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.
"This is a book I could not put down and is one I would love to place in the hands of every God-called pastor, elder, or overseer. It is a fountain of biblical and pastoral wisdom that will serve well the body of Christ for years to come."
Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
"I've known Phil Newton for nearly all his many years in pastoral ministry. He's one of the wisest pastors I've ever met. He is deeply committed to the Lord, his Word, and his church. He has condensed into this excellent book a wealth of wisdom from the Bible and from his decades of pastoral experience. I love the unique format whereby Phil's pastoral protg, Rich Shadden, presents his pastoral challenges and then explains how he applies Phil's counsel. The practical recommendations Phil makes at the end of each chapter are worth the price of the book. Every pastor in his early years of ministry would profit from reading this book."
Donald S. Whitney, Professor of Biblical Spirituality and Associate Dean at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY; author of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, Praying the Bible, and Family Worship
"I love Phil Newton. I love his pastor's heart. I love his desire to mentor pastors. And I love that no matter what he's facing, he approaches it with the calm that comes from having walked with the Lord for a long time. In Shepherding the Pastor, we get to learn from Phil as he mentors Rich Shadden. I cannot commend this book highly enough. After decades of pastoral ministry, I'd happily sit at Phil's feet once again. I need it!"
Juan R. Sanchez, Senior pastor, High Pointe Baptist Church, Austin, Texas
"First-time pastors need a lot of help! Where do you begin? How long should you stay? How do you navigate the rough waters of conflict and change? If you are looking for answers, read Shepherding the Pastor. This book offers practical help rooted in Scripture for the early years of the pastoral journey. It will help ministers of all ages. Buy two copies one to read and one to share. Highly recommended!"
Ray Pritchard, President, Keep Believing Ministries
"The book you hold in your hands is an absolute treasure trove of pastoral wisdom and insight. Every pastor will benefit immensely from Phil's decades of ministry experience. You'll identify with Rich's challenges and have the opportunity to see the Lord work in the life of a shepherd of God's flock. The unique format will help both young men aspiring to pastor and older men with decades of experience who want to learn how to mentor younger pastors."
Brian Parks, Senior pastor, Covenant Hope Church, Dubai
"This is a book brilliantly conceived, creatively formatted, and superbly executed. Phil Newton and Rich Shadden grabbed me at the beginning and held me to the end. What struck me was the winsomeness of their convincing humility throughout. The work is a record of God's faithfulness as mistakes were made so that lessons could be learned and wisdom gained. A pastor with a half-century of experience has teamed with a protg ten years down the line to gift us with a treasure."
Ronnie Collier Stevens, Associate Pastor, Harvest Church Memphis
"Dr. Newton's years of pastoral ministry experience are invaluable in these wise exhortations and gracious encouragements to aspiring and potential pastors: to both those in their first pastorates and to seasoned pastors as well. Even the format is pastoral. You will benefit in your own ministry and in mentoring other pastors through peaks and valleys in shepherding their own flocks."
Todd Wilson, Pastor, Grace Covenant Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills, AL
"Every pastor needs a mentor. Shepherding the Pastor weds timely counsel, pastoral friendship, and practical wisdom displaying both the how and the why of mentoring. This book will encourage seasoned pastors to be a mentor and new pastors to find one!"
Dave Kiehn, Senior Pastor, Park Baptist Church; regional coordinator of the Pillar Network; president of the Institute of Theology and Mission
"If only I had read this book early in ministry! It took me many years, many resources, and many mistakes to learn what Shepherding the Pastor gathers in one enormously helpful volume. Please pull up a chair and spend some time with Phil and Rich. They will shepherd you well."
David King, Senior Pastor, Concord Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN; author of Your Old Testament Sermon Needs to Get Saved
Incredibly practical and helpful book for anyone in the ministry.
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.
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.
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!
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).
An 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 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.
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.
Very helpful and encouraging for new and seasoned pastors alike. Worth reading and discussing with other pastors and/or leaders in the church.
An excellent book for the pastor new on his job and a needed refresher for the seasoned.