Words mean something, and definitions matter. This has always been true, but given the pervasive nature of relativism and the way it has seeped into the church, followers of Christ need to take the time to ask and answer some foundational questions. Unfortunately, one of the basic questions facing the local church is the very question this book answers: What Is a Pastor? Believing that the Bible is sufficient to answer this question with clarity, the authors set out to paint the portrait of a pastor— entirely from the pages of Scripture. God has designed faithful local churches, led by biblically qualified pastors, to be the “pillar and buttress of the truth.” The aim and argument of this book is that churches will be healthy, pastors will be fruitful, and their collective witness for Christ will be vibrant in so far as they joyfully and boldly embrace God’s good design.
“Once upon a time, it was not controversial to say that being a pastor was the highest calling on earth. I still believe it is, and Jason Wredberg and Nate Akin remind us why. In this short and accessible book, they clarify what churches should expect from pastors and call pastors themselves to renewed biblical faithfulness. The pastoral office is both a gift to the church and a weighty, joyful stewardship before God. Who is sufficient for these things?” – JONATHAN PARNELL, Lead Pastor, Cities Church
“Christ reigns in and over his church and our Lord calls pastors to serve as under shepherds of the flock and as preachers of the Word of God. 2000 years after Christ established and commissioned his church, our task is to make certain that pastors are continuing to fulfill the calling as described in the New Testament. To that end, Nathan Akin and Jason Wredberg offer sound biblical counsel, cogent pastoral advice, and genuine biblical encouragement to pastors in this day. Their careful attention to Scripture is essential, and the book itself, it’s timely. The book’s title asks the right question and the contents of the book answer the question asked.” – R. ALBERT MOHLER, JR., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“What is a Pastor? That is a question that needs to be answered in our current evangelical climate. I am thankful that two experienced pastors, who love being pastors and also love pastors, have chosen to write this book to help us think biblically and practically through this significant task and calling.” – DEAN INSERRA, City Church, Tallahassee, Author of The Unsaved Christian and A Short Guide To Church: What Is It All About?
“Nate Akin and Jason Wredberg warmly and wisely present a compelling vision for the biblical vision of pastoral ministry. The church today needs holy and happy ministers of the gospel who will faithfully preach God’s Word and care for God’s church. This accessible book will provide much encouragement for aspiring ministers and seasoned shepherds alike.” – BRIAN J. TABB, President and Professor of Biblical Studies, Bethlehem College and Seminary
“Southern Baptists are a joyful, confessional, convictional people who want the Bible to guide our faith and practice. History proves that even though we have not always gotten this right, we eventually get there. In recent years, our confessional unity has been challenged concerning what it means to be a pastor. The term pastor/elder/overseer is not only important regarding complementarianism, but as this book articulates, it’s a wonderful title for those who will give care and shepherd souls in local churches. We ought to celebrate the distinct yet complementary roles of men and women. We ought to do so unapologetically. Where Scripture is clear, we should be clear. No matter the cost.” – CLINT PRESSLEY, Senior Pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church
