The Pastoral Ministry
A Comprehensive Guide from a Biblical Standpoint
by Terry and Frances Watson
(Reviewed by Adam Harbinson)
Terry and Frances Watson were called into pastoral ministry in 1970 and pioneered a number of churches until eventually settling in Eltham, South East London. Since 2000 they have been involved in a wider ministry, supporting and pastoring many in church leadership.
'The Pastoral Ministry' is primarily targeted at those in pastoral or leadership ministry. However it should not be limited to that particular grouping. The book is truly a comprehensive guide to pastoral ministry covering a range of themes; from church governance to counselling in marriage, post separation or divorce, counselling childless couples, and ending with the topic of deliverance ministry. Each chapter has an abundance of subtitles that allow the reader to dip in and out of the book. There are perhaps too many Scripture quotations – end notes can make for easier reading – but at least it has to be said that the authors’ position on the issues discussed is well supported.
While the position of pastor is likened to that of a shepherd, who is in turn responsible to the Chief Shepherd, the authors believe ‘It is essential that each person should know the Lord’s voice themselves.’ The main duty of a pastor is to show how to be like Jesus, and all ministry will therefore spring from his relationship with the Lord.
Having myself survived an abusive church experience where the sheep were expected to serve their pastors without reciprocation, it seems odd to read a paragraph such as: ‘The pastor will be called upon, as a father would be, to assist in all decisions of practical life. For instance, he may be needed to assist in choosing a new car, or helping with decorating, plumbing or gardening.’ Odd, but more in tune with Jesus’ model; ‘…whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all.’ (Mark 10:44 ASV).
The book gives the impression of having legalistic and patriarchal tendencies, but the thoughtful reader will quickly see the real aim of the book: to draw us into a closer intimacy with God, which in turn will enable us to have a closer relationship with our spouse, our children and so on. It’s an intensely practical book, one of the central themes being relationships inside the home of the pastor, an attitude that follows Paul’s instruction to Timothy on the same topic; ‘He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church? 1 Timothy 3:4 & 5).
For example:
- You must love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength – and your partner likewise.
- You must love your husband/wife more than any other human being. You must not have secrets; all things must be shared openly.
- You must never seek pleasure outside your marriage.
- You must never let your parents rule your life.
I have no hesitation in strongly recommending this book by a couple with vast experience in ‘grass-roots’ Church leadership, but perhaps we should leave the last word to Rob Frost who has provided the Foreword: ‘I commend the book to those who aspire to Christian leadership. There are high biblical standards that protect God’s people, and those who seek to become shepherds of the flock would do well to remember again the awesome responsibility to which they are called.’
Buy it online : www.thepastoralministry.co.uk or Wesley Owen