The Stain that Stays: The Church's Response to the Sexual Misconduct of its Leaders

John Armstrong

John Armstrong is a pastor who has served the church through good times and difficult times for nearly thirty years. On the subject of sexual in the church, he has done his homework, and the light of scriptural exegesis, church history and careful reason illuminates the discussion. He rightly rejects the flawed reasoning that argues for restoration as a function of forgiveness. He also exposes the faulty reductionism of imagining that "adultery is like any other sin" and the common thinking that restored pastors can become better pastors--"wounded healers" who are in touch with their people and more compassionate.

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Brothers We Are Not Professionals

John Piper

Pastor John Piper says, "We pastors are being killed by the professionalizing of the pastoral ministry. . . professionalism has nothing to do with the essence and heart of the Christian ministry. The more professional we long to be, the more spiritual death we will leave in our wake. For there is no professional childlikeness, there is no professional tenderheartedness. There is no professional panting after God."

In Brothers, We are Not Professionals Piper pleas with his colleagues to abandon the secularization of the pastorate and return to the primitive call of the Bible for radical ministry.

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The Unity Factor

Larry Osborne

Whatever your situation...whether your church is in a start-up phase, is small and struggling, or is one of a growing number of so-called mega-churches, Larry has been there. As the senior pastor of North Coast Church, he's walked his congregation and board through each stage. Now, in The Unity Factor, he shows us what it takes to develop a healthy leadership team with sensible strategies and warm encouragement.

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Pastoral Counseling

John MacArthur

Solid theological foundations of biblical counseling are clearly presented in contrast to humanistic and secular theories of psychological counseling. A practical, proactive, and relevant book for students, church leaders, and lay people. This collection of writers represents some of America's leading biblical teachers and counselors.

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Pastoral Ministry

John MacArthur

Encouraging, insightful, and challenging, 'Pastoral Ministry' is designed for a new generation of shepherds who seek to lead with the passion of the apostles. Written by MacArthur and his colleagues at The Master's Seminary, this guide outlines the biblical priorities essential to effective ministry.

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Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity

Eugene H. Peterson

Eugene Peterson issues a provocative call for pastors to abandon their preoccupation with image and standing, administration, success, and economic viability, and to return to the three basic acts critical to the pastoral ministry: praying, reading Scripture, and giving spiritual direction. Entire online book here.

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The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction

Eugene H. Peterson

Pastor-teacher Eugene Peterson has written a book of wisdom and refreshment for busy pastors illustrated with engaging personal anecdotes and including poetic reflections on the Beatitudes and discussions of such themes as curing souls, the language of prayer, the ministry of small talk, and sabbatical. Entire online book here.

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Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work

Eugene H. Peterson

Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work shows how five Old Testament books provide a solid foundation for much of what a pastor does: prayer-directing, story-making, pain-sharing, nay-saying and community-building. This book opens up to pastors a wealth of valuable practical-theological insights.

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The Reformed Pastor

Richard Baxter, Jay Green

His introduction begins, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." This charge from Acts 20:28 only is the beginning of a solemn and overarching task to be personally involved and disciple all of your congregants. Richard Baxter's plea for shepherding his flock continues with a charge to pastors to verify their own spiritual walk and then walks them through various disciplines, strategies and goals to guide and instruct their congregation. Entire online book here.

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Spurgeon's Lectures to My Students

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon's great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate Spurgeon's combination of discerning wit and refreshingly practical advice.

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