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Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry
Shepherding the Pastor helps new and upcoming pastors understand the common challenges and pitfalls that arise in the early years of ministry and to face difficulties with faith, wisdom, and patience.
Many pastors feel isolated and helpless, especially those beginning pastoral ministry. Phil Newton and Rich Shadden know what this road is like, and they want to share what they have gained from pastoral mentoring—Rich, a young pastor receiving support and guidance from Phil, an older, more experienced shepherd.
Using real life examples of their mentor/mentee relationship, they identify four key practices that will help pastors thrive despite the stresses of ministry: a deepening walk with Christ, faithful exposition of Scripture, continual learning from mentors, and growth in skillful patience with their flock.
Pastors will learn from the real-life struggles of a young pastor and the grace-filled help of an older pastor.
Common ministry struggles are identified and readers will learn how to live with faith and wisdom as they shepherd a church.
New and more experienced pastors will be encouraged that mentoring relationships are an antidote to pastoral burnout and are vital to thriving in ministry.
Published in partnership with 9Marks.
Many pastors feel isolated and helpless, especially those beginning pastoral ministry. Phil Newton and Rich Shadden know what this road is like, and they want to share what they have gained from pastoral mentoring—Rich, a young pastor receiving support and guidance from Phil, an older, more experienced shepherd.
Using real life examples of their mentor/mentee relationship, they identify four key practices that will help pastors thrive despite the stresses of ministry: a deepening walk with Christ, faithful exposition of Scripture, continual learning from mentors, and growth in skillful patience with their flock.
Pastors will learn from the real-life struggles of a young pastor and the grace-filled help of an older pastor.
Common ministry struggles are identified and readers will learn how to live with faith and wisdom as they shepherd a church.
New and more experienced pastors will be encouraged that mentoring relationships are an antidote to pastoral burnout and are vital to thriving in ministry.
Published in partnership with 9Marks.
- GenresLeadership
160 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2023
6 people are currently reading
80 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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 23, 2023
Incredibly helpful book for newer pastors. It is filled with practical wisdom without being pragmatic. The book bounces between a younger and older pastor. The younger pastor describes a problem he was facing and the older one recounts the wisdom he gave.
I loved the focus on longevity. Most of the advice given inside has the aim of lasting for decades in the same church. Some pastoral books are helpful but place a burden on your shoulders. But, this book was an encouragement. I will need to periodically reread this one.
I loved the focus on longevity. Most of the advice given inside has the aim of lasting for decades in the same church. Some pastoral books are helpful but place a burden on your shoulders. But, this book was an encouragement. I will need to periodically reread this one.
May 8, 2023
This book practically applies seasoned ecclesiology wedded with wise church revitalization strategy to encourage pastors to persevere and lead through really complex and discouraging ministry contexts. Highly recommended!
January 14, 2024
Excellent “reality check” for young or aspiring pastors, with a great model of mentorship to follow.
The book is written in a very engaging way between the mentor/mentee, and it is easy to see how the counsel from the mentor is applied. Easy, engaging, informative, and clearly God honoring.
I think the best thing I saw is that almost all of the counsel provided by the mentor was: “focus on God’s word.” It was consistent and excellent.
The book is written in a very engaging way between the mentor/mentee, and it is easy to see how the counsel from the mentor is applied. Easy, engaging, informative, and clearly God honoring.
I think the best thing I saw is that almost all of the counsel provided by the mentor was: “focus on God’s word.” It was consistent and excellent.
April 27, 2023
A good book for all biblical pastors to read, especially those who are in years 1-5 of their ministry in a church.
December 18, 2023
Such timely wisdom to navigate early pastoral years. Young pastors and those who aspire to the pastorate should especially read this and go back to it again and again.
The focus on cultivating pastoral patience and the counsel to both “slow down” while simultaneously remaining persistent regarding sound changes in the life of the church was carefully explained.
The focus on cultivating pastoral patience and the counsel to both “slow down” while simultaneously remaining persistent regarding sound changes in the life of the church was carefully explained.
February 19, 2024
I read through this book with the pastoral staff at my church. This was incredible to think through as a young man going into vocational ministry. I appreciated the back and forth nature of the book as Newton and Shadden conveyed their wisdom.
August 18, 2023
As a member of Audubon Park Baptist Church, I can attest that the journey of APBC that Rich described is so genuine, honest, and real. The relationship Rich and Phil have is genuine and real. They did not write words on paper that they have not truly and deeply experienced and prayed through. If you are a young pastor or church leader and feel as though you are alone in your ministry, I recommend picking up this book and making every effort to find another pastor who can help guide you on a journey never meant to be done alone. If you are a more seasoned pastor, you can use this book to help articulate guidance to pastors earlier in their ministries.
March 13, 2024
A balm for my weary soul. So biblical and so practical. Great for anyone in a lead pastor position.
Read it again within 6 months of the first read. So much practical wisdom and perspective.
Read it again within 6 months of the first read. So much practical wisdom and perspective.
February 28, 2023
Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry is a very unique and much needed resource for those in Ministry by Rich C. Shadden and Phil A. Newton. Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry tells the story of the mentoring relationship of Mr. Shadden and Mr. Newton. Written in the perspectives of both Mr. Shadden and Mr. Newton, Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry is chock full of been-there stories and wisdom from a Seasoned Minister (Mr. Newton) to a Newbie Minister (Mr. Shadden). It covers an overview of what some Pastors go through shepherding a Church, the wisdom in having a mentor who has been there, and some solutions to combatting issues that arise. Also at the end of each chapter are a list of resources and further reading that coincide with that particular chapter.
Being a Licensed Minister, Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry, is a book I wish I knew about sooner and a book I am so thankful I read. I love how Mr. Shadden and Mr. Newton pointed out that while we learned so much obtaining our Ministering Credentials, so much was left out on how to deal with the ins-and-outs of the day-to-day operations of shepherding a church and it’s People. I love how relatable and honest the stories and struggles that were written about are. I also love that the wisdom pointed right back to the Word of God. I also wish everyone in Ministry had someone to mentor them like Phil A. Newton! If you are in Ministry in any capacity, then I highly recommend Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry by Rich C. Shadden and Phil A. Newton! I will definitely be telling my friends in Ministry about Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
Being a Licensed Minister, Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry, is a book I wish I knew about sooner and a book I am so thankful I read. I love how Mr. Shadden and Mr. Newton pointed out that while we learned so much obtaining our Ministering Credentials, so much was left out on how to deal with the ins-and-outs of the day-to-day operations of shepherding a church and it’s People. I love how relatable and honest the stories and struggles that were written about are. I also love that the wisdom pointed right back to the Word of God. I also wish everyone in Ministry had someone to mentor them like Phil A. Newton! If you are in Ministry in any capacity, then I highly recommend Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry by Rich C. Shadden and Phil A. Newton! I will definitely be telling my friends in Ministry about Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry!
I would like to thank New Growth Press for giving me a copy of Shepherding the Pastor: Help for the Early Years of Ministry to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My review is also on my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
February 12, 2023
When a pastor finishes seminary, he has a knowledge of doctrine and has taken classes in the responsibilities of being a pastor. That preparation however, is a long way from knowing how to be a loving and effective pastor. Books can give only so much. Each congregation is different and probably won't fit into the seminary instruction's prescription anyway.
Mentoring can help. This book is not a how to for that kind of mentoring but rather a dialogue between an older pastor and the young pastor he mentored. Many areas are covered, such as interviewing, visiting the sick, not making any major changes until the third year (it takes that long to know your congregation), enduring a meeting where the vote will be about your future, and knowing when it's time to leave. Each chapter has comments from both men and then suggestions for facing the same kind of experience and books for further reading.
The strength of this book is the emotional impact of the mentoring dialogue. Counsel is offered by Phil, the seasoned pastor, and responses are made by Rich, the new pastor. New pastors will certainly resonate with the experiences discussed, such as some wanting you to be fired! How about the fellow who refused to come back to church because the sign board showing the attendance and offering had been taken down.
This book contains good back and forth comments on these and many more important issues for new pastors. While you will not get a precise strategy regarding the practice of receiving mentoring, you will see plenty of good wisdom and suggestions born out of experience. That Part 3 of the book is called “The Tumultuous Years” gives you an idea of the reality of the information. But this book is good for seasoned pastors too as it will encourage you to take a young pastor under your wing.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Mentoring can help. This book is not a how to for that kind of mentoring but rather a dialogue between an older pastor and the young pastor he mentored. Many areas are covered, such as interviewing, visiting the sick, not making any major changes until the third year (it takes that long to know your congregation), enduring a meeting where the vote will be about your future, and knowing when it's time to leave. Each chapter has comments from both men and then suggestions for facing the same kind of experience and books for further reading.
The strength of this book is the emotional impact of the mentoring dialogue. Counsel is offered by Phil, the seasoned pastor, and responses are made by Rich, the new pastor. New pastors will certainly resonate with the experiences discussed, such as some wanting you to be fired! How about the fellow who refused to come back to church because the sign board showing the attendance and offering had been taken down.
This book contains good back and forth comments on these and many more important issues for new pastors. While you will not get a precise strategy regarding the practice of receiving mentoring, you will see plenty of good wisdom and suggestions born out of experience. That Part 3 of the book is called “The Tumultuous Years” gives you an idea of the reality of the information. But this book is good for seasoned pastors too as it will encourage you to take a young pastor under your wing.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 23, 2024
Practical, insightful, and full of seasoned wisdom! Young pastors, and aspiring pastors, read and reflect slowly through this book.
Favorite quotes:
"Changes seem to happen most easily when a pastor is aiming for longevity" (55).
"The first couple of years are about the first couple of years, not about creating major changes" (57).
"A pastor may not spend his life in his first pastorate, but he should make sure that whenever he leaves, the congregation is in much better shape for the man who follows him" (ibid).
"Brief pastorates fail to tear down strong barriers. Churches long for pastors to stay, serve, love, and care for them until they begin to mirror Christ" (83).
"The consistent work needed for healthy growth is taxing because weeds grow much easier than seeds" (87).
"Like the plumber whose sink leaks or the investment banker with no savings, pastors can become so busy doing gospel work that we fail to apply the promises of the gospel in daily life. What a shame. What a contradiction" (97).
"The Lord is more interested in shaping you in his image than in your success" (99).
"... it's tempting to make the mission of the church something other than what Christ tells us it is" (132).
"If we're not living as his disciples, then whatever we plug in programmatically for the church to be disciples will fizzle" (141).
Favorite quotes:
"Changes seem to happen most easily when a pastor is aiming for longevity" (55).
"The first couple of years are about the first couple of years, not about creating major changes" (57).
"A pastor may not spend his life in his first pastorate, but he should make sure that whenever he leaves, the congregation is in much better shape for the man who follows him" (ibid).
"Brief pastorates fail to tear down strong barriers. Churches long for pastors to stay, serve, love, and care for them until they begin to mirror Christ" (83).
"The consistent work needed for healthy growth is taxing because weeds grow much easier than seeds" (87).
"Like the plumber whose sink leaks or the investment banker with no savings, pastors can become so busy doing gospel work that we fail to apply the promises of the gospel in daily life. What a shame. What a contradiction" (97).
"The Lord is more interested in shaping you in his image than in your success" (99).
"... it's tempting to make the mission of the church something other than what Christ tells us it is" (132).
"If we're not living as his disciples, then whatever we plug in programmatically for the church to be disciples will fizzle" (141).
November 22, 2024
I haven't read a book this year that I didn't really enjoy. This book was incredible as well. It is filled with practical wisdom on focusing what is most important in pastoring. Preach the Word, love and shepherd the people well. I particularly loved the focus on creating a culture of discipleship and surrounding yourself with people who pour into you and people you need to be discipling.
Grateful for this work! Anyone aspiring to the work of an elder would benefit from this book. Anyone interested in a better understanding of what goes on between the ears of a pastor will enjoy it as well. Written from an experienced pastor discipling a young pastor who reflects on employing the advice given over time. Well done.
Grateful for this work! Anyone aspiring to the work of an elder would benefit from this book. Anyone interested in a better understanding of what goes on between the ears of a pastor will enjoy it as well. Written from an experienced pastor discipling a young pastor who reflects on employing the advice given over time. Well done.
January 3, 2025
One of the best books on pastoral ministry I’ve ever read. Regardless of whether you’re new to ministry or seasoned this is a book you should read. The insights of both these men and their relationship are valuable. Very practical and Biblically based.
March 14, 2023
Refreshing and encouraging
April 10, 2023
Excellent book. Great deal of practicality and wisdom from godly men. The format in how they wrote is also immensely helpful because you really see how the practical things play out.
November 6, 2024
This is a great, conversational book about pastoring, leading change, loving God's people, and leading even in times of health and growth. If you're a pastor, check it out! Highly recommend!
January 8, 2025
Incredibly practical and helpful book for anyone in the ministry.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews