Product Description
Practical, Biblical Advice for Effective Pastoral Leadership
Many pastors feel torn between preaching and leading, but both responsibilities are essential. Without faithful exposition of Scripture, churches risk straying theologically. Without strong leadership, teaching lacks spiritual zeal. How can pastors find balance and steward their calling effectively?
In The Pastor as Leader, John Currie equips pastors to be men of God who competently carry out their purpose: leading God’s people through the preaching of God’s word. Recognizing a common disconnect between the roles of preaching and leadership, Currie offers foundational principles for pastoring “under Christ’s appointment, conformed to Christ’s character, which exemplifies and implements Christ’s wisdom, preached from Christ’s word.” By integrating two primary roles of the pastorate, readers will learn how to faithfully and confidently proclaim the Scriptures as they communicate biblical vision and strategy for the church’s mission.
- Encouragement and Instruction for Pastors: Biblical advice for leading the church through preaching the gospel
- Biblical and Theological: Explores the role of a pastor by looking at the life of Jesus, the early church in Acts, and leaders throughout church history
- Practical: Takes pastors from principles to practice, with helpful advice and reflection questions
- A Thoughtful Gift for Working and Aspiring Pastors
Paperback, 240 pages
Publication Date: April 2024
Table of Contents
Foreword by Sinclair B. Ferguson
Acknowledgments
Introduction: A Vision for Connecting Preaching and Leadership
Part 1: Principles
Chapter 1: The Mission of a Man of God: The Greatest of All Causes
Chapter 2: The Leadership of a Man of God: Appointed by Christ in Union with Christ
Chapter 3: The Identity of a Man of God: The Preacher-Leader
Chapter 4: The Power for a Man of God: The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
Chapter 5: The Example of a Man of God: Christlike Character
Part 2: Practices
Chapter 6: The Posture of a Man of God: Leading from Your Knees
Chapter 7: The Priority of a Man of God: Leading by Preaching
Chapter 8: A Man of God Leads with Vision: Clearly Communicating Biblical Vision
Chapter 9: A Man of God Leads with Strategy: Defining and Being Dedicated to Biblical Priorities
Chapter 10: A Man of God Leads the Saints in Service: Developing Graces and Gifts in Ministry on Mission
Sources of Chapter Epigraphs
General Index
Scripture Index
Endorsements
“The Pastor as Leader recovers the greatest need for our day and our churches—the pastor as a man of God who leads through preaching God’s word as God’s ambassador. Every page is convicting, and not a few times I was sent to my knees in prayer, ‘O Lord, raise up a generation of men of God who, filled with your Spirit and leading from their knees, faithfully preach your word.’”
Alfred J. Poirier, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary; author, The Peacemaking Pastor
“Good pastors lead and feed—all week long and especially in the pulpit. These two central tasks go together. In his church, Christ means for the rulers to teach and the teachers to rule. Separating one from the other would harm them both. By connecting principles and practices, John Currie helps preacher-leaders realize the ancient, enduring vision. I encourage not only individuals but leadership teams to read this book.”
David Mathis, Senior Teacher and Executive Editor, desiringGod.org; Pastor, Cities Church, Saint Paul, Minnesota; author, Habits of Grace
“The Pastor as Leader is clear, deeply scriptural, and cogently written. While it reflects the best of the Reformed tradition and its pastoral riches, it is remarkably relevant for all pastors, regardless of denominational tradition or theological connection. This is because John Currie’s commitment to and exposition of the Scriptures engage the heart and mind of one called to serve Christ in ministry. This book will inspire both pastoral students and pastors who have served in ministry for many years. I highly recommend it.”
Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary
“This book fills a void in the pastoral-leadership literature and has quickly become one of my favorite books on the pastorate. It is filled with robust biblical exegesis, sound theology, affection for Christ, and helpful real-life application. Currie’s experience and expertise as a pastor and mentor to pastors shows on every page. Come sit at the feet of this pastor of pastors to be refreshed and renewed in ministry.”
Jason Helopoulos, Senior Pastor, University Reformed Church, East Lansing, Michigan; author, The Promise; Covenantal Baptism; and A Neglected Grace
“Often when pastors think about leadership in the church, they fail to take into account the strategic place of preaching. With biblical and theological depth, John Currie describes the many facets necessary for the man of God, in the power of God, to effectively lead the flock of God through the ministry of the word of God. This is a book that preachers and aspiring preachers need to read and digest.”
Timothy Z. Witmer, author, The Shepherd Leader; Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary
“Rather than relying on the latest secular leadership strategies, Currie has written a book that is rich in biblical exposition, careful in the application of theological categories, and informed by noteworthy pastors and theologians throughout the church’s history. According to Currie, leadership is an expression of a biblical ecclesiology, requiring clear convictions concerning the church’s mission, the purpose of preaching, and an appreciation of the varied gifts the ascended and reigning Christ has distributed within his church. Throughout this book, you will find encouragement to lead, starting with your preaching, with greater conviction and clarity.”
Rob Edwards, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Dean of Students, Westminster Theological Seminary
“A pastor is a leader. But where will he lead those who follow him? The Pastor as Leader isn’t just another book on leadership or preaching but a Scripture-saturated plea to lead God’s people by God’s word. This refreshing vision of pastoral ministry was helpful and humbling for me. I trust it’ll serve you as well.”
J. Garrett Kell, Pastor, Del Ray Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia; author, Pure in Heart
“What does it mean to be a new covenant minister of the Spirit, a post-Pentecost pastor now that Christ—crucified, resurrected, and ascended—is head over all things to and for the church? With sound handling of Scripture, enriched by his own experience as a seasoned pastor, John Currie explores the answer as he makes the compelling case that the pastor’s calling as a leader takes place primarily in the pulpit.”
Richard B. Gaffin Jr., Professor Emeritus of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary
Author
John Currie (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is professor of pastoral theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, where he teaches preaching and leadership. As a pastor, he has led churches in Canada and the United States with a commitment to the priority of expository preaching. John lives near Philadelphia with his wife, Rhonda. They have two grown sons and eight grandchildren.
