On Being a Pastor: Understanding Our Calling and Work

As an up coming Pastor, the Senior Pastor in my church, as part of an ongoing curriculum, required several of us to read this book. When I began this book, I started to get somewhat frustrated because Derek Prime and Allistar Begg kept referring to their respective ministries in Scotland. I thought, "what does this have to do with what my future ministry"? After a couple of chapters, I began to see why my Senior Pastor required this reading! It revealed situations and problems not uncommon in any ministry. However, how DP and AB, each dealt with them at their churches even though the set-ups are different. I can see where in a Scottish church how the ministry has to deal with their flock. For example, as stated in their book, if you live in a church owned house, it is a common practice for the minister to be on a constant call, and where his wife or elder has to run interference to allow them some type of privacy to prepare. Where as in the States, most Pastors do not live in a parsonage. Also, except in the top 5% of American churches, Pastors are "expected" to serve on various committees. Or even oversee them to make necessary decisions. In my home church, we have over 3,000 members, (children included), Our Senior Pastor, Executive Pastor, and Zone Pastors rarely if ever serve on any committee. Each Pastor has his own field of "expertise" where he may be of most use. Other wise, they do not step on each others toes. It should be the responsibility of the rank and file to run the church as DP put it. The Pastors should bring the word, see to Pastoral care, and perform pastoral counseling when and where needed. Anyway, I've come to appreciate this book and the wisdom given by DP and AB. I plan to put their insights to good use in the coming months.

This book should form part of every Pastor’s library (whether current or aspiring). On Being a Pastor provides the rich details that only decades of service to the body of Christ can yield. I found myself highlighting most of the book and that's saying something since I seldom do so with other christian books. Pastors Alistair Begg and Derek Prime join their experiences to provide some of the most biblically sound and spiritually enriching advise. The book covers the Pastor’s role in the church and outside of from Worship, to preaching and teaching, evangelism, and so forth. It can't be stressed enough, this book is a gem and should be read carefully to draw the maximum potential from it. You will after reading this book be much closer towards understanding the role of a shepherd in the life of the believer. The highest calling in life is undoubtedly to be a shepherd one that leads primarily by example and depends solely on the holy spirit.

This is a great book and teaching tool for those who are engaged and involved in Christian Pastoral Ministry .

A must read for anyone considering the pastorate, called to be an elder, or is on a Pastor search team. It explains well that the pastorate is calling and a vocation, not a career or a job. The book gives you a glimpse of some of the blessings, responsibilities, and daily challenges pastors experience. Two pastors comment on their own real life experiences which provides some very practical application helping the reader think how they would approach various situations in a biblical manner.

If you are looking for a practical, hands on, manuel for being a good pastor, look no further. Alistair Begg and Derrick Prime bring many years of pastoral experience to the table in a very readable, encouraging, and transparent way. Good theology, humor and examples are in every section of this concise, thoughtful work. I recommend it without reservation!

This is a great read for anyone in leadership. It is not just relevant foe pastors but relevant book and very applicable for ministry in general.

Prime and Begg offer decades of pastoral ministry experience and wisdom in somewhat different cultures (Scotland & US). The intention of the book is to be more practical than providing a theology of pastoral ministry, and it is very helpful toward that end. They do provide a biblical grounding for how they approach pastoring and then build from there into areas that require biblically-shaped wisdom. For example, they include lots of details to think through when visiting people (age, stage of life, children or no children, married or single, etc.). They emphasize that the ministry of the Word of God, a key part of pastoral ministry, isn't limited to the pulpit but extends into informal interactions. Pastors are seeking to build up the church toward maturity and Christ through the Word. Overall, it's a helpful volume.

This book was very informative and I enjoyed reading it

Was made to read this book for an exam, and found it so refreshing and challenging that I would like to read it again each year I am blessed to pastor. In equal measure this book both: presents with frank honest the daunting task of pastoral work, and continually points to Jesus as the one we serve and the one who equips us. Every chapter is full of scriptural references, historical examples and practical advice.

Very easy to read and a lot of sound advice for pastors. It surprises me how different Begg and Prime are in their ministries and yet how the two are both well-loved and their ministries have been blessed. There is not necessarily "the best" way of doing things, but several options which should fit the pastor himself. This book produces much thought and meditation and is highly recommended for those starting the ministry.

Das Buch basiert in seiner gegenwärtigen Form auf einer früheren Ausgabe von Derek Prime († 2020). Da es auch in den USA eine größere Leserschaft hatte, entschied sich Prime (als Schotte) dazu, Alistair Begg (der als Schotte in die USA emigrierte, bekannt durch sein Radioprogramm Truth For Life) als Co-Autor dazuzunehmen und es neu zu gestalten. In Beggs ersten Dienstjahren gehörte er zur Gemeinde, in der von Derek Prime als Senior-Pastor diente. Beide haben also eine gemeinsame Vergangenheit. In insgesamt vierzehn Kapiteln schreiben sie über den Dienst und das Leben eines Pastors. Es geht um die Berufung zum Pastor, den Charakter des Pastors und dann um die wesentlichen Bereiche des pastoralen Dienstes. Auch Themen wie Familie und Freizeit werden behandelt. Das Buch hilft dabei, den eigenen Dienst zu reflektieren und ist sowohl inspirierend als auch ausgewogen. Es gehört die Hände jedes Pastors.

I would recommend this book for all who are church members not just those who are in church leadership. Very practical with scriptures to back stance. I like the testimonies of the individual authors to demonstrate a point. Very readable book.

As one now entering ministry, it was not only useful to read the experiences and thoughts of two seasoned servants, but necessary to learn what others mean when they say they are shepherds of the Christian flock.