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John MacArthur Pastor's Library
Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically
Encouraging, insightful, and challenging, Pastoral Ministry is designed for a new generation of shepherds who seek to lead with the passion of the apostles. Written by MacArthur and his colleagues at The Master's Seminary, this guide outlines the biblical priorities essential to effective ministry.
Other contributors include: Richard L. Mayhue, James F. Stitzinger, Alex D. Montoya, James M. George, Irvin A. Busenitz, James E. Rosscup, Donard G. McDougall, Robert L. Thomas, David C. Deuel, George J. Zemek, and S. Lance Quinn.
Other contributors include: Richard L. Mayhue, James F. Stitzinger, Alex D. Montoya, James M. George, Irvin A. Busenitz, James E. Rosscup, Donard G. McDougall, Robert L. Thomas, David C. Deuel, George J. Zemek, and S. Lance Quinn.
363 pages, Hardcover
First published April 23, 1995
152 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,949 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 26, 2024
“Convinced that God’s Word provides the timeless defining paradigm for the nature and particulars of pastoral ministry, John MacArthur, Jr. and The Master’s Seminary faculty in Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry, seek to demonstrate that “…ministering in the church constitutes the highest privilege,” and provide an in-depth pastoral theology. The book’s four sections present the historical problems in pastoral ministry, the role the pastor plays in church ministry, with major focus on the character of the pastor (I Tim 3/Titus 1); also considering one’s call, training, and ordination for ministry, with a focus on the pastor’s home life, prayer life, ministry, study, and compassion, ending with a section concerning points of pastoral ministry.
Strengths: Breadth of topics covered; Emphasis on integrity and character of pastors; Scriptural authority; applicable to pastors of churches of all size; practical elements; Q & A sections; “Ordination Comprehensive” provided; section on prayer, study, compassion, and watching and warning; encourages being yielded to the Holy Spirit for fruitful marriage.
Weakness: Redundancy in parts where authors state the same material; a confusing section on modeling; confusing section on qualifications of a pastor’s wife.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Emphasis upon Scriptural authority over ministry, character of one who is to shepherd, the power of prayer in ministry, and demonstrates how shepherding fits into Biblical Counseling, as it involves worship, modeling, discipling, etc.
An excellent book and one that I highly recommend.
Strengths: Breadth of topics covered; Emphasis on integrity and character of pastors; Scriptural authority; applicable to pastors of churches of all size; practical elements; Q & A sections; “Ordination Comprehensive” provided; section on prayer, study, compassion, and watching and warning; encourages being yielded to the Holy Spirit for fruitful marriage.
Weakness: Redundancy in parts where authors state the same material; a confusing section on modeling; confusing section on qualifications of a pastor’s wife.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Emphasis upon Scriptural authority over ministry, character of one who is to shepherd, the power of prayer in ministry, and demonstrates how shepherding fits into Biblical Counseling, as it involves worship, modeling, discipling, etc.
An excellent book and one that I highly recommend.
January 3, 2026
I always enjoy reading Pr. John MacArthur's published books. "Pastoral Ministry: How to Shepherd Biblically," which Pr. MacArthur was the editor of, is a powerful book for every minister of the gospel to read. The book features many experienced pastors who share their expertise in ministry, which really enlightened my mind. I appreciate Pr. MacArthur's passion for preaching the Word of truth, regardless of any circumstances in life. I recommend this book to anyone who seeks to become the servant of God and prepare themselves in God's work.
May 26, 2022
More on pastoring, a bit of ecclesiology. The content was many articles from famous preachers. Varied from his to do discipleship, how to conduct organization, how to behave pastors who have bad public issue, etc. The book closed with FAQ around pastoring by the author.
March 16, 2020
Buen libro, de esta serie el que más me ha gustado. Da en el clavo en mi hos aspectos. Me gusta su perspectiva más práctica para presentar varios temas.
August 30, 2023
No circling about the rim, merely the basics at their best and most biblical. Excellent.
February 21, 2019
John MacArthur in his book Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry covers the whole gambit addressing the calling of God, prayer, personal priorities, worship, study, preaching, outreach, discipleship, training, ordination and a host of other essential responsibilities in Pastoral ministry.
MacArthur explains the importance of having accountability relationships: first to God; then to one’s home environment—wife and children; third, to co-laborers and friends; fourth to the pulpit, using the discipline of study as a corrective force in one’s life; and fifthly, godly, devout men from other churches.
MacΑrthur explains that the Lord’s Supper is an anticipatory celebration of the Lord’s imminent return (p. 356). I will certainly bring this out next time I am asked to lead a communion service. I appreciate Montoya’s explanation on the important role of Leadership in the life and mission of the church (p. 281); and it is sobering to think that the Pastor is the one who is called to provide ultimate leadership for the church irrespective of church polity (p. 282). It was good to be reminded that leadership in the church is different from leadership in the world (p. 287). This is particularly important for me remember, having worked in the corporate world for several years. Contrary to the corporate world, one doesn’t measure success in ministry based on the results but on faithfulness (p. 287 cf. 1 Cor 4:2). Following our Savior, the Pastor is to exercise servant leadership. The seven leadership qualities are particularly helpful for personal evaluation and striving: decision-making, self-discipline, communication, skills, amenable, inspirational, lead (p. 290–296).
This is an excellent resource for Pastors—one that needs to be read often.
MacArthur explains the importance of having accountability relationships: first to God; then to one’s home environment—wife and children; third, to co-laborers and friends; fourth to the pulpit, using the discipline of study as a corrective force in one’s life; and fifthly, godly, devout men from other churches.
MacΑrthur explains that the Lord’s Supper is an anticipatory celebration of the Lord’s imminent return (p. 356). I will certainly bring this out next time I am asked to lead a communion service. I appreciate Montoya’s explanation on the important role of Leadership in the life and mission of the church (p. 281); and it is sobering to think that the Pastor is the one who is called to provide ultimate leadership for the church irrespective of church polity (p. 282). It was good to be reminded that leadership in the church is different from leadership in the world (p. 287). This is particularly important for me remember, having worked in the corporate world for several years. Contrary to the corporate world, one doesn’t measure success in ministry based on the results but on faithfulness (p. 287 cf. 1 Cor 4:2). Following our Savior, the Pastor is to exercise servant leadership. The seven leadership qualities are particularly helpful for personal evaluation and striving: decision-making, self-discipline, communication, skills, amenable, inspirational, lead (p. 290–296).
This is an excellent resource for Pastors—one that needs to be read often.
May 3, 2018
This book was given to me by one of my dear brothers in Christ, and Pastoral mentor, Bro. Mike Brown. This book has been a great encouragement to me and reveals the full spectrum of pastoral ministry. I highly recommend to any Pastor/Youth Pastor/Minister. This book would also be helpful for church members to read, if you would like to get a glimpse at the struggles that your Senior Pastor goes through to serve the Lord!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2020
This book is separated into 22 chapters each focusing on different aspects. It's a broad overview of pastoral ministry. It is quite general but covers the important points. This would be a good place to start to see the scope of pastoral ministry and different issues related to it.
The chapters are written by different authors and so it does feel a bit scattered in places. Some chapters give more practical advise while others go down to the Greek to argue a specific viewpoint.
The chapters are written by different authors and so it does feel a bit scattered in places. Some chapters give more practical advise while others go down to the Greek to argue a specific viewpoint.
January 20, 2021
This book is a must read for any pastor/elder currently in or hopes to be in ministry. MacArthur and the TMS faculty bring much insight from their many decades of pastoral experience. If you want a biblically based idea of ministry, (in an age where pastors are expected to be something other than what Scripture says,) read this book.
October 26, 2022
I love Dr. John MacArthur as an author, but this compilation of chapters from faculty of The Master's Seminary was at times difficult to read. MacArthur's writing is easy to read and enjoyable, but he wrote only 5 of the 22 chapters, with another two being interviews of his. Generally pretty good, very academic and dry in places but helpful. I'll give it a 3.
November 19, 2023
This is the second "textbook" I've read from MacArthur. What I think is unique is that these books are written by MacArthur and his staff. As a long-standing pastor at his church with a successful ministry, it seems like a good person to lead in the efforts of writing a book such as this.
February 24, 2022
If you desire for Pastoral ministry, I'd recommend this book in your shelf.
September 15, 2009
The church of the 21st century is plagued by many attacks—those from without and those from within. Those that come from within are usually birthed from an inadequate view of Scripture. This can be seen most clearly in the way that churches organize their leadership. The world system has corrupted how the church views everything from membership to administration, and it is the job of the Pastor to lead Christ’s church in a God-honoring way without being influenced by the fleeting methodology of men.
The twenty-two chapters that make up this volume are geared to shed some light on the need for a strong shepherd who can lead the people of God. The book wisely begins with answering the question, What is a pastor? It proceeds to not only answer this question from a biblical viewpoint, but also spends a chapter examining this role throughout church history—where the church has gotten it right, and where she has veered way off course.
The next section seeks to examine what is required of the man who is to achieve this task. Since the Scripture puts much importance on the character of the one who is to lead, so too does Pastoral Ministry. How is a man to be who is a leader? What are the qualifications, and how will he know if this calling pertains to him? These questions are answered and given the necessary attention they deserve. There is even a chapter explaining the process of ordination, which was extremely helpful.
Following this is a look into the personal life of a pastor. His prayer life, his devotional life, his study time, and even how his home is to be run. I personally found the chapter on prayer by Donald G. McDougall extremely relevant and helpful when it comes to the responsibility of organizing prayer within the church body. He emphasizes that prayer is not secondary to the ministry, but it is the ministry. Churches who do not hold prayer in high esteem will have little power in the world, and stifle the growth of members of the body, as they will find other activities to supplement what should be time set aside for prayer.
The remaining 9 chapters are devoted to the different aspects or “perspectives” or pastoral ministry. Everything from worship to discipling to the observing of ordinances. One chapter in particular that really stood out to me was the chapter called “Outreaching” by Dr. Montoya. A very practical and helpful look at how the church can be a light in the community, which included some useful ways on how to interact with the surrounding culture. Is the pastor really responsible for leading the people in evangelism? This helpful chapter answers this question in the affirmative, and gives a biblical basis as to why.
One last chapter that was helpful was by John Macarthur on ordinances within the church. He provided some great insight into the Lord’s supper and how it was tied into the Passover meal, as well as some key texts on the frequency of this memorial and how the church should view this event. The section on baptism was equally helpful and a good refresher on the mandate to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matt 28:19).
Finally, the question and answer portion, which was a transcript from a live chapel session, raised some important issues to which pastors must be made aware. Macarthur answers these questions being backed by 36 years of experience, and sheds some light on a variety of issues pertinent to the work of the ministry.
Overall, a very helpful book that will be useful to many men who are either in the ministry already, or those who are possibly considering the call.
The twenty-two chapters that make up this volume are geared to shed some light on the need for a strong shepherd who can lead the people of God. The book wisely begins with answering the question, What is a pastor? It proceeds to not only answer this question from a biblical viewpoint, but also spends a chapter examining this role throughout church history—where the church has gotten it right, and where she has veered way off course.
The next section seeks to examine what is required of the man who is to achieve this task. Since the Scripture puts much importance on the character of the one who is to lead, so too does Pastoral Ministry. How is a man to be who is a leader? What are the qualifications, and how will he know if this calling pertains to him? These questions are answered and given the necessary attention they deserve. There is even a chapter explaining the process of ordination, which was extremely helpful.
Following this is a look into the personal life of a pastor. His prayer life, his devotional life, his study time, and even how his home is to be run. I personally found the chapter on prayer by Donald G. McDougall extremely relevant and helpful when it comes to the responsibility of organizing prayer within the church body. He emphasizes that prayer is not secondary to the ministry, but it is the ministry. Churches who do not hold prayer in high esteem will have little power in the world, and stifle the growth of members of the body, as they will find other activities to supplement what should be time set aside for prayer.
The remaining 9 chapters are devoted to the different aspects or “perspectives” or pastoral ministry. Everything from worship to discipling to the observing of ordinances. One chapter in particular that really stood out to me was the chapter called “Outreaching” by Dr. Montoya. A very practical and helpful look at how the church can be a light in the community, which included some useful ways on how to interact with the surrounding culture. Is the pastor really responsible for leading the people in evangelism? This helpful chapter answers this question in the affirmative, and gives a biblical basis as to why.
One last chapter that was helpful was by John Macarthur on ordinances within the church. He provided some great insight into the Lord’s supper and how it was tied into the Passover meal, as well as some key texts on the frequency of this memorial and how the church should view this event. The section on baptism was equally helpful and a good refresher on the mandate to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matt 28:19).
Finally, the question and answer portion, which was a transcript from a live chapel session, raised some important issues to which pastors must be made aware. Macarthur answers these questions being backed by 36 years of experience, and sheds some light on a variety of issues pertinent to the work of the ministry.
Overall, a very helpful book that will be useful to many men who are either in the ministry already, or those who are possibly considering the call.
June 17, 2012
The subtitle of this work is "How to Shepherd Biblically," which is well-fitting to the purpose and content. MacArthur and the men of the Seminary address various issues of ministry ranging from the Lord's Table to staff meetings, from discipleship to pastoral relationships, and from preaching to worship. The book is divided into four sections with an average of 4-5 chapters per section:
I. Biblical Perspectives
II. Preparatory Perspectives
III. Personal Perspectives
IV. Pastoral Perspectives
Each chapter begins with biblical data and a theological framework on the topic being addressed followed by practical application. A sampling of statements from the opening chapter, entitled "Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry," gives a flavor of the thrust of the book:
"The real contrast in competing ministry models is not the traditional versus the contemporary, but rather the scriptural compared to the unscriptural" (4). Mayhue argues that the right approach to ministry is "a redemptively centered, God-focused, biblically defined, and scripturally prioritized ministry" (4).
"The statements of this chapter are not a call for a user-friendly church, a culturally ignorant church, or a seeker insensitive church. We have no desire to 'unchurch the unchurched' or to promote an irrelevant dinosaur of a church. On the other hand, neither do we want to substitute the latest theories in sociology and psychology for the truth of theology. We do not want to confuse the common sense benefit of demographic statistics and analysis of culture with the far more important understanding of God's will for the church, both for Christians and non-Christians. We ardently desire to let the important consideration of God and His revealed will in Scripture be the major focus" (13).
The only drawback of the book is that it is written by eleven men. That becomes clear about a quarter of the way through the book. There lacks a cohesiveness throughout due to the various and differing thoughts/ideas of the authors. Often the men would contradict each other or would repeat an idea in a strinkingly similar phrase as another author. If you can put that weakness aside (which was difficult for me to do), you men will find it a good read overall.
I. Biblical Perspectives
II. Preparatory Perspectives
III. Personal Perspectives
IV. Pastoral Perspectives
Each chapter begins with biblical data and a theological framework on the topic being addressed followed by practical application. A sampling of statements from the opening chapter, entitled "Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry," gives a flavor of the thrust of the book:
"The real contrast in competing ministry models is not the traditional versus the contemporary, but rather the scriptural compared to the unscriptural" (4). Mayhue argues that the right approach to ministry is "a redemptively centered, God-focused, biblically defined, and scripturally prioritized ministry" (4).
"The statements of this chapter are not a call for a user-friendly church, a culturally ignorant church, or a seeker insensitive church. We have no desire to 'unchurch the unchurched' or to promote an irrelevant dinosaur of a church. On the other hand, neither do we want to substitute the latest theories in sociology and psychology for the truth of theology. We do not want to confuse the common sense benefit of demographic statistics and analysis of culture with the far more important understanding of God's will for the church, both for Christians and non-Christians. We ardently desire to let the important consideration of God and His revealed will in Scripture be the major focus" (13).
The only drawback of the book is that it is written by eleven men. That becomes clear about a quarter of the way through the book. There lacks a cohesiveness throughout due to the various and differing thoughts/ideas of the authors. Often the men would contradict each other or would repeat an idea in a strinkingly similar phrase as another author. If you can put that weakness aside (which was difficult for me to do), you men will find it a good read overall.
August 25, 2015
I am usually a fan of most of MacArthur's writings (this one is a collaboration with other authors as well) but this was the book where I most disagreed with the writings or was left with a lot more questions.
First of all, this book is a decent book for those looking to go into ministry. It is not really good enough for a current pastor or someone a bit more mature than college-age. It's a good introduction book and covers the needed points for holding the office of pastor.
This book is very underwhelming. For a book with MacArthur's name attached to it I expected a lot more out of it. For example, when on the two chapters on prayer there are claims made to the fact of "pray for God's provision when deciding to undertake a project. Yes, very true. But there is no "and then"! And then, try and do it and see if you fail? How long do you wait for answer? Do you listen for a voice, a feeling, a "coincidental" contact from someone? Pray for God's provision when making a decision. Agreed! But if you're in a church meeting, do you wait? Make a decision that doesn't seem like sin? Bring it up only to come back in a month to see if prayer was answered? Would have loved to have some examples.
Another big area that seemed very odd was when MacArthur pretty much states that if you were chosen for ministry God would bless you by ensuring your kids would be saved. A previous chapter talked about making sure you were indeed called to the ministry and not just something you want to do. A logical conclusion is that if you become a preacher and honestly felt God's calling but your kids didn't end up being saved than you were never called and your ministry work was in vain. Again, some claims are made and Scripture is given but these questions that arise naturally from these claims go unattended.
I came away from this book thinking that while the parts talked about were good and there wasn't too much in disagreement, some questions weren't covered or answered at all and generalizations were made too easily and quickly. A very disappointing read and now I have a few more questions as a result of a MacArthur book rather than answers. Final Grade - C
First of all, this book is a decent book for those looking to go into ministry. It is not really good enough for a current pastor or someone a bit more mature than college-age. It's a good introduction book and covers the needed points for holding the office of pastor.
This book is very underwhelming. For a book with MacArthur's name attached to it I expected a lot more out of it. For example, when on the two chapters on prayer there are claims made to the fact of "pray for God's provision when deciding to undertake a project. Yes, very true. But there is no "and then"! And then, try and do it and see if you fail? How long do you wait for answer? Do you listen for a voice, a feeling, a "coincidental" contact from someone? Pray for God's provision when making a decision. Agreed! But if you're in a church meeting, do you wait? Make a decision that doesn't seem like sin? Bring it up only to come back in a month to see if prayer was answered? Would have loved to have some examples.
Another big area that seemed very odd was when MacArthur pretty much states that if you were chosen for ministry God would bless you by ensuring your kids would be saved. A previous chapter talked about making sure you were indeed called to the ministry and not just something you want to do. A logical conclusion is that if you become a preacher and honestly felt God's calling but your kids didn't end up being saved than you were never called and your ministry work was in vain. Again, some claims are made and Scripture is given but these questions that arise naturally from these claims go unattended.
I came away from this book thinking that while the parts talked about were good and there wasn't too much in disagreement, some questions weren't covered or answered at all and generalizations were made too easily and quickly. A very disappointing read and now I have a few more questions as a result of a MacArthur book rather than answers. Final Grade - C
May 23, 2024
“Convinced that God’s Word provides the timeless defining paradigm for the nature and particulars of pastoral ministry,” John MacArthur, Jr. and The Master’s Seminary faculty in Rediscovering Pastoral Ministry, demonstrate that “…ministering in the church constitutes the highest privilege,” and provide an in-depth pastoral theology. Four sections cover historical problems in pastoral ministry; the pastor’s role and character in church ministry (I Tim 3/Titus 1); considering one’s call, training, and ordination for ministry, with focus on the pastor’s home life, prayer life, ministry, study, and compassion, and a section on points of pastoral ministry.
Strengths: Breadth of topics covered; Emphasis on integrity and character of pastors; Scriptural authority; applicable to pastors of churches of any size; practical elements; Q & A sections; “Ordination Comprehensive” provided; section on prayer, study, compassion, and watching and warning; encourages yielding to the Holy Spirit for fruitful marriage and ministry.
Weakness: Redundancy in parts where authors state the same material; a confusing section on modeling and on qualifications of a pastor’s wife; Doesn't include a lot of practical, hands-on advice in shepherding ministry, which would be helpful. See Jay Adams' Sherding God's Flock for a contrast.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Emphasis upon Scriptural authority over ministry, character of a shepherd, the power of prayer in ministry, and how elements of shepherding (worship, modeling, discipling, leading, etc.) align with the goals of Biblical Counseling.
As a whole, I think this is an excellent book and one that all who are considering or are starting in ministry should read.
Strengths: Breadth of topics covered; Emphasis on integrity and character of pastors; Scriptural authority; applicable to pastors of churches of any size; practical elements; Q & A sections; “Ordination Comprehensive” provided; section on prayer, study, compassion, and watching and warning; encourages yielding to the Holy Spirit for fruitful marriage and ministry.
Weakness: Redundancy in parts where authors state the same material; a confusing section on modeling and on qualifications of a pastor’s wife; Doesn't include a lot of practical, hands-on advice in shepherding ministry, which would be helpful. See Jay Adams' Sherding God's Flock for a contrast.
Uses in Biblical Counseling: Emphasis upon Scriptural authority over ministry, character of a shepherd, the power of prayer in ministry, and how elements of shepherding (worship, modeling, discipling, leading, etc.) align with the goals of Biblical Counseling.
As a whole, I think this is an excellent book and one that all who are considering or are starting in ministry should read.
March 24, 2016
I'm a Church of Christ Minister, and so for those of you who know the differences in my theology and John MacArthur's we have the potential to disagree with things like what Baptism means. Even so, this book was a great study to read and understand my calling. It did speak against Catholicism (the truth) regarding infant baptism. If you are just starting in ministry (as I am) or seasoned in the ministry, this is a great book to study to gain different views and wisdom from others in being the under shepherd for the Great Shepherd.
October 8, 2010
Good resource for . . . well, pastoral ministry. Nothing too ground breaking. Because of the assortment of contributors, the book repeated itself in several places and it did not have a compelling flow. Surprisingly, it did not have a chapter on biblical counseling. I believe this weakens the argument for counseling in the church. By the admission, the authors are sending the message that it is not a part of the pastoral responsibilities.
May 16, 2012
I don't agree with every perspective of every contributor, but this should be mandatory reading for anyone considering pastoral ministry or eldership within the Church. It was comprehensive, brutally honest, and in ten years of ministry experience I've found the contributors had a realistic assessment of the dangers, hardships, and blessings of serving Christ's church.
May 25, 2017
Nothing earth-shattering but a great reminder of what the bible says those in ministry are to be and do.
Especially strong were the chapters on pastoral ministry in history, the call to ministry, and the chapter on leading.
Recommend for any current or potential pastor or elder.
Especially strong were the chapters on pastoral ministry in history, the call to ministry, and the chapter on leading.
Recommend for any current or potential pastor or elder.
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July 29, 2016I suggest this book to every Pastor or inspiring Pastor. This is a great book on Pastoral Leadership. God has called us to feed the sheep. This books walk you through the expectations and some best practices to accomplish this.
January 16, 2015
I can not believe I read all of this book except the last chapter and then let it sit on my shelf for over a year. It is a valuable resource for Pastors.
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August 21, 20120575
August 16, 2012
Great resource for pastors.
October 9, 2012
Good book.
May 14, 2014
Loved this book! There were one or two chapters that were a tad boring however. Those were not written by Macarthur.
October 3, 2016
Good read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews