What do you think?
Rate this book
40 Questions
40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry
A veteran pastor answers the questions that today’s pastors are asking
In 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry , veteran pastor Phil Newton provides trustworthy answers to 40 of the most common and pressing questions relating to the life and work of the pastor. Covering five major categories―such as development, practices, and preaching―Newton equips pastors to successfully handle everyday duties and challenges,
Basing his answers on Scripture, theological reflection, and personal experience, Newton serves as a mentor and guide for pastors at every stage of ministry. The questions and answers are self-contained, and topics of interest can be easily located. Pastors will want to consult this volume often for authoritative advice on all aspects of pastoral ministry.
In 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry , veteran pastor Phil Newton provides trustworthy answers to 40 of the most common and pressing questions relating to the life and work of the pastor. Covering five major categories―such as development, practices, and preaching―Newton equips pastors to successfully handle everyday duties and challenges,
Basing his answers on Scripture, theological reflection, and personal experience, Newton serves as a mentor and guide for pastors at every stage of ministry. The questions and answers are self-contained, and topics of interest can be easily located. Pastors will want to consult this volume often for authoritative advice on all aspects of pastoral ministry.
336 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2021
25 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Phil A. Newton
32 books6 followersPhil A. Newton (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary; DMin, Fuller Theological Seminary) is senior pastor at South Woods Baptist Church in Memphis. In pastoral ministry for over thirty-five years, he also serves as an adjunct professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Equip Center.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 17, 2021
Another helpful introductory volume in the excellent 40 Questions series.
April 27, 2021
Newton’s book should be required reading for all seminarians before they go out into local church ministry. Practical, wise, intensely biblical, and drawing on 30+ years of personal experience, this book is like having a seasoned pastoral mentor on your bookshelf.
January 13, 2022
My top book of 2021.
Humbly, faithfully, and helpfully written. Necessary truths presented in one of the best formats with great clarity.
If you desire pastoral ministry or want to think through what you should be looking for in the pastoral ministry in your local church, this book is a must.
Humbly, faithfully, and helpfully written. Necessary truths presented in one of the best formats with great clarity.
If you desire pastoral ministry or want to think through what you should be looking for in the pastoral ministry in your local church, this book is a must.
April 22, 2025
This is one of the best books you will ever read on pastoral ministry. It is careful, thoughtful, nuanced, and full of wisdom. Every pastor, and those who desire pastoral ministry would benefit from reading this book!
December 4, 2022
40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry, by Phil Newton, is a resource that introduces the reader to a wide variety of topics related to pastoral ministry. It covers the foundational issues of what it means to be a pastor, the development of the pastor, pastoral practices, preaching, and various issues related to the church. The wide variety of topics is both a strength and a weakness for the book.
Strengths
Newton’s book serves as an excellent introduction to biblical pastoral ministry, as was the goal. Because of this, the book does not intend to say everything that can be said on a given topic/question, but one of the books strengths is its bibliography. That very point was made by Matt McCullough in the forward (11) and proved true throughout the book. Newton’s citations point the reader to influential treatments of the topic throughout the ages. From Calvin to the puritans to 9Marks, the reader is given rich sources for further study.
Another strength of the book is its advice on the rarely-written-on practical sides of ministry. For example, Newton lays out the responsibilities for pastoral care and the common practices for those conducting funerals (Question 27). Pastors should view funerals as an opportunity to deepen relationships with the grieving church member, and they should “be ready to serve and counsel in the long term” (219). This reminds the reader that funerals are not merely a pastoral task but an opportunity to shepherd. He then gives practical advice on how long the funeral message should be and elements to include, such as giving attendees permission to grieve. Another practical chapter was “How Does the Pastor Lead an Elder’s Meeting?” (Question 19). Newton reminds the reader of the purpose of the meetings and encourages a structure for the gatherings that is efficient yet distinctly Christian. The meeting should not be identical to a secular business meeting. In that chapter, Newton guides the reader through preparing for the meetings. One element of preparation is communicating with lay elders in advance and helping them be prepared for the discussions of the coming meeting. He says, “the staff elders must be diligent and thoughtful to prepare enough material or have enough discussions with non-staff elders to help them have ready minds for the discussion” (156). Newton warns that without this step, division could grow between the full-time and lay elders and the meetings will be less effective.
Critiques
While the variety of topics allows the book to be a helpful introduction and resources, it also limited the depth of the content. The chapters felt like one skimming the surface of a lake rather than diving deep to hand influential gems to the reader (to mix a few metaphors!) That feeling is perhaps subjective and due to the fact that I was blessed by reading many of the books alluded to in the footnotes. But another feature seemed to limit the books lasting impact. The book is one of many in the “40 Questions” series, and many of the issues addressed in this book are handled thoroughly in others. For example, the book often quotes Merkle’s work in the series, “40 Questions About Elders and Deacons” as seen in the footnotes of page 41. Another example is Question 33 which relates to church discipline in the church. The topic is covered in “40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline” by Jeremy Kimble. The amount of overlap in content between Newton’s book and other books in the same series lead me to feel the book was in many ways unnecessary. Of course, the reader who has not read the other works will not mind the overlap and might benefit from it.
My last two critiques are minor. One is a matter of helpfulness. One is a matter of hermeneutics. Questions 20 dealt with how pastors can mentor future pastors and leaders. As Newton explains, discipleship and raising up future leaders is about living life together. He says, “effective mentors give priority to relationship with their trainees rather than depending upon a finely polished program” (165). According to Newton, “contemporary mentors will make friendship the first order of attachment to trainees. Rather than seeing mentoring as a project with a long list of goals and objectives, think of it as friendship that goes deep and lasts a lifetime” (164). He provides a much-needed reminder in a day when efficiency is valued above the long process of forming relationships. While I was helped by the chapter, I wanted to know what this looked like in real life. I love the idea of cultivating friendships that last a lifetime, but how can a pastor realistically add new trainees while cultivating friendships with men from the past. When does the training “finish” and what does the new relationship look like? I would have been helped by Newton sharing personal stories of this pattern throughout his ministry.
And the last critique relates to a brief comment made on the importance of preaching through books of the Bible (Question 24). The issue really is insignificant in comparison to all that I agreed throughout Newton’s book, and the issue is insignificant due to the fact that I agree with Newton’s main point. Newton argues that preaching through books of the Bible “allows the congregation the opportunity to better absorb the purpose of God and the text’s impact upon the original audience” (193). He gives the example of how his church walked through the book of Genesis and saw the significance of Gen. 22 because they already worked through Gen. 12. They would have missed the point if they read Gen. 22 out of context. They would have missed “the pathos intended for the original audience” (193). While I’m in full agreement of the value of preaching whole books of the Bible and in full agreement that the context shapes our understanding of the passage, I find his “original audience” argument irrelevant. Many Christians today think we struggle to understand God’s Word because we are so far removed from the original audience. But by the very example Newton provides it is evident that the issue is not our relationship to ancient Jews but whether or not we read the book as the biblical author intended it to be read, namely as a book. But as I said, this point is minor does not detract from agreement with the chapter and the content of the book as a whole.
Summary
While the experienced pastor, reader of other “40 Questions” books, and those well read in the area of pastoral theology are unlikely to find many new insights in Newton’s work, it will remain a good introduction to pastoral ministry and a helpful resource due to the topics covered and the theological works to which it points. And regardless of which category one finds themselves, Newton’s work reminds the reader of what pastoral ministry is truly about, shepherding God’s flock.
Strengths
Newton’s book serves as an excellent introduction to biblical pastoral ministry, as was the goal. Because of this, the book does not intend to say everything that can be said on a given topic/question, but one of the books strengths is its bibliography. That very point was made by Matt McCullough in the forward (11) and proved true throughout the book. Newton’s citations point the reader to influential treatments of the topic throughout the ages. From Calvin to the puritans to 9Marks, the reader is given rich sources for further study.
Another strength of the book is its advice on the rarely-written-on practical sides of ministry. For example, Newton lays out the responsibilities for pastoral care and the common practices for those conducting funerals (Question 27). Pastors should view funerals as an opportunity to deepen relationships with the grieving church member, and they should “be ready to serve and counsel in the long term” (219). This reminds the reader that funerals are not merely a pastoral task but an opportunity to shepherd. He then gives practical advice on how long the funeral message should be and elements to include, such as giving attendees permission to grieve. Another practical chapter was “How Does the Pastor Lead an Elder’s Meeting?” (Question 19). Newton reminds the reader of the purpose of the meetings and encourages a structure for the gatherings that is efficient yet distinctly Christian. The meeting should not be identical to a secular business meeting. In that chapter, Newton guides the reader through preparing for the meetings. One element of preparation is communicating with lay elders in advance and helping them be prepared for the discussions of the coming meeting. He says, “the staff elders must be diligent and thoughtful to prepare enough material or have enough discussions with non-staff elders to help them have ready minds for the discussion” (156). Newton warns that without this step, division could grow between the full-time and lay elders and the meetings will be less effective.
Critiques
While the variety of topics allows the book to be a helpful introduction and resources, it also limited the depth of the content. The chapters felt like one skimming the surface of a lake rather than diving deep to hand influential gems to the reader (to mix a few metaphors!) That feeling is perhaps subjective and due to the fact that I was blessed by reading many of the books alluded to in the footnotes. But another feature seemed to limit the books lasting impact. The book is one of many in the “40 Questions” series, and many of the issues addressed in this book are handled thoroughly in others. For example, the book often quotes Merkle’s work in the series, “40 Questions About Elders and Deacons” as seen in the footnotes of page 41. Another example is Question 33 which relates to church discipline in the church. The topic is covered in “40 Questions About Church Membership and Discipline” by Jeremy Kimble. The amount of overlap in content between Newton’s book and other books in the same series lead me to feel the book was in many ways unnecessary. Of course, the reader who has not read the other works will not mind the overlap and might benefit from it.
My last two critiques are minor. One is a matter of helpfulness. One is a matter of hermeneutics. Questions 20 dealt with how pastors can mentor future pastors and leaders. As Newton explains, discipleship and raising up future leaders is about living life together. He says, “effective mentors give priority to relationship with their trainees rather than depending upon a finely polished program” (165). According to Newton, “contemporary mentors will make friendship the first order of attachment to trainees. Rather than seeing mentoring as a project with a long list of goals and objectives, think of it as friendship that goes deep and lasts a lifetime” (164). He provides a much-needed reminder in a day when efficiency is valued above the long process of forming relationships. While I was helped by the chapter, I wanted to know what this looked like in real life. I love the idea of cultivating friendships that last a lifetime, but how can a pastor realistically add new trainees while cultivating friendships with men from the past. When does the training “finish” and what does the new relationship look like? I would have been helped by Newton sharing personal stories of this pattern throughout his ministry.
And the last critique relates to a brief comment made on the importance of preaching through books of the Bible (Question 24). The issue really is insignificant in comparison to all that I agreed throughout Newton’s book, and the issue is insignificant due to the fact that I agree with Newton’s main point. Newton argues that preaching through books of the Bible “allows the congregation the opportunity to better absorb the purpose of God and the text’s impact upon the original audience” (193). He gives the example of how his church walked through the book of Genesis and saw the significance of Gen. 22 because they already worked through Gen. 12. They would have missed the point if they read Gen. 22 out of context. They would have missed “the pathos intended for the original audience” (193). While I’m in full agreement of the value of preaching whole books of the Bible and in full agreement that the context shapes our understanding of the passage, I find his “original audience” argument irrelevant. Many Christians today think we struggle to understand God’s Word because we are so far removed from the original audience. But by the very example Newton provides it is evident that the issue is not our relationship to ancient Jews but whether or not we read the book as the biblical author intended it to be read, namely as a book. But as I said, this point is minor does not detract from agreement with the chapter and the content of the book as a whole.
Summary
While the experienced pastor, reader of other “40 Questions” books, and those well read in the area of pastoral theology are unlikely to find many new insights in Newton’s work, it will remain a good introduction to pastoral ministry and a helpful resource due to the topics covered and the theological works to which it points. And regardless of which category one finds themselves, Newton’s work reminds the reader of what pastoral ministry is truly about, shepherding God’s flock.
October 7, 2025
Phil Newton’s 40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry is a masterfully written, biblically grounded, and pastorally rich guide for anyone called to shepherd the church of God. From seasoned elders to seminary students, this book offers clarity, conviction, and counsel rooted in Scripture and shaped by decades of faithful ministry.
Newton organizes the book into five thoughtful sections (p. 13): the nature of pastoral ministry, the call and qualifications, the work of the pastor, the challenges pastors face, and the development of future leaders. This structure makes the book both accessible and comprehensive—ideal for study, reflection, or mentoring.
One of the most powerful themes throughout is the shepherding metaphor, which Newton rightly anchors in the character of God: “The emphasis on the Lord God as Shepherd communicates his presence, care, nurture, comfort, protection, guidance, leadership, and provision. Any future use of the shepherding metaphor for those serving his flock must connect these characteristics to pastoral ministry” (p. 21). This sets the tone for a vision of pastoral work that is both tender and courageous.
Newton insists that “elders must demonstrate an aptitude to teach in order to exhort in sound doctrine” (p. 23), and he defines pastoral ministry as a pursuit of “growth in godliness” (p. 27). He distills the pastor’s task into four essential categories: “feeding the Word, leading the flock, watching out for the body, and setting an example for others to follow” (p. 32). These are not optional—they are the biblical blueprint for faithful shepherding.
Accountability to Christ is central: “The leaders are accountable to the Chief Shepherd and must lead the flock in a way that profits the flock’s spiritual lives and guards them from spiritual dangers” (p. 33). Newton warns that “an unexamined, unwatched life will not stand for long in the face of inward temptation and external assaults” (p. 34), reminding pastors that character is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
He beautifully ties pastoral character to Christ Himself: “Three essential characteristics found in Jesus’s life and ministry must mark the pastor as well: humility, service, and love” (p. 45). Reflecting on Mark 10:45, Newton writes, “Contemplate that for a moment. The eternal Son…consciously saw his mission as serving others” (p. 47). This is the heartbeat of biblical leadership.
Chapter 5, which critiques the solo pastor model, is worth the price of the book alone. “A single pastor model leaves much to be desired if the church will be shepherded in a healthy way” (p. 51). Newton’s call for plurality is both theological and practical.
He affirms the unchanging nature of truth: “The application of God’s revelation in Scripture varies from one family to another. The revelation is the same. Truth doesn’t vary. Truth is truth” (p. 84). And with pastoral realism, he observes, “Few men inherit healthy churches” (p. 104), offering wise counsel for those stepping into difficult contexts.
His advice to new pastors is gold: “Don’t try to make major changes in the first year, maybe not even the second or third…Lay biblical, theological groundwork for changes so they come more naturally as the body learns the Word and applies it” (p. 131). This is wisdom forged in the fires of experience.
Newton also addresses the emotional toll of ministry: “Pastors need not think it strange when facing opposition. It goes with the territory of pastoral ministry” (p. 147). And he clarifies that “humility must not be confused with mousiness…Rather, humility means the pastor recognizes the truth about himself and God and doesn’t confuse them” (p. 148).
His chapters on mentoring are especially strong. “Seminaries and Bible colleges…never replace local churches to hone and shape the spiritual and ministerial fabric of future pastors” (p. 161). Mentoring, he argues, is not a program—it’s a relationship. “The local church provides the most consistent atmosphere for the one-on-one approach of mentoring” (p. 162).
And finally, Newton’s metaphor for preaching is unforgettable: “One can microwave a beef roast… but the slow roasting in the oven…will make for a more satisfying meal” (p. 196). His call for regular, book-by-book exposition is a feast for the soul.
He closes with a simple but profound truth: “Sound theology fuels healthy, joyous doxology” (p. 208). Amen.
This book is a gift to the church. It’s not just a manual—it’s a mentor in print. Every pastor should read it. Every church should benefit from it. Every seminarian should study it. Five stars, without hesitation.
Newton organizes the book into five thoughtful sections (p. 13): the nature of pastoral ministry, the call and qualifications, the work of the pastor, the challenges pastors face, and the development of future leaders. This structure makes the book both accessible and comprehensive—ideal for study, reflection, or mentoring.
One of the most powerful themes throughout is the shepherding metaphor, which Newton rightly anchors in the character of God: “The emphasis on the Lord God as Shepherd communicates his presence, care, nurture, comfort, protection, guidance, leadership, and provision. Any future use of the shepherding metaphor for those serving his flock must connect these characteristics to pastoral ministry” (p. 21). This sets the tone for a vision of pastoral work that is both tender and courageous.
Newton insists that “elders must demonstrate an aptitude to teach in order to exhort in sound doctrine” (p. 23), and he defines pastoral ministry as a pursuit of “growth in godliness” (p. 27). He distills the pastor’s task into four essential categories: “feeding the Word, leading the flock, watching out for the body, and setting an example for others to follow” (p. 32). These are not optional—they are the biblical blueprint for faithful shepherding.
Accountability to Christ is central: “The leaders are accountable to the Chief Shepherd and must lead the flock in a way that profits the flock’s spiritual lives and guards them from spiritual dangers” (p. 33). Newton warns that “an unexamined, unwatched life will not stand for long in the face of inward temptation and external assaults” (p. 34), reminding pastors that character is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.
He beautifully ties pastoral character to Christ Himself: “Three essential characteristics found in Jesus’s life and ministry must mark the pastor as well: humility, service, and love” (p. 45). Reflecting on Mark 10:45, Newton writes, “Contemplate that for a moment. The eternal Son…consciously saw his mission as serving others” (p. 47). This is the heartbeat of biblical leadership.
Chapter 5, which critiques the solo pastor model, is worth the price of the book alone. “A single pastor model leaves much to be desired if the church will be shepherded in a healthy way” (p. 51). Newton’s call for plurality is both theological and practical.
He affirms the unchanging nature of truth: “The application of God’s revelation in Scripture varies from one family to another. The revelation is the same. Truth doesn’t vary. Truth is truth” (p. 84). And with pastoral realism, he observes, “Few men inherit healthy churches” (p. 104), offering wise counsel for those stepping into difficult contexts.
His advice to new pastors is gold: “Don’t try to make major changes in the first year, maybe not even the second or third…Lay biblical, theological groundwork for changes so they come more naturally as the body learns the Word and applies it” (p. 131). This is wisdom forged in the fires of experience.
Newton also addresses the emotional toll of ministry: “Pastors need not think it strange when facing opposition. It goes with the territory of pastoral ministry” (p. 147). And he clarifies that “humility must not be confused with mousiness…Rather, humility means the pastor recognizes the truth about himself and God and doesn’t confuse them” (p. 148).
His chapters on mentoring are especially strong. “Seminaries and Bible colleges…never replace local churches to hone and shape the spiritual and ministerial fabric of future pastors” (p. 161). Mentoring, he argues, is not a program—it’s a relationship. “The local church provides the most consistent atmosphere for the one-on-one approach of mentoring” (p. 162).
And finally, Newton’s metaphor for preaching is unforgettable: “One can microwave a beef roast… but the slow roasting in the oven…will make for a more satisfying meal” (p. 196). His call for regular, book-by-book exposition is a feast for the soul.
He closes with a simple but profound truth: “Sound theology fuels healthy, joyous doxology” (p. 208). Amen.
This book is a gift to the church. It’s not just a manual—it’s a mentor in print. Every pastor should read it. Every church should benefit from it. Every seminarian should study it. Five stars, without hesitation.
March 23, 2021
I’ve read other volumes from the “40 Questions” series published by Kregel Academic, and this one is my favorite so far: 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry by Phil A. Newton.
As with the other volumes of this series, it is written by a Baptist. I say that just to make the reader aware that the book will be coming from a Baptist perspective – with the requisite denunciation of paedo-baptism.
The book is divided as follows:
Part 1: Foundational Considerations; questions 1-5
In this section, Newton answers the definition of a pastor, the definition of pastoral ministry, the qualities of a Christian pastor, how this relates to Jesus, and whether it is better to have a plurality of pastors.
In the final section of this part, Newton answers whether there ought to be a plurality of pastors. By this he means, should there be and elder who functions as the primary preaching and teaching elder as well as other elders who help the pastor not to go astray and be teachers themselves. The answer is “yes.” And it seems to me it would be “yes” in many denominations, but with different terminology.
Part 2: Pastoral Development and Health; questions 6-13
In this section, Newton answers questions about how the pastor can care for himself and his family spiritually and in relation to one another.
Part 3: Pastoral Practices; questions 14-20
Here, Newtons gives the answers to how a minister begins his ministry and is sustained in ministry, both in self-care and in dealing with others who may cause problems for the pastor and the congregation.
Part 4: Pastoral Preaching; questions 21-28
Newton then addresses how a pastor should preach, including arguing for lectio continuo over against the lectionary or topical series. He also looks at how a pastor should conduct worship, funerals, and weddings.
Part 5: The Church and Pastoral Ministry; questions 29-40
In the final section, Newton defines the Church, looks at the authority of Scripture, how and when to make changes, how to practice church discipline, polity and membership practices, and church revitalization. He also answers how to help a church face suffering, support missions, and he considers when a pastor should leave a church and why having a long pastorate is a best practice.
Each chapter ends with a summary of the chapter and several questions for personal or group reflection.
The book ends with a selected bibliography and a Scripture index.
I am impressed with this book and the answers Newton gives. He is thorough, yet very readable and useful for the pastor and the board of elders (if not others).
Throughout the book and second or third to the Scripture, Newton quotes from Puritan writers. I highly value the Puritan writers as godly and biblical people and am thankful when I see their work used by others.
I consider this a tremendous book. One that would well be given to seminary students for them to work through before graduation or receiving a call to a church. These are issues that need to be thought through before walking into a church and working with them. So, I recommend it highly.
[This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]
As with the other volumes of this series, it is written by a Baptist. I say that just to make the reader aware that the book will be coming from a Baptist perspective – with the requisite denunciation of paedo-baptism.
The book is divided as follows:
Part 1: Foundational Considerations; questions 1-5
In this section, Newton answers the definition of a pastor, the definition of pastoral ministry, the qualities of a Christian pastor, how this relates to Jesus, and whether it is better to have a plurality of pastors.
In the final section of this part, Newton answers whether there ought to be a plurality of pastors. By this he means, should there be and elder who functions as the primary preaching and teaching elder as well as other elders who help the pastor not to go astray and be teachers themselves. The answer is “yes.” And it seems to me it would be “yes” in many denominations, but with different terminology.
Part 2: Pastoral Development and Health; questions 6-13
In this section, Newton answers questions about how the pastor can care for himself and his family spiritually and in relation to one another.
Part 3: Pastoral Practices; questions 14-20
Here, Newtons gives the answers to how a minister begins his ministry and is sustained in ministry, both in self-care and in dealing with others who may cause problems for the pastor and the congregation.
Part 4: Pastoral Preaching; questions 21-28
Newton then addresses how a pastor should preach, including arguing for lectio continuo over against the lectionary or topical series. He also looks at how a pastor should conduct worship, funerals, and weddings.
Part 5: The Church and Pastoral Ministry; questions 29-40
In the final section, Newton defines the Church, looks at the authority of Scripture, how and when to make changes, how to practice church discipline, polity and membership practices, and church revitalization. He also answers how to help a church face suffering, support missions, and he considers when a pastor should leave a church and why having a long pastorate is a best practice.
Each chapter ends with a summary of the chapter and several questions for personal or group reflection.
The book ends with a selected bibliography and a Scripture index.
I am impressed with this book and the answers Newton gives. He is thorough, yet very readable and useful for the pastor and the board of elders (if not others).
Throughout the book and second or third to the Scripture, Newton quotes from Puritan writers. I highly value the Puritan writers as godly and biblical people and am thankful when I see their work used by others.
I consider this a tremendous book. One that would well be given to seminary students for them to work through before graduation or receiving a call to a church. These are issues that need to be thought through before walking into a church and working with them. So, I recommend it highly.
[This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]
May 29, 2021
Pastoral ministry is not for the faint of heart, which makes it even more important for young and newer pastors to glean from the wisdom of pastors who have many years of experience in this vocation. Phil A. Newton certainly has the wisdom and experience, and his book, 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry, is definitely a resource that I can recommend.
Though there are 40 questions, there are more than 40 answers to be sure. The topics that he covers are both philosophical and practical. Theologically, Newton is more on the conservative side of the spectrum of doctrinal convictions, which suits me, but some may be more on the egalitarian persuasion. But in terms of pastoral heart, Newton is especially encouraging to pastors who are dealing with anxieties and strains of pastoral ministry. Similar to my own senior pastor's encouragement to me, Newton strongly urges ministers to stay long in their roles, despite opposition that is, unfortunately, inevitable.
When I first thought about a book on just 40 questions in pastoral ministry, I wondered if it would keep my attention and seem logical in the way it would be laid out. Thankfully, it is a well-edited and nicely-written work packed with biblical counsel for pastors. I would think the audience is quite narrow to almost entirely pastors, so the market is likely thin for this book. But I would encourage pastoral studies professors to consider this work by Newton as a helpful textbook for a Bible college or seminary course.
Consider this: it's rare to get the opportunity to hear from a pastor with multiple decades of experience. It's even rarer to do so from a gifted writer. But that's what you can expect from 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions were my own.
Though there are 40 questions, there are more than 40 answers to be sure. The topics that he covers are both philosophical and practical. Theologically, Newton is more on the conservative side of the spectrum of doctrinal convictions, which suits me, but some may be more on the egalitarian persuasion. But in terms of pastoral heart, Newton is especially encouraging to pastors who are dealing with anxieties and strains of pastoral ministry. Similar to my own senior pastor's encouragement to me, Newton strongly urges ministers to stay long in their roles, despite opposition that is, unfortunately, inevitable.
When I first thought about a book on just 40 questions in pastoral ministry, I wondered if it would keep my attention and seem logical in the way it would be laid out. Thankfully, it is a well-edited and nicely-written work packed with biblical counsel for pastors. I would think the audience is quite narrow to almost entirely pastors, so the market is likely thin for this book. But I would encourage pastoral studies professors to consider this work by Newton as a helpful textbook for a Bible college or seminary course.
Consider this: it's rare to get the opportunity to hear from a pastor with multiple decades of experience. It's even rarer to do so from a gifted writer. But that's what you can expect from 40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions were my own.
September 21, 2022
This is just a lovely book. Being almost 4 years into my first pastorate, some of this was more review and helpful reminders and some of it was great new advice. I found myself saving a lot of the advice and info that was presented in this book for future use. The great thing that sets this book a part from similar types of pastoral resources is that it is beneficial for all pastors in all stages of pastoring. I'm very thankful that Newton was willing to allow others to glean from his pastoral wisdom and experience.
May 17, 2021
Outstanding. Excellent, wide-ranging resource for pastors. A great resource for new or aspiring pastors/elders and so much wisdom for experienced pastors as well. Biblical, theological, ecclesiological, practical, pastoral. Highly recommend.
February 1, 2021
An excellent introduction to some questions about pastoral. You can answer ALL questions about ministry with only 40 questions, but Newton does a good job with some of them.
May 19, 2022
Very informative shorts chapters.
February 21, 2024
Good intro to pastoral ministry. 9 Marksy. Good stuff.
February 27, 2024
Excellent resource for pastoral ministry! The 40 questions format allows for easy reference in the future.
June 8, 2024
This book should be seen as the modern version of Charles Bridge’s “The Christian Ministry.” It’s that good. And I’ve long-hoped we’d see one in our day from a faithful, older pastor like Phil!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews