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The Pastor: His Call, Character, and Work
The authors of The His Call, Character, and Work were all men closely associated, either as students, professors, or in one case a director, of Princeton Theological Seminary, which was established in 1812 by the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America. It was founded as a 'nursery of vital piety as well as of sound theological learning...to train up persons for the ministry who shall be lovers as well as defenders of the truth as it is in Jesus, friends of revivals of religion, and a blessing to the church of God.'
A sample of the Princeton view of the ministry is contained in this little volume. Taken together its chapters form a small instruction manual on the key elements in the work of a minister of the gospel in any age and place.
These pages combine theological acumen, a high sense of purpose, a vision of the privileges of serving Christ, and a recalibration of our whole vision for ministry.
The chapters in this book have been selected from the two-volume Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry , also published by the Banner of Truth.
A sample of the Princeton view of the ministry is contained in this little volume. Taken together its chapters form a small instruction manual on the key elements in the work of a minister of the gospel in any age and place.
These pages combine theological acumen, a high sense of purpose, a vision of the privileges of serving Christ, and a recalibration of our whole vision for ministry.
The chapters in this book have been selected from the two-volume Princeton and the Work of the Christian Ministry , also published by the Banner of Truth.
- GenresTheology
260 pages, Hardcover
Published March 22, 2021
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Note: WorldCat is an excellent resource for finding author information and contents of anthologies.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 27, 2021
After the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve rightfully seen a renewed emphasis and energy focused on the importance of the local church. But how significant is the work and role of her shepherds? In The Pastor, we see the call, character, and work of the shepherds of the church.
Written by men associated with Princeton Theological Seminary, this book is a theological primer to the pastorate. Authors include William S. Plumer (1802-80), J. W. Alexander (1804-59), Archibald Alexander (1771-1851), Charles Hodge (1797-1878), Samuel Miller (1769-1850), Ashbel Green (1762-1848), and Nicholas Murray (1802-61).
Christ Our Standard
J. W. Alexander writes an exemplary chapter on The Lord Jesus Christ the Example of the Minister. He shares 11 characteristics the pastor must have to carry on the spirit of Christ’s ministry. It is an excellent character study of Christ, and a call to pastors to remember their standard.
More directly, Charles Hodge shares The Character Traits of a Gospel Minister. The first he lists is having a sacred regard for the truth of God – and this sentiment is echoed throughout the book. The connection between God’s truth, his word, and his pastors is unmistakable.
Christ Crucified
Paul Millar encourages pastors in Holding Fast the Faithful Word, and he explains Titus 1:9 to mean we must press the sound doctrine of God’s truth to the hearts of sinful men.
Of course, this sound doctrine of God’s truth climaxes in Christ crucified, and Ashbel Green calls this the chief characteristic of apostolic preaching. Taking a cue from 1 Corinthians 1:23, preaching Christ crucified is the call of every pastor, being blessed by God for the conversion of sinners and the edification of saints.
Impressed with Christ
Interestingly, the book concludes with Nicholas Murray listing four characteristics of an able minister of the New Testament: (1) Decided piety, (2) due qualification for the work, (3) the full presentation of the great doctrines, and (4) impressive.
While some might question his including “impressiveness” as a characteristic, he clarifies that it is a manner of good writing, good speaking, and a solemn and earnest disposition. Under the umbrella of an entire consecration to the work of ministry, we want to “impress” upon men the grandeur of God, the pleasures of Christ, and the importance of eternity.
Shepherd Christ’s Church
The book closes with brief biographical sketches of the authors. After reading this book, I am reminded that not all of us should be teachers. The purpose and importance of the pastorate were installed by Christ. But for those who are called to shepherd Christ’s church, he will provide the strength to serve and succeed.
I received a media copy of The Pastor and this is my honest review.
Written by men associated with Princeton Theological Seminary, this book is a theological primer to the pastorate. Authors include William S. Plumer (1802-80), J. W. Alexander (1804-59), Archibald Alexander (1771-1851), Charles Hodge (1797-1878), Samuel Miller (1769-1850), Ashbel Green (1762-1848), and Nicholas Murray (1802-61).
Christ Our Standard
J. W. Alexander writes an exemplary chapter on The Lord Jesus Christ the Example of the Minister. He shares 11 characteristics the pastor must have to carry on the spirit of Christ’s ministry. It is an excellent character study of Christ, and a call to pastors to remember their standard.
More directly, Charles Hodge shares The Character Traits of a Gospel Minister. The first he lists is having a sacred regard for the truth of God – and this sentiment is echoed throughout the book. The connection between God’s truth, his word, and his pastors is unmistakable.
Christ Crucified
Paul Millar encourages pastors in Holding Fast the Faithful Word, and he explains Titus 1:9 to mean we must press the sound doctrine of God’s truth to the hearts of sinful men.
Of course, this sound doctrine of God’s truth climaxes in Christ crucified, and Ashbel Green calls this the chief characteristic of apostolic preaching. Taking a cue from 1 Corinthians 1:23, preaching Christ crucified is the call of every pastor, being blessed by God for the conversion of sinners and the edification of saints.
Impressed with Christ
Interestingly, the book concludes with Nicholas Murray listing four characteristics of an able minister of the New Testament: (1) Decided piety, (2) due qualification for the work, (3) the full presentation of the great doctrines, and (4) impressive.
While some might question his including “impressiveness” as a characteristic, he clarifies that it is a manner of good writing, good speaking, and a solemn and earnest disposition. Under the umbrella of an entire consecration to the work of ministry, we want to “impress” upon men the grandeur of God, the pleasures of Christ, and the importance of eternity.
Shepherd Christ’s Church
The book closes with brief biographical sketches of the authors. After reading this book, I am reminded that not all of us should be teachers. The purpose and importance of the pastorate were installed by Christ. But for those who are called to shepherd Christ’s church, he will provide the strength to serve and succeed.
I received a media copy of The Pastor and this is my honest review.
August 18, 2025
Banner of Truth collected the best addresses concerning pastoral ministry given by “Old” Princeton; and by doing so, they have done us a great kindness. You cannot read these addresses without some sense of loss, for something is missing between then and now.
One, these professors capture the high calling of the ministry. Whether through their writings on a call to ministry or on the character of the minister, the bar is far higher than today. (And rightfully so!) Whereas our day casts the pastor as an administrator or a professional, “Old” Princeton injects the office with all the gravity belonging to one “called by God and entrusted with the gospel.” A pastor cannot walk away from this book without thinking, “I have the most important job in the world - more important than any doctor, lawyer, or politician, for I am charged by God to preach His Word and pastor His people.”
Two, these professors exalt the ministry of preaching. First, they do this by highlighting the centrality of preaching. As a small town pastor, I do a little bit of everything; however, they remind us of the primacy of preaching over all things. Second, they urge young men to the labors of preaching - laboring over prayer, laboring over study, laboring over delivery. To be a pastor is to work hard. Lastly, they cast a grand vision of the fruits of ministry. The preached Word will accomplish glorious things because God has promised it so. They create an excitement to see what God will do with the next sermon.
That said, read the book and be challenged. You may find that the source of many low points in ministry is from a low view of ministry. If so, you will find yourself encouraged and exhorted to do the work of a pastor with renewed vigor.
One, these professors capture the high calling of the ministry. Whether through their writings on a call to ministry or on the character of the minister, the bar is far higher than today. (And rightfully so!) Whereas our day casts the pastor as an administrator or a professional, “Old” Princeton injects the office with all the gravity belonging to one “called by God and entrusted with the gospel.” A pastor cannot walk away from this book without thinking, “I have the most important job in the world - more important than any doctor, lawyer, or politician, for I am charged by God to preach His Word and pastor His people.”
Two, these professors exalt the ministry of preaching. First, they do this by highlighting the centrality of preaching. As a small town pastor, I do a little bit of everything; however, they remind us of the primacy of preaching over all things. Second, they urge young men to the labors of preaching - laboring over prayer, laboring over study, laboring over delivery. To be a pastor is to work hard. Lastly, they cast a grand vision of the fruits of ministry. The preached Word will accomplish glorious things because God has promised it so. They create an excitement to see what God will do with the next sermon.
That said, read the book and be challenged. You may find that the source of many low points in ministry is from a low view of ministry. If so, you will find yourself encouraged and exhorted to do the work of a pastor with renewed vigor.
March 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading the larger two-volume work at some point. The chapter on calling by Plumer was really helpful as well as the sections on regard for the truth (p 68-77), passion and knowledge in preaching (p 167-168), and impressiveness in ministers (p 221-225). The general tone of the book is one of seriousness and sobriety regarding the work of gospel ministry and grasped the gravitas of preaching and shepherding souls. I am very thankful to have gotten this as a graduation gift from The Expositors Seminary some years ago.
December 4, 2023
A mixed bag of essays on ministry and the pastoral office - some pieces I devoured, and other pieces honestly put me right to sleep. There were some gems that I will come back to, while other portions were clearly written for a specific historical context that has passed us by. Plumer's The Scripture Doctrine of a Call to the Ministry & Green's Christ Crucified the Characteristic of Apostolic Preaching were the standout essays, and in my opinion worth the price of the book alone.
Useful for anyone discerning a call to ministry! 3.5 stars.
...
"But conceding that the Holy Spirit may produce in us immediately, a joyful persuasion that we are the children of God... to whom is it most probable that this favour be granted? To him whose pious affections are lively and vigorous, or to him who is weak in the faith, and dull and irregular in all the exercises of religion? Undoubtedly to the former." (53)
"How ought [the preacher] tremble at the thought of giving the people their own notions, instead of the faithful word; giving them that on which they may grow lean, and starve, nay, by which they may be fatally poisoned, instead of dispensing to them the 'bread of life'!" (169)
"The innocence of error, - nay the entire innocence of any error, - is one of the dreams of infidelity." (172)
Useful for anyone discerning a call to ministry! 3.5 stars.
...
"But conceding that the Holy Spirit may produce in us immediately, a joyful persuasion that we are the children of God... to whom is it most probable that this favour be granted? To him whose pious affections are lively and vigorous, or to him who is weak in the faith, and dull and irregular in all the exercises of religion? Undoubtedly to the former." (53)
"How ought [the preacher] tremble at the thought of giving the people their own notions, instead of the faithful word; giving them that on which they may grow lean, and starve, nay, by which they may be fatally poisoned, instead of dispensing to them the 'bread of life'!" (169)
"The innocence of error, - nay the entire innocence of any error, - is one of the dreams of infidelity." (172)
June 30, 2022
The chapter on our need for piety alone is worth it, but it’s all deeply stirring.
September 20, 2023
"The true remedy, and the only remedy, against cold, formal, and uninteresting written sermons, and against unmeaning and unimpressive extempore harangues, is the possession of lively feelings of piety when the minister sits down to compose, or when he stands up to speak." - Archibald Alexander
I love Banner of Truth books. Iain Murray's 2 volume biography on Martyn Lloyd-Jones is still one of the most influential books I've read in my life. But I have to say, this book was disappointing. Not that anything in it was unbiblical. I found the content to be true, but I was simply bored in reading it. Perhaps the fact that this book is a collection of spoken addresses has something to do with it, but overall, it was dull and tedious for me to read. There certainly were some good remarks and insight throughout. Alexander's chapter "On the Importance of Aiming at Eminent Piety" was excellent and easily the best part of the book. Other than that, it simply isn't a memorable book. There's more I could say, but I'll leave it at that. There are other Banner books on Pastoral ministry that I would recommend ahead of this one.
I love Banner of Truth books. Iain Murray's 2 volume biography on Martyn Lloyd-Jones is still one of the most influential books I've read in my life. But I have to say, this book was disappointing. Not that anything in it was unbiblical. I found the content to be true, but I was simply bored in reading it. Perhaps the fact that this book is a collection of spoken addresses has something to do with it, but overall, it was dull and tedious for me to read. There certainly were some good remarks and insight throughout. Alexander's chapter "On the Importance of Aiming at Eminent Piety" was excellent and easily the best part of the book. Other than that, it simply isn't a memorable book. There's more I could say, but I'll leave it at that. There are other Banner books on Pastoral ministry that I would recommend ahead of this one.
March 30, 2024
An outstanding book which should be read by everyone who is a pastor, or who aspires to be one. While the sermons contained in this volume are all given by Presbyterians (and there are some issues specific to that denomination contained in this book), they are beneficial to ministers of all evangelical denominations.
The addresses are humbling and challenging to Christian ministers and, if read prayerfully, will be a means for God to expose ministerial shortcomings, encourage repentance and motivate to perseverance. There is much here also to challenge pastors' piety, commitment to the word of God and the hard work of the ministry. I found this book deeply challenging and yet inspiring to press on with the work.
The addresses are humbling and challenging to Christian ministers and, if read prayerfully, will be a means for God to expose ministerial shortcomings, encourage repentance and motivate to perseverance. There is much here also to challenge pastors' piety, commitment to the word of God and the hard work of the ministry. I found this book deeply challenging and yet inspiring to press on with the work.
August 16, 2023
An excellent compilation of sermons, articles, and charges given by the men of Old Princeton. The simple piety of these men is evident within the volume. It is also the most emphatic emphasis that they all describe for the pastor's character. Namely, he is a pious man dedicated to Christ and his glory. The work does not describe how to craft sermons or how to sharpen exegesis, but it does show what a pastor looks like in his life. There are some that are easier to read than others whereas some are more repetitive as good sermons often are. A great work for pastors to read or those who are sensing a call to the pastorate.
September 5, 2022
One of the best books I've read on pastoral leadership. As the title explains, the book contains essays and sermons from Princeton fellows on the call, character, and work of a pastor. The chapter on pastoral piety by Archibald Alexander was especially good. I also enjoyed Samuel Miller's exhortation to hold fast to the faithful word.
May 6, 2022
Basic, but deeply inspiring.
June 10, 2022
I appreciated the focus on experiential piety which was foundational to every chapter.
May 26, 2023
A great devotional read from men with a high view of the pastorate and the church on the office of pastor. Really encouraging
May 30, 2023
Los capítulos de Archibald Alexander son realmente sobresalientes. Valen el precio del libro.
June 1, 2023
Lots of good wisdom here, just not quite what I was looking for. Mostly sermons from the 19th century.
April 5, 2024
Excellent resource. You can see that the challenges pastors faced in the early 1800s were pretty much the same as now. Likewise for the solutions!
July 29, 2021
What a wonderful little book! It is both convicting and encouraging at times. As a pastor, I have read a great many books on pastoral ministry, but this one is now easily one of my favorites.
It is not an A-to-Z compendium of the 'who, what and how-to' of ministry, but it hits enough of the high points that it serves as a terrific introduction to these subjects.
I may have to re-read this volume every once in a while in the years to come just for encouragement's sake. If you are currently serving as a pastor or studying in preparation for it, I would highly commend this little book to you.
It is not an A-to-Z compendium of the 'who, what and how-to' of ministry, but it hits enough of the high points that it serves as a terrific introduction to these subjects.
I may have to re-read this volume every once in a while in the years to come just for encouragement's sake. If you are currently serving as a pastor or studying in preparation for it, I would highly commend this little book to you.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews