Book Review : The Path to Being a Pastor

 

This is a very easy read, but an emotionally and spiritually challenging read, if you desire to glorify God. If you desire to be a pastor/elder, this is a good place to start. I personally do not know whether I want to be an elder, but I have a deep love for ministry, teaching God’s Word, and discipling others. I desire to be in ministry, although not necessarily full time. I realize that the position of “full time” pastor/elder is a relatively rare opportunity, and those aspiring to be a pastor/elder need to realize that they may never be “called” to be full time and paid to preach, but may instead become the senior pastor of a church of 18, with folding chairs as pews and a music stand as the podium. This is a reality all those aspiring to pastor should be open to. I was young when the “desire” to become a pastor was ignited. I believe I was 16 when I felt “passion” to “pastor”. I was quite young and immature in my understanding of ministry. I am still young and immature, but maybe now as a 21 year old I’m a smidge more knowledgeable and experienced. 

At 18, I was pretty fired up to be a pastor. I was seeking the position without knowing I was. I talked to a pastor in my church, and he gave me some needed exhortation. He urged me to stop thinking about becoming a pastor, but to rather focus on knowing God, His Word and theology. This was an abrupt life lesson, as I focused too much on preparing for the position, rather than reading and studying the Word to know God and enjoy Him. It was needed. The subtitle of the of the book says it well: a guide for the aspiring”. 

Now to the book review. 😀 Bobby Jamieson, the author, is a clear concise writer. Books of pastoral ministry are often quite dense (filled with tons of information). Jamieson emphasizes more on the spiritual maturity and continual maturing required to become a pastor.

He begins the book by addressing a common issue among the young and restless who desire to be a pastor. Jamieson explains two reasons why those desiring to be a pastor should not state that they are “called” to pastoral ministry when asked what they want to do with their lives. To say “I am called to pastor/elder” makes the assumption that you are qualified or will be qualified to be in that position. More likely than not, if you are young and desiring to be a pastor you are unqualified in some way; that doesn’t exclude you from becoming a pastor, but just recognizes that young passionate men are often immature in various aspects of their lives, even if they are mature in other areas of their lives. I speak from experience considering I am a young man, who is passionate about ministry, involved in youth ministry, and aware of my failures. I have a desire to be in ministry full time eventually, but I know I am not yet ready. It is crucial to understand your own immaturity and be more than willing to wait on the Lord to put you in that position. Don’t chase it; aspire to it. Another issue with stating “I’m called to pastor” is that it portrays an financial obligation from the church to you. It points to the fact that one day you will be pastorally skilled and sufficiently gifted  enough to be paid by the church. Elders who preach and teach the world are especially reserved double honor (1 Timothy 5:17-18). 1 Timothy 3:1 uses aspire, not called. To aspire opens opportunity for non-pastoral work, but claiming to be called puts on an inappropriate “pressure” that the God of the universe, the Alpha and Omega has appointed you as a “prophet” to the nations. This is not something I want to do. 

The rest of the book continues outlining various subjects to keep in mind, such as killing all pornography and fleeing sexual immorality, seeking Biblical wisdom from other Christians, being mastered by Scripture, apprenticeships, etc. Much of the advice Bobby Jamieson gives us somewhat self explanatory, but later information is more unfamiliar,  such as information as seminary selection, or the candidate process. 

The book itself is built around reliability, and conciseness. About 180 pages, this book can be easily read within a few days. I believe I read it in four days, and could have easily read it in two or three. 

I recommend this book if you are passionate about ministry, desire to be a pastor and have a zeal for the church. 

Most importantly cherish Christ above all else. Above the preaching of the world is Christ to be cherished. Above gospel spread, is Christ to be cherished. And above pastoral ministry is Christ to be cherished.