The Pastor's Justification by Jared Wilson

GENRE: BOOKS, NON-FICTION, CHRISTIAN LIVING
PUBLISHER: CROSSWAY PUBLISHERS
RELEASE DATE: JULY, 31, 2013

I am not a pastor. I have no desire to be a pastor. So what was the motivation behind me reading Jared Wilson’s latest book, The Pastor’s Justification? Well, for starters, I enjoy the writings of Wilson. I have read Gospel Wakefulness as well as Gospel Deeps and enjoyed them both very much. His writing style is casual, as if talking with a friend, yet has a theological meatiness to it that stirs my soul for the LORD.

The other motivation behind reading this book was my strange infatuation with what it looks like to lead a church. And The Pastor’s Justification did just that. It peeled back the curtain and let me get a behind-the-scenes look at the pastor’s life.

I had no idea how demanding it is to be a pastor. I always knew it was a busy job, but like most church members, I have been too focused on myself. To think that they have to deal with the normal trials and growing pains of the Christian life and then help shepherd others deal with theirs sounds overwhelming. I have a newfound respect for the daunting task of my own elders after reading this book.

I especially loved the personal stories Jared Wilson tells of his experiences of being a pastor. He does not hold back with his own failures and struggles. These stories felt like they were coming from a place of sincerity and honesty rather than a false humility. They also helped to put some meat on the bones, so-to-speak, of the points Wilson was making.

This book seemed less about pragmatic steps to being a better pastor or tips on growing your church, and more about refocusing the pastor on the goal and means of pastoring. Though The Pastor’s Justification is definitely directed towards pastors, I believe it would be beneficial for all church members to read it. Some of the topics are pastor specific while other topics would benefit the layman. Definitely (and strangely) one of my favorite books of the year.

I received this book for free from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.

Weakness Is the Way by J. I. Packer

GENRE: BOOKS, NON-FICTION, CHRISTIAN LIVING
PUBLISHER: CROSSWAY PUBLISHERS
RELEASE DATE: MAY 31, 2013

J. I. Packer is one of the most well-respected theologians around. Author of the highly popular, Knowing God, when Dr. Packer speaks, he oozes Christ-exalting wisdom. So when I heard he was releasing a new book on weakness, I was immediately interested. Weakness Is the Way is a small book that packs a big punch; and the swings might not come from the direction you would expect.

Based on 2 Corinthians, Dr. Packer begins by laying a foundation of what weakness is in its very practical, as well as theological forms. The reader is taken to the mind and motivation of Paul as he is writing to the church in Corinth. This section is solid.

Where Weakness Is the Way takes an unexpected turn for me, is when addressing the Christian’s giving in chapter 3. Dr. Packer takes a look at the role money should have for the Believer. Now, if I am writing a book about weakness, I am not sure I would spend a 1/4 of the book on money. However, to Dr. Packer’s credit, he ties it in beautifully to the theme of the book. And to be honest, the fact that so many of us seek security, comfort, and  strength in money shows that this portion of the discussion is much more needed than I would have given it credit for. Way to go Dr. Packer.

The book closes with a focus on where we “weak” beings can find our hope. These sinful and broken bodies are not the end. There is something better, after this, to look forward to.

All-in-all, this is classic Packer. Deep thoughts, broken down to the point that just about anyone can understand it. He is relatable, gentle, humorous, and ferociously about glorifying Christ throughout. It might not take the reader long to get through this little book, but the depth of the content is likely to have a lasting impact.

 

I received this book for free from Crossway in exchange for an honest review.