 2 ASAP!

[Samuel Laflèche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would suggest this book to anyone who considers working in ministry or anyone who's working as an elder in his church. It is a great book to reflect on self and to assist others who think are being called to ministry. I highly recommend it! Pastor Martin proposes very useful aspects of life and caracter we need to be and work on to be gifts from Jesus Christ to His church. May God bless you and guide you through this reeding.

[Grant Thigpen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve spent the last year reading and discussing this book with an older retired pastor.

Albert Martin is thoughtful, compelling, and practical in his instruction on the pastoral call and the pastor’s character. Every page is rich with scripture, quotations from faithful pastors of the past, and his own experience/meditations from years of ministry. While I may disagree with some of Martin’s conclusions, they are always thought provoking and worth pondering. Any aspiring pastor would be helped by this book, and even more helped if you read it with an older pastor.

[Brendan Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

The gold-standard for its subject matter. Should be required reading for all seminary students.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

[Josh Peglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional book. Wisdom gleaned from Pastor Martin’s decades of ministry and teaching men for the ministry drips off of every page. I am starting volume 2 now but I would say this is the best book I have read on pastoral ministry.

[Vincent Lemieux · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a amazing book ! Packed with a life of pastoral acquired practical wisdom and Scriptures’ knowledge. I first bought two copies of this book to read it with a man in our church who’s considering the pastoral ministry. This volume and the other two will be my ever go ressources for training and accompanying men in the calling and work of the ministry. A most read. Please do you ministry and your life a blessing, but this book.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needed this 10 years ago!

[Tim Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albert Martin's Pastoral Theology: The Man of God, His Calling and Godly Life is a rare and rich gift to the church. With the steady hand of a seasoned shepherd, Martin offers well-tested wisdom that is both deeply theological and intensely practical. His tone is warm yet measured, never sensational but always sincere, like sitting under the counsel of a trusted elder who has walked the path ahead of you.

This is not a shallow how-to manual, but a thorough and convicting examination of the man behind the ministry. Martin reminds us that faithful pastoral work begins not with gifting or strategy, but with character, calling, and communion with God. Every chapter challenges the heart and refines the vision of what it means to be a man of God.

Whether you're a young man considering the call to ministry or a seasoned pastor in need of renewal, this book is essential reading. It’s a pastoral theology not only to study, but to live. Excited for Vol. 2.

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book. As one who is currently preaching with a view to the assessment of my elders as to whether I'm suitable and called for pastoral ministry, this book was immensely helpful. I particularly enjoyed the first section on calling given that it's the stage which I'm at. The second section on Godly life of a minister was also excellent. One issue for me was the assumption that a minister is married. I know the author was and would maybe find it hard to counsel single ministers but I found this to be a negative. Other than this and one minor disagreement, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I highly recommend it. If the Lord sees fit to have me as a minister in the future, I will acquire the subsequent volumes and enjoy those also.

[John Majors · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource - full of a wealth of wisdom and knowledge of pastoral experience. The author quotes often from a wide swath of puritan writers (and other) to add to his points. I don't know how he filled up a full volume on the topic, but he managed to do so in a way that was edifying and challenging. The long puritan quotes sure helped. At first I found some tedious but as the book went along I found myself looking more and more forward to the next quote. They add a significant gravitas and helped expose me to new (or, old) writers.

I'll definitely be reading the next two volumes.

[Jonathan Ginn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Insightful and challenging in equal measure. Albert Martin draws heavily upon the works of pastors such as Spurgeon and Charles Bridges to lay out a robust biblical and theological framework for how to think about the pastoral office. Most importantly, he convincingly demonstrates the sobering weightiness of this office, placing a much-needed emphasis on the relationship between a pastor's life and ministry.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know of any young man aspiring to the work of a pastor, please make an investment in his life and buy this book for him. If you don't know anyone like this, please buy this book for your elders to help them as they seek to raise up men for ministry. This book may well be the best book ever written on this topic. I thank God for Albert Martin.

[David Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me two years to read this volume, and it was well worth it. Martin sets a very high bar for pastors in regard to personal integrity, exemplary family life, etc. It’s a humbling experience to read this book. I highly recommend it to all pastors, and to any man considering going into full time pastoral ministry. Also good for whole church elderships to read.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of visiting Dr. Martin's church once. His legacy as an instrument of God is secure. Martin argues it is not enough for the minister to acquire the requisite knowledge but to constantly examine himself and his sanctification. Yes, he believes a minister must be well educated but, more importantly, he must be godly!

[Alan Rennê · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro extraordinário. Utilizei como fonte bibliográfica num módulo de mestrado em que lecionei.

Oro para que alguma editora brasileira o publique. certamente será muito útil a todos aqueles que aspiram ao episcopado!

[Ethan Anders · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have already noted, this book is on the level of Spurgeon’s Lectures to My Students. I was introduced to Al Martin’s ministry only 3 months ago or so. For this work alone, I have found abounding riches that I will return to the rest of my life.

[JJ Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is an incredible book. Martin has decades of pastoral experience and wisdom to draw from, and he presents it in a way that is both encouraging and challenging. As somebody who is preparing for pastoral ministry, I found this to be absolutely invaluable.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a valuable, practical, and thoroughly biblical outline of the character, call, and responsibilities of a man of God - and in particular, the pastor or elder in a Christian congregation. Invaluable.

[Arthur Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure gold. A resource for life.

[Will Belliel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fire!

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Many of these lessons are available on audio and it is quite enjoyable to hear Dr. Martin’s voice, but the print form is wonderful for accessing the breadth of references to other works.

[Andy Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the first book of Albert Martin's trilogy on pastoral ministry. It is a really good resource, very helpful and convicting. I look forward to reading the other two volumes as well. These volumes are a distillation of a course on pastoral ministry that Rev. Martin taught for two decades, and are filled with insights garnered from a long and distinguished life of serving in the pastorate.

Martin liberally quotes from classic works on pastoral ministry from the pens of such luminaries as Charles Spurgeon, Charles Bridges, Richard Baxter, John Owen, and many others. In some ways this volume feels much like a compendium of instruction from a myriad of other sources. This, to me, is actually one of the strengths of this book.

Read this book with an open Bible; it was certainly written with one.

Whether you are studying in preparation for pastoral ministry or are a long-time pastor, I heartily recommend this book to you. It will both convict and encourage you at times.

[Greg Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work! This ought to be required reading in every seminary, and those who want to be in the ministry!